Kentucky Group Lights Up Tobacco-Based Bioprocessing Plant in Owensboro

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas). Bringing new hope to the Kentucky biotech industry, a small company has purchased the former Large Scale Biology Corporation (LSBC) plant in Owensboro. (Reference: Large Scale Biology Abruptly Ceases Operations, Closing California Office and Kentucky Manufacturing Plant). Kentucky Bioprocessing LLC (Owensboro, Kentucky) bought the plant in a deal worth nearly $7 million and has ambitious plans for its future.

Along with the 30,000 square-foot plant, 22,000 square-foot greenhouse and equipment, Kentucky, a subsidiary of the Owensboro Medical Health System, also acquired rights to LSBC’s plant-based bioprocessing technology. Basically the process inserts genes into viruses that are present in the host tobacco plants. The genes transform into vaccines and other “products” as they are allowed to develop inside the tobacco leaves. The leaves are then harvested and processed to rupture the cells and release the “product”.

While sounding like something from science fiction to a layman, the company promises that the relatively low-tech aspect of the process translates into vastly lower production costs for potential customers. With several former key LSBC people on board, Kentucky hopes to attract business from around the globe. Clients would bring both new and already developed drugs to the Owensboro site for processing. Both the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky have indicated interest in working with the new company.

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