Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Denali Facility in Salt Lake City

March 27, 2025

BioUtah member, Denali Therapeutics, yesterday celebrated the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City. Denali is using deep scientific and drug development expertise to discover and deliver effective biologic therapeutics to the brain.

Co-founder and CEO, Ryan Watts, addressed the crowd who gathered to share the milestone with colleagues, public officials, and other guests. Watts talked about how Denali’s vision to fight neurodegenerative disease is much like the Utah pioneers who defied the odds to put down roots, build, and ultimately thrive in the state.

Other speakers included Governor Spencer Cox, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Cindy Dunkle, Chief People Officer for Denali, and Leah Frautschy, VP of Clinical Operations for Denali.

“With a team of experienced and passionate scientists and professionals, Denali is not only creating an economic footprint in Utah but its visionary research and drug development is poised to change the lives of so many patients and their families,” said Kelvyn Cullimore, president and CEO of BioUtah who was on hand to recognize the ambitious project’s opening. “We welcome Denali to Utah.”

Governor Spencer Cox and Salt Lake City Mayor, Erin Mendenhall also provided remarks. In applauding the launch of the Denali facility, Cox said, “It’s time to innovate and build here [in Utah].