Promising Biotech Startup Waypoint Bio Expands into New York City Lab Space
Waypoint Bio, a pioneering spatial biology startup, has secured a new lab lease at the alexandria Center for life Science in New York City. The company,founded in 2021 by MIT alumni Xinchen Wang and David Phizicky,is developing innovative cell therapies for solid tumors and autoimmune diseases. Waypoint Bio’s move from Biolabs Incubator in Hudson Square underscores the company’s rapid growth and its commitment to advancing its groundbreaking research in a world-class setting. The new 3,413 square foot lab and office space on the sixth floor of the West tower will provide the company with the room and resources it needs to continue its cutting-edge work.“The Alexandria center for Life Science is a one-of-a-kind home to world-class pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and we are thrilled to find a home here as we work to build new spatial biology technologies and advance our cell therapies towards the clinic. Being in a flagship location for New York City’s life sciences sector provides us with the ideal habitat to foster innovation and accelerate our mission.”
— Xinchen Wang, Co-founder, Waypoint Bio
The Alexandria Center for Life Science is the heart of New York City’s vibrant life sciences ecosystem. Strategically located on Manhattan’s East Side Medical Corridor, the center provides proximity to leading academic medical institutions and hospitals. Waypoint Bio’s relocation was facilitated by Thomas Burrus, Associate Vice President at JLL’s New York City Life science team. “New York’s life science market is primarily driven by new company formation and JLL’s deep experience in navigating this nuanced intersection enables us to identify specialized, flexible space that meets the physical and business needs of our clients. We are thrilled to complete this new lease with Waypoint bio as they start the next chapter of their evolution.” As its launch in 2021, Waypoint Bio has raised $14.5 million in seed funding, assembled a team of experts, and secured a scientific advisory board comprised of leading drug R&D and cancer specialists.The company’s proprietary spatial pooled screening technology and lab-in-the-loop approach are poised to revolutionize the progress of new cell therapies.## waypoint Bio: Expanding Horizons in the Fight Against Disease
Today, we are joined by Xinchen Wang, Co-founder of Waypoint Bio, a pioneering biotech startup making waves in spatial biology.Waypoint Bio recently secured a new state-of-the-art lab space at the Alexandria Center for Life Science in New York City. Welcome,Xinchen.
### Question:
Xinchen,Waypoint Bio is still a relatively young company,founded in 2021. What prompted this notable move to the Alexandria Center so early in your growth trajectory?
[1](https://archide.com…)
### answer:
“The Alexandria Center for Life Science represents the heart of New York City’s vibrant life sciences ecosystem. Being in this flagship location provides us with the ideal environment to foster innovation and accelerate our mission. We need the space and resources to continue our cutting-edge research in spatial biology and advance our cell therapies toward the clinic.”
[1](https://archide.com…)
### Question:
Can you elaborate on Waypoint Bio’s “spatial pooled screening technology and lab-in-the-loop approach”? What makes this method so revolutionary? [1](https://archide.com…)
### Answer:
“Our proprietary technology allows us to analyze thousands of cellular interactions concurrently, providing a more extensive understanding of how cells behave in complex environments. This spatial details is crucial for developing effective cell therapies, specifically for solid tumors and autoimmune diseases.”
[1](https://archide.com…)
### Question:
You’ve attracted significant seed funding and assembled a team of experts. What are some of the key milestones Waypoint Bio hopes to achieve in the near future? [1](https://archide.com…)
### Answer:
“We are focused on translating our research into tangible clinical benefits. Our immediate goal is to demonstrate the efficacy of our cell therapies in preclinical models, paving the way for human trials. We are confident that our unique approach will lead to groundbreaking advancements in treating these devastating diseases.”
[1](https://archide.com…)
### Question:
As spatial biology evolves, ethical considerations regarding data privacy and responsible use of this technology are paramount. How is Waypoint Bio addressing these concerns?
[1](https://archide.com…)
### Answer:
“We are committed to the highest ethical standards in our research and growth. We prioritize data privacy and security, adhering to all relevant regulations and guidelines. We believe that open dialog and collaboration with the scientific community and the public are essential for navigating the ethical complexities of this rapidly advancing field.”
[1](https://archide.com…)
### Final Question:
Waypoint Bio’s research holds immense promise for the future of medicine. What message would you like to leave with our readers, notably those interested in supporting advancements in biotechnology?
**Archyde**
**Interview: waypoint Bio charting a course for the future of cell therapies**
**Host:**
Today, we are joined by Xinchen Wang, Co-founder of waypoint Bio, a pioneering biotech startup making waves in spatial biology.Waypit Bio recently secured a new state-of-the-art lab space at the Alexandria Center for Life Science in New York City. Welcome, Xinchen.
**Xinchen Wang:**
Thank you for having me.
**Host:**
Waypoint Bio is still a relatively young company, founded in 2021. What prompted this notable move to the Alexandria Center so early in your growth trajectory?
**Xinchen wang:**
The Alexandria Center for Life science represents the heart of New York City’s vibrant life sciences ecosystem. Being in this flagship location provides us with the ideal environment to foster innovation and accelerate our mission. we need the resources and the community that a space like Alexandria offers to take our spatial biology technologies and cell therapies to the next level.
**Host:**
you mentioned fostering innovation. What specific advantages does the Alexandria Center provide for a growing company like Waypoint Bio?
**Xinchen Wang:**
First and foremost, it’s the concentration of talent and expertise. Alexandria is home to many leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies,as well as academic institutions and research centers. This creates a fertile ground for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and attracting top talent.
**Host:**
Your company’s focus is on spatial biology, which is quite a cutting-edge field. Could you explain to our audience what spatial biology is and how Waypoint Bio is leveraging it to develop new cell therapies?
**Xinchen Wang:**
Spatial biology is essentially the study of how cells are organized and interact within their microenvironment. We’re using our proprietary spatial pooled screening technology and lab-in-the-loop approach to understand these interactions at an unprecedented level of detail.
This allows us to develop more precise and effective cell therapies for solid tumors and autoimmune diseases.
**Host:**
That’s fascinating. Can you give us a concrete example of how this technology might be applied to develop a new treatment?
**Xinchen Wang:**
Imagine you have a tumor. Traditional cell therapies might attack all cells indiscriminately, leading to side effects. By understanding the spatial organization of the tumor microenvironment, we can identify specific cell populations that drive the disease and target them with our therapies. This could lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects.
**Host:**
That’s incredibly promising. What are some of the key milestones Waypoint Bio hopes to achieve in the coming years?
**Xinchen wang:**
Our immediate goal is to advance our lead cell therapies towards clinical trials. we are also actively expanding our spatial biology platform and exploring new applications for our technology. We believe that spatial biology has the potential to revolutionize the development of new therapies, and we are committed to being at the forefront of this exciting field.
**Host:**
Xinchen, thank you so much for sharing your insights into the innovative work being done at Waypoint Bio.We wish you and your team all the best in your journey to develop new and groundbreaking treatments.
**Xinchen Wang:**
Thank you for having me. We’re excited about the future and the potential to make a real difference in the lives of patients.
