News
What’s New at Blackfish
Blackfish Biotech continues to evolve as we translate cutting-edge regenerative technologies into real-world impact. Browse our latest news to see how our team, partners, and innovations are shaping the future of biologics and advanced therapeutics.
May 13, 2026
Blackfish Biotech is pleased to announce the promotion of Julia Jensen to Lab Manager. Jensen, a Santa Fe College student pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Biotechnology, brings hands-on expertise in cell culture, proteomics, and genomics to her expanded role. Her academic excellence was recognized at the presidential level for her work in tissue histology, underscoring the precision and scientific rigor she brings to the lab environment.
Prior to joining Blackfish Biotech, Jensen honed her operational skills through the Natural Sciences Department at Santa Fe College, where she supported biology lab functions including material preparation, safety oversight, and student assistance. Her strong foundation in molecular and cellular biology, combined with a commitment to lab integrity and research-driven innovation, makes her well-positioned to lead day-to-day laboratory operations as the company continues to advance its work in regenerative medicine.
April 10, 2026
The passage of the Florida Stem Cell Act, signed into law in 2025 marks a notable shift in how regenerative medicine may develop at the state level. The legislation establishes clearer regulatory boundaries for stem cell therapies, particularly around what can be offered in clinical settings, while reinforcing safety, disclosure, and transparency requirements. By creating a more defined framework, the Act is expected to increase confidence among providers, investors, and patients, potentially accelerating the responsible adoption of regenerative technologies across Florida.
For companies like Blackfish Biotech, the evolving regulatory landscape presents a meaningful opportunity. With its focus on placental-derived, acellular biologics, Blackfish is well-positioned to align with pathways that emphasize minimally manipulated, non-cellular products. As clinics and practitioners look for compliant, effective alternatives to traditional stem cell therapies, the company’s xPM platform could see increased demand in areas such as wound care, orthopedics, and aesthetic medicine. In the long term, the Act may help expand market access while positioning Florida as a strategic hub for Blackfish’s continued growth.
March 4, 2026
Blackfish Biotech is excited to welcome Ande Rifenberg as Renovare Sales Director, bringing over a decade of experience in the beauty and wellness space. Known for her results-driven approach and ability to build meaningful relationships, Ande has successfully led field teams, expanded retail partnerships, and driven growth for emerging brands in highly competitive markets. In her new role, she will focus on scaling Renovare’s presence while ensuring a thoughtful, high-impact customer journey—from first introduction through to long-term loyalty. Her passion for connecting innovative, effective products with the people who need them aligns seamlessly with Blackfish’s mission to deliver solutions with real-world impact.
October 20, 2025
Blackfish Biotech is proud to announce a new collaboration with Dr. Alex and Dr. Stacey Fox-Alvarez at Gainesville’s Community Care Veterinary Specialists. Through this partnership, the veterinary team will conduct clinical evaluations of Blackfish’s advanced placental matrix (xPM) technology across a range of challenging wound-care and orthopedic cases. This initiative represents a significant step toward expanding regenerative treatment options in veterinary medicine, with the goal of improving healing outcomes for patients who often have limited therapeutic alternatives.
August 25, 2025
Blackfish Biotech has donated its bPM technology to the St. Francis Veterinary Care Clinic in Gainesville, supporting the clinic’s mission to “provide access to essential veterinary care to under-served communities.” This contribution enables the St. Francis team to incorporate advanced regenerative tools into their treatment of complex wounds and chronic conditions for animals whose families may not otherwise be able to afford specialized care. By making innovative biologic therapies accessible in community-based settings, Blackfish Biotech aims to help improve outcomes for vulnerable pets while strengthening the clinic’s vital outreach efforts.
August 5, 2025
Dr. Stan Kim has joined Blackfish Biotech as a Board Advisor, bringing decades of expertise in advanced orthopedic surgery and regenerative therapeutics. Dr. Kim is a Professor of Small Animal Surgery at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, where he is internationally recognized for his work in limb-salvage procedures, external fixation, and the treatment of complex non-union fractures. His clinical research and extensive surgical experience have contributed significantly to the evolution of modern veterinary orthopedics. Dr. Kim’s guidance will support Blackfish Biotech as the company expands its placental matrix technology into high-impact veterinary applications and develops new regenerative solutions for challenging clinical cases.
July 25, 2025
Dr. Stan Kim at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine successfully utilized Blackfish’s Placental Matrix (xPM) technology in the treatment of a complex canine non-union fracture involving both the radius and ulna and complicated by infection. Following surgical revision supported by xPM, the infection fully resolved, and the patient demonstrated remarkable bone regeneration within just one month. This case highlights the potential of Blackfish’s placental-derived regenerative platform to support healing in severe orthopedic injuries that traditionally carry a guarded prognosis.
June 17, 2025
Blackfish Biotech is pleased to welcome Sara Sanchez and Julia Jensen to the team. Sara joins as Operations Associate, bringing eight years of hands-on experience in laboratory operations and cost analysis. Previously she worked at the UF Molecular Pathology Core Lab, then moved into the biotech sector with a gene-therapy startup and a genotyping company, where she served as Lab Coordinator and collaborated across finance, supply chain, regulatory compliance, and equipment maintenance — even achieving an 85 % reduction in waste-disposal costs. Julia joins as a Laboratory Technician. As a current student at Santa Fe College pursuing a B.A.S. in Industrial Biotechnology, she has gained experience in cell culture, proteomics, and genomics, and was recognized by the college president for excellence in tissue histology. Through her work supporting the college’s Natural Sciences Department, she’s contributed to material preparation, safety oversight, and student lab assistance. With a strong foundation in molecular and cellular biology — and a clear commitment to precision and lab integrity — Julia is poised to support Blackfish’s research-driven innovation efforts.
April 15, 2025
Blackfish Biotech is pleased to announce that we have moved into our new laboratory facilities at the UF Innovate | The Hub, located within the University of Florida’s Innovation District.
The Hub is a state-of-the-art business incubator and entrepreneurship ecosystem designed to support early-stage bioscience and tech ventures. The facility covers nearly 100,000 square feet and offers a versatile mix of wet labs, dry labs, office suites, and shared resources.
As part of the broader UF Innovate | Accelerate program, The Hub provides access not only to physical infrastructure (labs, equipment, workspace) but also to a robust support network — including business-building mentorship, startup-friendly administration, and opportunities for collaboration and partnership with other innovators.
By relocating to The Hub, Blackfish Biotech gains immediate access to high-quality laboratory space and an entrepreneurial ecosystem that is ideal for accelerating our research, development, and commercialization efforts. We look forward to leveraging these resources to scale our placental-matrix platform and drive forward our pipeline of regenerative-medicine applications.
