Akston, a biotechnology company focused on animal health, has opened a new manufacturing facility in Caddo Parish as part of a $7 million investment designed to expand its United States manufacturing capabilities and further strengthen Louisiana’s growing life sciences sector.
The project is expected to create 69 direct new jobs over five years, with an average annual salary of nearly $100,000. That figure is 76% higher than the average wage in Caddo Parish. According to Louisiana Economic Development, the expansion is also projected to generate 93 additional indirect jobs, bringing the total potential impact to 162 new job opportunities across 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,” said Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “With our economy continuing to diversify, investments like this give emerging industries the staying power needed to grow, compete and create high-wage jobs here in Louisiana.”
The new 31,000 square foot facility is located at BRF’s InterTech Park in Shreveport. Situated on nearly 2.5 acres, the site includes cleanrooms for biologics production, quality control laboratories, fill finish manufacturing capabilities, cold storage, warehousing, and administrative space. The facility will support commercial manufacturing operations and expand the company’s domestic 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,” said Todd Zion, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of Akston. “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 develops protein-based therapies for companion animals. The company operates under a vertically integrated model that spans research, development, and manufacturing, including existing GMP biologics operations for FDA-regulated biologics in Massachusetts. The Shreveport expansion extends that footprint, supporting commercial scale manufacturing for the company’s 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,” said William Bradford, Jr., president of the Caddo Parish Industrial Development Board. “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 Shreveport facility in July 2025. Build out and commissioning activities are ongoing, with commercial manufacturing operations expected to begin in the coming months.
“BRF is pleased to welcome Akston from the Boston area to the Shreveport Healthcare and Technology Corridor,” said John F. George Jr., M.D., president and CEO of BRF. “I thank our partners, including the Caddo Parish Industrial Development Board, for helping make this opportunity possible.”
To secure the project in Shreveport, the State of Louisiana offered Akston a competitive incentives package that includes participation in the High Impact Jobs program.
Louisiana companies are encouraged to ensure their businesses are registered at SourceLouisiana.com to enter the pipeline for contract and vendor opportunities connected to development projects across the state.
Akston describes itself as a biotech company built for pets. Using its proprietary Ambifect Fc-fusion protein platform, the company develops immuno-enhancing and targeted protein treatments designed to reduce treatment frequency while enhancing efficacy. Backed by a vertically integrated structure and two state of the art biologics facilities, Akston aims to accelerate development from discovery to commercial manufacturing, ensuring innovation reaches veterinarians and pets more quickly and cost effectively.
Headquartered in Shreveport, BRF serves as an innovation hub and economic development organization working to position North Louisiana as a preferred destination for high growth initiatives. Its mission centers on diversifying the regional economy by starting new businesses, recruiting new companies, and retaining existing employers.
Louisiana Economic Development remains focused on driving capital investment, job creation, and economic opportunity for employers and residents statewide, positioning Louisiana to compete for projects that bring high wage careers and long term economic growth.
