Cummings Properties signs 8,500 s/f in leases to two life science firms

Medford, MA Myrobalan Therapeutics and Sunflower Therapeutics have leased a combined 8,500 s/f of converted lab space at Cummings Properties’ 200 Boston Ave. campus.

Founded in 2021, Myrobalan Therapeutics is leveraging the latest neuroscientific discoveries to treat multiple neurological disorders. A team of more than 2,000 is engaged in novel drug development at the firm’s R&D facility in Nanjing, China. Myrobalan moved its American headquarters from Watertown to Medford to support the continued growth of its U.S. employee base and overall operation.

Women-owned and -led Sunflower Therapeutics was founded in 2018 with the aim of making vaccines universally accessible. Its cutting-edge manufacturing technologies seek to simplify, expedite, and reduce the costs of drug development and production at scale. Previously stationed at locations in Hingham, Sunflower has consolidated its R&D and manufacturing teams at its new 4,000 s/f base on Boston Ave.

“Medford’s thriving innovation clusters and central location make it an ideal hub for early-stage science and tech firms,” said Cummings senior leasing director Mike Truesdale. “And the neighboring universities provide a rich local talent pool for maturing companies seeking to scale up their operations.” 

Truesdale worked with Tim Allen, John Carroll III, and Caitlin Mahoney, of Colliers Boston life science practice, on both transactions.

“We have a long history with the Colliers team, and those relationships tend to make for smooth sailing for our clients,” said Truesdale.

Cummings’ in-house design/build teams performed custom lab conversions as part of Myrobalan’s and Sunflower’s leases. Both are Biosafety Level 2 facilities.

“Our ability to accommodate specialized requirements in a timely, cost-effective manner makes Cummings Properties an attractive partner for science companies,” said Truesdale. “And with a suite of new incubator labs nearing completion, this location will be particularly appealing to startups.”

Three new pre-built lab suites, as well as additional space for further lab expansion, will be ready for occupancy this summer. The campus also features a newly renovated lobby and exterior entry, proximity to public transit, and free covered parking.

Neighboring biotech firms on Boston Ave. include YourBio Health, BIOIVT, Evolved By Nature, GreenLight BioSciences, Travera, and numerous lab facilities operated by Tufts University.

Myrobalan Therapeutics is using breakthrough science to identify and target commonalities among central nervous system disorders. Its team of small-molecule drug developers develops therapeutics for neurodegenerative, demyelinating, and neuropsychiatric disorders.

The scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs at Sunflower Therapeutics deliver automated, user-friendly protein manufacturing solutions designed to dramatically reduce the time and cost to develop and manufacture new medicines, food products, and other bio-produced products for individuals around the world.