Denali Therapeutics, Alucent Biomedical, Present to Utah Life Sciences Innovation Caucus

June 15, 2023

Utah legislators on Wednesday, June 14, held a meeting of the Utah Life Sciences Innovation Caucus (ULSIC) at the state capitol. BioUtah President and CEO, Kelvyn Cullimore, kicked off the meeting and introduced representatives from Denali Therapeutics and Alucent Biomedical who presented before the ULSIC.

Cindy Dunkle, chief people officer for Denali, described the company’s mission to develop new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and Alzheimers. She also explained how Denali and its Utah native CEO, Ryan Watts, decided to establish its manufacturing operations in the state, citing Utah’s business friendly government, strong talent pool and collaborative ecosystem. The company is currently headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Alucent President and CEO, Myles Greenberg, shared the company’s journey from its inception in South Dakota to Utah, where it continues to advance a first-of-its-kind technology to improve the treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease as well as Arteriovenous Fistula maturation for dialysis. Greenberg emphasized that Utah offers many advantages for his and other life sciences companies.

“With more than 20 legislators in attendance, including leadership from both the House and Senate, the ULSIC is clearly making a case for why Utah is such a great place for life sciences and validating why life sciences is a primary target industry for the State of Utah,” said Cullimore. “BioUtah appreciates the consideration that our industry and it’s life-changing innovations for patients is given through the caucus forum.”

Chaired by Sen. Ann Millner, Rep. Steve Eliason, Sen. Luz Escamilla and Rep. Jenn Dailey-Provost, the mission of the ULSIC is to educate lawmakers on Utah’s life sciences industry, including its significant contributions to the state’s economy and its role in advancing health.