Obatala Sciences Establishes Charleston County, South Carolina, Operations

Area Development News Desk

10/12/2026

Biotechnology company Obatala Sciences has established operations in Charleston County, South Carolina. The $656,000 project is expected to create 46 jobs.

The company’s new operation, located at Blue Sky Labs, will support partnership development, translational research, product development and future expansion activities related to its human-derived biomaterials and microphysiological model technologies.

“Obatala Sciences was founded to change the way new therapies are discovered, tested and translated for patients. Expanding into Charleston County through our partnership with MUSC and Blue Sky Labs gives us access to an extraordinary innovation ecosystem and creates a meaningful bridge between our New Orleans headquarters and South Carolina’s growing life sciences community. Just as importantly, this partnership helps answer a national call to scale domestic advanced biomanufacturing capacity for high-value biotechnology products that support FDA New Approach Methodologies goals. We are excited to collaborate with partners who share our commitment to advancing human-relevant research, strengthening U.S.-based biotechnology infrastructure and creating new opportunities for scientific and economic impact across the Southeast,” said Obatala Sciences Co-Founder, President and CEO Dr. Trivia Frazier.

Obatala Sciences specializes in the development and production of human cell-based research products, three-dimensional tissue models, and laboratory tools used to study obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic diseases.

“Obatala’s investment in the Palmetto State will support South Carolina’s ongoing growth in the life sciences sector. We welcome the company to the Lowcountry and look forward to its growth in our state,” noted South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III.

“Obatala Sciences’ investment is a great example of the innovation taking place within Charleston’s growing life sciences ecosystem. Their plans at Blue Sky Labs and partnership with MUSC demonstrate the value of having world-class research, clinical expertise and entrepreneurial resources working together in our region. We are proud to welcome this next phase of Obatala Sciences’ growth in Charleston County and look forward to their continued success,” added Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chairman Will Russell.

“Obatala Sciences’ exciting expansion at MUSC’s Blue Sky Labs further accelerates Charleston County’s emergence as a life sciences hub, bringing new talent, innovation, and opportunity to the region. Each new investment not only brings high-quality jobs to our community but also deepens the region’s capabilities in biotech innovation, research, and advanced manufacturing,” said Charleston County Economic Development Executive Director Merle Johnson.

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