Beken Bio opens New Orleans lab for cancer testing

Biotech startup expands to advance ovarian cancer blood test through regulatory approval and commercialization.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Beken Bio, a biotech startup focused on early cancer detection, has opened a new laboratory at the New Orleans BioInnovation Center. The expansion will support the development of a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified facility, a requirement for clinical testing and bringing its ovarian cancer diagnostic product to market. The lab is expected to serve as the company's primary site for clinical and operational activities as it advances regulatory approval for its blood-based test designed to detect ovarian cancer at earlier stages.

Why it matters

Ovarian cancer remains the deadliest gynecologic cancer in the United States, and early detection has long been a challenge for clinicians. Beken Bio's test aims to address that gap by identifying the disease earlier through a blood sample, which could significantly improve treatment outcomes. The company's expansion also reflects broader growth in New Orleans' bioscience sector, contributing to job creation and positioning the region as a hub for biotech innovation.

The details

The new laboratory will operate within the New Orleans BioInnovation Center, a nonprofit incubator that provides lab space, resources, and industry connections to emerging life sciences companies. Beken Bio's expansion allows the company to build the clinical and commercial infrastructure needed to advance its ovarian cancer detection test through regulatory pathways and ultimately bring the diagnostic to patients. The move strengthens Beken Bio's footprint in New Orleans and positions the company to accelerate validation of its blood-based test.

  • Beken Bio has opened the new laboratory at the New Orleans BioInnovation Center in March 2026.

The players

Beken Bio

A biotech startup focused on early cancer detection using nanobiology and machine learning technologies, with the goal of improving outcomes through earlier diagnosis.

New Orleans BioInnovation Center

A nonprofit incubator that provides lab space, resources, and industry connections to emerging life sciences companies in New Orleans.

Christopher Millan

The co-founder and CEO of Beken Bio.

Kris Khalil

The executive director of the New Orleans BioInnovation Center.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Establishing our lab at NOBIC is a pivotal moment for Beken Bio. This expansion allows us to build the clinical and commercial infrastructure needed to advance our ovarian cancer detection test through regulatory pathways and ultimately bring a life-saving diagnostic to patients.”

— Christopher Millan, Co-founder and CEO, Beken Bio

“Beken Bio's lab expansion is the kind of milestone NOBIC is built to enable. This reflects our mission to help startups transition from research to commercialization.”

— Kris Khalil, Executive Director, New Orleans BioInnovation Center

What’s next

Beken Bio's new laboratory is expected to serve as the company's primary site for clinical and operational activities as it advances regulatory approval for its ovarian cancer detection test. The expansion will support the development of a CLIA-certified facility, a requirement for clinical testing and bringing the diagnostic product to market.

The takeaway

Beken Bio's investment in a new laboratory in New Orleans highlights the growing bioscience sector in the city and the potential impact of earlier ovarian cancer detection. By establishing clinical operations locally, the company is contributing to job creation and further positioning the region as a hub for biotech innovation focused on improving cancer outcomes through advanced diagnostics.