At its annual meeting late last year, Elevate Rapid City announced the arrival of Phylloceuticals, a pioneering Contract Manufacturing Organization (CMO) that is set to revolutionize the biotech industry by using plants to produce therapeutic medicine. The company’s innovative approach to pharmaceutical manufacturing positions it as a game-changer in delivering clean, affordable medicine.
Leveraging Rapid City’s unique resources and community, Phylloceuticals launched its operations in January 2025 by establishing a state-of-the-art pilot facility in the David Lust Accelerator Building (DLAB). This facility will begin with the buildout of a library of biosimilars, using the company’s groundbreaking production methods. Future plans include scaling to a clinical production facility, followed by a large-scale commercial production facility, solidifying Phylloceuticals’ long-term presence in Rapid City.
Why Rapid City?
Phylloceuticals’ decision to establish its roots in Rapid City reflects the region’s unique advantages for biotech innovation:
- Access to Talent: The university ecosystem provides a pipeline of technically skilled graduates, and Phylloceuticals aims to contribute to retaining that talent within the region.
- Strategic Location: The rural healthcare landscape offers a compelling backdrop for demonstrating the company’s mission to improve access to medicine in underserved areas.
- Collaborative Ecosystem: Rapid City’s smaller, close-knit business and community networks enable access to key leaders and foster robust collaboration.
“We were welcomed with open arms by so many groups in Rapid City,” said Mark Brown, President and COO of Phylloceuticals. “The people we met in and around the community, including Elevate Rapid City, business leaders, university administrators, entrepreneurs, and investor groups, were eager and open to working together. We are committed to making medicine in a different way – a cleaner, faster alternative to traditional animal cell-based drug development."
Elevate Rapid City’s Role
Elevate Rapid City played a pivotal role in facilitating this partnership by showcasing the region’s economic and academic strengths, connecting the Phylloceuticals team with key stakeholders, and providing vital resources to support the company’s relocation and growth.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Phylloceuticals to Rapid City,” said Lori Frederick, senior economic development director of Elevate Rapid City. “Their innovative approach to pharmaceutical manufacturing aligns perfectly with our mission to elevate the region’s economy while addressing critical healthcare challenges. This partnership exemplifies how Rapid City can be a hub for transformative industries.”
About Phylloceuticals
Phylloceuticals is a trailblazer in biotech innovation, leveraging plant-based technology to create accessible and cost-effective medicines. With a leadership team boasting extensive experience in biotech, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and science, the company is poised to set a new standard in the industry. For more information, contact Susan Stipa @sstipa@phylloceuticals.com or visit Phylloceuticals.com.
About Elevate Rapid City
Elevate Rapid City is a public-private partnership organization leading economic development and small business efforts in the Black Hills region. Our mission is to elevate the Rapid City region for all by fostering growth, innovation, and collaboration. Visit elevaterapidcity.com to learn more.