FairJourney Biologics Launches Cryo-EM Structural Biology Facility in San Diego
FairJourney Bio (FJBio), a global contract research organization specializing in antibody discovery, has announced the opening of a cutting-edge cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structural biology facility in San Diego. The launch marks a significant expansion of the company’s footprint in the United States and represents a major step forward in integrating high-resolution structural biology into its end-to-end antibody discovery platform.
The newly inaugurated facility is equipped with advanced cryo-EM technology designed to deliver atomic-level insights into biological structures. At its core are two state-of-the-art Thermo Fisher Titan Krios 5 systems, operating at 300 kilovolts (kV), which enable scientists to determine the native-state structures of antibody-target complexes with exceptional precision. This capability positions FairJourney Biologics at the forefront of structural biology innovation, offering researchers unprecedented visibility into molecular interactions that drive therapeutic development.
Cryo-electron microscopy has emerged as one of the most powerful tools in modern structural biology, allowing researchers to visualize proteins and complexes in near-native conditions without the need for crystallization. By incorporating this technology directly into its discovery workflow, FJBio is transforming how antibody programs are designed and optimized. The facility supports a wide range of applications, from early-stage epitope mapping and hit identification to structure-guided lead optimization and final candidate selection.
Traditionally, structural biology has often been used later in the drug development process to validate findings after key decisions have already been made. However, FJBio aims to shift this paradigm by embedding structural insights at the earliest stages of discovery. This approach enables scientists to make more informed decisions earlier, improving the efficiency and success rates of antibody development programs.
The cryo-EM services offered at the San Diego facility, which were officially launched in January 2026, complement the company’s broader biologics development portfolio. These services provide rapid, scalable structural analysis, with results typically delivered within two to three weeks. Such turnaround times are particularly valuable in fast-paced research environments, where timely data can significantly influence project direction and resource allocation.
Using cryo-EM, researchers can visualize complex biological systems at atomic resolution, including protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions. This level of detail allows for a deeper understanding of how antibodies bind to their targets, enabling precise engineering of therapeutic candidates. The high-quality data generated through these analyses supports confident decision-making across multiple stages of research and development.
The opening of the facility was marked by an inauguration event that featured a keynote scientific presentation by Andrew Ward, Ph.D., a leading expert in cryo-EM and antibody science from Scripps Research. Ward’s contributions to the field have been widely recognized, including pioneering methods for sequencing antibodies directly from cryo-EM data. His research group also played a critical role in determining the first high-resolution structure of the human coronavirus spike protein—work that directly informed the design of antigens used in the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
The choice of San Diego as the location for the new facility is strategic. As one of the world’s leading biotechnology hubs, the city offers access to a vibrant ecosystem of research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and emerging biotech startups. This environment fosters collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal setting for advanced scientific infrastructure. The new site complements FJBio’s existing presence in San Francisco and strengthens its global operations, which also span multiple locations across Europe.
Founded more than a decade ago, FairJourney Biologics has grown into a prominent player in the antibody discovery space. The company employs over 300 scientists and has collaborated with more than 250 industry partners worldwide. Its work has contributed to the development of 19 antibody-based therapies that have either reached clinical trials or are already available on the market. This track record underscores the company’s expertise and its ability to translate scientific innovation into real-world therapeutic solutions.
Dr. Christopher Arthur, Chief Scientific Officer for Structural Biology at FJBio, emphasized the transformative potential of integrating cryo-EM into early-stage research. He noted that the traditional use of structural biology as a confirmatory tool is being replaced by a more proactive approach in which structural insights guide decision-making from the outset. According to Arthur, the San Diego facility brings together decades of expertise in sample preparation, data acquisition, and computational analysis, enabling a comprehensive and streamlined workflow.
This integrated approach allows researchers to identify promising antibody candidates more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of costly late-stage failures. By understanding the structural basis of antibody-target interactions early on, scientists can prioritize the most viable candidates and optimize them with greater precision.
Dr. Werner Lanthaler, Chief Executive Officer of FairJourney Bio, highlighted the broader implications of the new facility. He described the current moment as an exciting period for cryo-EM-driven drug discovery, noting that the technology is increasingly recognized for its ability to transform antibody development. By integrating cryo-EM into its services, FJBio aims to enhance the probability of success for its partners while reducing both development timelines and costs.
Lanthaler also emphasized the company’s commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation. By investing in advanced technologies and expanding its global presence, FJBio is positioning itself as a leader in the next generation of biologics research. The San Diego facility is a key component of this strategy, providing clients with access to world-class infrastructure and expertise.
Overall, the opening of the cryo-EM facility represents a major milestone for FairJourney Bio and for the broader field of antibody discovery. By combining advanced structural biology with a fully integrated research platform, the company is helping to redefine how biologic therapies are developed. As demand for more precise and efficient drug discovery approaches continues to grow, innovations like this are expected to play a central role in shaping the future of biomedical research and therapeutic development.
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