BIO panel highlights Oklahoma's life sciences growth

Collaboration is helping transform Oklahoma into a growing destination for life sciences innovation, according to industry leaders who gathered during Life Science Oklahoma's annual networking breakfast at the 2026 BIO International Convention in San Diego. The discussion highlighted how research, industry partnerships, workforce initiatives and strategic investment are strengthening the state's bioscience ecosystem. 

Life Science Oklahoma is the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber's statewide initiative focused on growing Oklahoma's bioscience industry through advocacy, collaboration and strategic partnerships. 

Moderated by Tabari Baker, CEO of Kronos Scientifica, the panel featured Craig Shimasaki of Molecular Biosciences, Patrick Lucy of Wheeler Bio, Tom Kupiek of ARL Bio Pharma, Rose Rhomberg of Cytovance Biologics and Marcos Bazanna of Tulsa Innovation Labs. The discussion focused on the key elements of a successful life sciences ecosystem, including academic research, entrepreneurship, capital investment, workforce development and specialized facilities. 

For Patrick Lucy, who has led biotechnology companies in Boston and San Diego before joining Wheeler Bio in Oklahoma City, the state's collaborative approach immediately stood out. 

"When I came and visited, I saw all the makings of an ecosystem," Lucy said. "There's a lot going on in Oklahoma that a lot of people don't know about." 

Panelists highlighted organizations including the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, the University of Oklahoma, OU Health and Stephenson Cancer Center as examples of the research institutions fueling innovation across the state. They also pointed to Oklahoma's expanding biomanufacturing infrastructure, workforce training programs and growing investment in commercialization, creating an environment where companies can discover, develop and manufacture new therapies without leaving the state.  

Speakers agreed that while research, infrastructure and investment are essential, Oklahoma's collaborative culture continues to distinguish its bioscience community. Rather than viewing early-stage companies as too small to support, organizations across the state work together to help innovators move promising ideas toward commercialization. 

"If the people are invested in the story of this company and they see that long-term potential, then they're willing and able to make contributions so that we can start small and we can grow forward," Rhomberg said. 

The breakfast gave BIO attendees a firsthand look at how researchers, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, investors and public partners are working together to strengthen Oklahoma's life sciences ecosystem. Panelists said a collaborative approach will continue to drive the state's growth.