---
title: "New Orleans Biotech Obatala Opens First East Coast Site"
url: https://www.herelexington.com/2026/10/20/obatala-sciences-charleston-blue-sky-labs-46-jobs/
date: 2026-10-20T10:17:59-04:00
modified: 2026-10-20T10:17:59-04:00
author: "HERE City State Desk"
categories: ["Business"]
site: "HERE Lexington"
attribution: "HERE Lexington"
---

# New Orleans Biotech Obatala Opens First East Coast Site

> CHARLESTON, S.C. — A New Orleans biotechnology company has picked Charleston County for its first operation on the East Coast, a $656,000 investment the state Commerce Department says will bring 46 jobs and training openings in biotech and related fields. Obatala Sciences makes biomaterials, stem cells, growth media and advanced tissue models that researchers use

*Source: [HERE Lexington](https://www.herelexington.com/2026/10/20/obatala-sciences-charleston-blue-sky-labs-46-jobs/) — October 20, 2026 by HERE City State Desk*

CHARLESTON, S.C. — A New Orleans biotechnology company has picked Charleston County for its first operation on the East Coast, a $656,000 investment the state Commerce Department says will bring 46 jobs and training openings in biotech and related fields.

Obatala Sciences makes biomaterials, stem cells, growth media and advanced tissue models that researchers use in preclinical medical studies, the stage of testing that comes before trials in people. The new site at Blue Sky Labs in Charleston is already running, so hiring is not waiting on construction.

The company plans to use the location for building partnerships, translational research, product development and eventually scaling up work on its human-derived biomaterials and microphysiological models, lab systems designed to mimic how human tissue behaves. Its partnership with MUSC was a key draw, according to the company’s leadership, which described the move as a link between its Louisiana headquarters and the life sciences community growing in South Carolina.

Gov. Henry McMaster said in the announcement that the 46 jobs reflect the state’s rising profile in manufacturing and technology. Commerce Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III said the investment adds to South Carolina’s growth in life sciences, and Charleston Mayor William Cogswell welcomed the company as an addition to the city’s business community.

An MUSC executive pointed to the deal as an example of how universities, state agencies and economic developers can work together to help life science companies set up in the state. Job seekers can reach the company directly through the contact listed in the state’s announcement.