Indianapolis Biotech Marks Growing Milestone in the Fight Against Blood Cancer
This week, Ossium Health opened its doors to a distinguished group of state officials and healthcare leaders, hosting a facility tour and reception at its Indianapolis production site. The event served not only as a showcase of the company’s cutting-edge work in cell therapy, but also as a broader celebration of Indiana’s rapidly expanding role as a national leader in biotechnology and life sciences innovation. Among the attendees was Indiana Governor Mike Braun, whose presence underscored the significance of Ossium’s contributions to both healthcare advancement and the state’s economic growth.
A Hub of Innovation in Indianapolis
Located in the heart of Indianapolis, Ossium Health’s nearly 34,000-square-foot facility stands as a testament to the company’s ambitious vision. The site functions as the operational backbone for its pioneering organ donor-derived bone marrow banking platform—a concept that is reshaping how clinicians approach treatment for blood cancers and immune disorders.
The facility is equipped with five ISO 7 cleanrooms designed for advanced cellular processing, a large-scale bulk supply warehouse, and a dedicated research and development laboratory. In addition, the space accommodates a growing workforce that includes production specialists, scientists, and quality assurance professionals. Together, these elements create an integrated environment where innovation, manufacturing, and clinical application intersect.
During the tour, guests were given an inside look at the sophisticated infrastructure and processes that support Ossium’s work. Attendees engaged directly with the company’s leadership and scientific teams, gaining insight into the technologies and methodologies that are driving new possibilities in regenerative medicine.
Transforming Treatment for Blood Cancer Patients
At the core of Ossium Health’s mission is a bold and transformative idea: to build a comprehensive bank of bone marrow stem cells sourced from deceased organ donors. This approach addresses a critical gap in current treatment options for patients with blood cancers and immune diseases.
Traditionally, patients in need of bone marrow transplants must rely on living donor registries to find a compatible match—a process that can be time-consuming and, in many cases, unsuccessful. Thousands of patients each year are unable to find a suitable donor, significantly limiting their treatment options.
Ossium’s platform offers an alternative. By recovering and preserving bone marrow stem cells from organ donors, the company is creating an “off-the-shelf” therapy that can be rapidly deployed when needed. This not only expands access to life-saving treatments but also enables higher-dose transplants that can improve patient outcomes.
To date, 23 patients have received transplants using Ossium’s organ donor-derived bone marrow. Among them are two patients in Indiana, highlighting the company’s tangible impact at both the local and national levels. These early successes demonstrate the potential of Ossium’s model to redefine standards of care in hematology and immunology.
Built on a Legacy of Scientific Excellence
Ossium Health’s work is deeply rooted in Indiana’s long-standing leadership in cell therapy research. The state has played a pivotal role in advancing treatments for blood cancers, including the foundational science behind the world’s first cord blood transplant.
Much of this groundbreaking work originated at the Indiana University School of Medicine, where researchers laid the laboratory groundwork that made such transplants possible. This legacy continues to influence Ossium’s scientific direction, particularly through the expertise of its leadership team.
Dr. Erik J. Woods, the company’s Chief Science Officer, Co-Founder, and Executive Vice President, has made significant contributions to the field, including the development of an optimized cryopreservation method for cord blood stem cells that is now widely used. Meanwhile, Dr. W. Scott Goebel, Ossium’s Medical Director, has dedicated his career to advancing gene and cellular therapies for hematopoietic diseases.
Both scientists trained and conducted research at the Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research at Riley Hospital for Children—one of the nation’s leading institutions for pediatric hematology and oncology. Their work at Ossium builds upon this strong academic foundation, translating decades of research into practical, life-saving applications.
Indiana’s Rise as a Life Sciences Powerhouse
The event also highlighted Indiana’s growing prominence as a hub for life sciences and biotechnology. According to industry data, the state’s life sciences sector recently surpassed $100 billion in annual economic impact—a milestone that reflects both sustained investment and a thriving ecosystem of innovation.
Indiana has also emerged as the nation’s top exporter of life sciences products, further solidifying its position on the global stage. This growth has been supported by strategic initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
Governor Mike Braun has been a vocal advocate for expanding the state’s leadership in biotechnology. His administration has championed a $1 billion growth initiative designed to position Indiana as a premier destination for human therapeutics and related innovations. Central to this strategy is the recognition of life sciences as a “core growth engine” for the region’s economic development.
During the event, Governor Braun emphasized the importance of companies like Ossium Health in driving both innovation and job creation. He noted that such organizations not only advance medical science but also contribute to the development of high-wage employment opportunities across the state.
Strengthening Community and Collaboration
Beyond its scientific achievements, Ossium Health is also playing an active role in fostering collaboration within Indianapolis’s growing biotech community. The company regularly hosts events that bring together professionals from across the life sciences sector, creating opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and partnership.
One recent example is the Indy BioBridge Q1 Mixer, held on March 4, 2026, at Ossium’s facility. The event attracted a diverse group of researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, all united by a shared interest in advancing biotechnology in the region.
Indy BioBridge itself is a community-driven initiative focused on building connections within Indianapolis’s life sciences ecosystem. By hosting such gatherings, Ossium is helping to cultivate an environment where innovation can thrive.
Recognition and Future Growth
Ossium Health’s impact has not gone unnoticed. The company has received national recognition for its workplace culture and innovation, earning accolades from Fast Company as one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators and from Forbes as one of America’s Best Startup Employers.
As the company continues to grow, it is also expanding its workforce, with multiple open positions available in Indiana. This ongoing hiring reflects both the scale of Ossium’s operations and its commitment to contributing to the state’s economic development.
Broad Media Attention
The facility tour and reception generated significant media coverage, drawing attention from major local and regional outlets. News organizations including WISH-TV, CBS, ABC, FOX, News 8, Indianapolis Today, and Hoodline reported on the event, amplifying its reach and highlighting the broader implications of Ossium’s work.
This widespread coverage underscores the importance of the company’s mission and its role within the larger narrative of healthcare innovation and economic growth.
As Ossium Health continues to advance its bone marrow banking platform, the company is poised to play an increasingly important role in the future of medicine. Its innovative approach to stem cell therapy has the potential to expand access, improve outcomes, and transform the treatment landscape for patients with life-threatening diseases.
At the same time, its presence in Indianapolis reinforces the city’s status as a center for biotech innovation. By combining scientific excellence, strategic collaboration, and a commitment to patient care, Ossium Health exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking organization that is driving the next generation of medical breakthroughs.
The recent facility tour and reception served as both a celebration of progress and a glimpse into what lies ahead. For Indiana—and for the broader field of biotechnology—the message was clear: the future of healthcare is being built here, and Ossium Health is at the forefront of that transformation.
About Ossium Health
Ossium Health is a bioengineering company that leverages its proprietary organ donor bone marrow banking platform to develop stem cell therapies for patients with life-threatening hematologic conditions and musculoskeletal defects. Founded in 2016, the company is led by Kevin Caldwell, CEO, Co-Founder & President, and Erik Woods, Chief Science Officer, Co-Founder & Executive Vice President. Ossium’s manufacturing facility is registered with the FDA and its laboratory is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).
