BEVERLY, Mass. (Febuary, 2026) | Louisiana Economic Development
SHREVEPORT, La. — Akston, a biotechnology company focused on animal health, has opened a new manufacturing facility as part of a $7 million investment in Caddo Parish to expand its U.S. manufacturing capabilities and strengthen Louisiana’s life sciences sector.
The company is expected to create 69 direct new jobs over five years with an average annual salary of nearly $100,000 which is 76% above the average Caddo Parish wage. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 93 indirect new jobs, for a total of 162 potential new job opportunities in the Northwest Region.
“Akston’s decision to expand in Louisiana reinforces the state’s position at the forefront of advanced life sciences, as innovation continues to translate into new industries and new opportunities,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “With our economy continues to diversify, investments like this give emerging industries the staying power needed to grow, compete and create high-wage jobs here in Louisiana.”
Akston has opened a new manufacturing facility at BRF’s InterTech Park in Shreveport. The 31,000-square-foot facility, located on nearly 2.5 acres, includes cleanrooms for biologics production, quality control laboratories, fill-finish manufacturing capabilities, cold storage, warehousing and administrative space. The site will support commercial manufacturing operations and the company’s U.S. production capabilities in animal health.
“This new facility is a major milestone in our plan to commercialize our USDA-regulated protein therapeutics aimed at addressing unmet needs in pet health,” Co-founder and CEO of Akston Todd Zion, Ph.D. said. “It was critical for us to expand our presence right here in the U.S., and we are grateful for the support of the State of Louisiana, BRF and the City of Shreveport. This expands our capabilities and adds to the momentum of the growing animal health industry in the region.”
Founded in Beverly, Massachusetts, Akston is an animal health biotech focusing on developing protein-based therapies for companion animals. The company has embraced a vertically integrated model that spans research, development and manufacturing, with existing GMP biologics operations for FDA-regulated biologics in Massachusetts. The new Shreveport facility extends that footprint and supports Akston’s commercial-scale manufacturing for its USDA regulated therapeutics.
“The Caddo Parish Industrial Development Board is excited to welcome Akston to our community. The IDB is proud to support this project and to help diversify our local economy by working with Akston to bring new jobs in biotech to Caddo Parish,” IDB Board President William Bradford, Jr. said. “Biotech and advanced manufacturing are part of the larger economic development landscape that’s expanding statewide and right here in Caddo.”
Akston began occupying the new Shreveport facility in July 2025. Build-out and commissioning activities are ongoing, with commercial manufacturing operations to begin in the coming months.
“BRF is pleased to welcome Akston from the Boston area to the Shreveport Healthcare and Technology Corridor,” BRF President and CEO John F. George Jr., M.D. said. “I thank our partners, including the Caddo Parish Industrial Development Board, for helping make this opportunity possible.
To win the project in Shreveport, the state of Louisiana offered Akston a competitive incentives package that includes participation in the state’s High Impact Jobs program.
Louisiana companies, make sure your business is registered at SourceLouisiana.com to enter the pipeline for contract and vendor opportunities with development projects statewide.
About Akston
Akston is a biotech company built for pets. Using our proprietary Fc-fusion protein platform, we develop immuno-enhancing and targeted protein treatments that aim to reduce treatment frequency while enhancing efficacy. Backed by a vertically integrated structure and state-of-the-art GMP biologics facility, we accelerate development from discovery to commercial manufacturing – ensuring innovation reaches veterinarians and the pets we love faster and more efficiently. Learn more at www.akstonbio.com.
About BRF
BRF, headquartered in Shreveport, is an innovation hub and economic development organization establishing North Louisiana as a preferred destination for high-growth initiatives. Diversifying the region’s economy is its mission. It fulfills this mission through initiatives that start new businesses, recruit new businesses and retain current businesses in the region. For more information visit brfla.org.
About LED
Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for driving capital investment, job creation and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana and employers of all sizes. Explore how LED is positioning Louisiana to win at OpportunityLouisiana.com.
Contact for Akston Biosciences:
Julie Lawless
Lawless Strategic Communications
399889@email4pr.com
+1 615-585-5861