Rosalind Franklin University (RFU) has officially welcomed the new Northern Illinois Laboratory for Tolmar, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, to its Innovation and Research Park (IRP) in North Chicago, Illinois. Announced on December 16, 2025, this facility enhances Tolmar’s ability to develop and commercialize pharmaceutical products while contributing to the university’s growing ecosystem of industry innovation.
Founded in 2007, Tolmar specializes in advanced long-acting injectable drug delivery systems. The company is internationally recognized for its products in urology, oncology, and endocrinology. One of its leading products is used in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer and is available in 89 countries worldwide. The new laboratory at RFU aims to complement the existing research and development capabilities found at Tolmar’s facility in Colorado.
Expansion of Development Capacity
The establishment of this facility in Illinois not only enhances Tolmar’s regional presence but also supports its executive offices and sales and marketing personnel located in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Dr. Dave Loffredo, Tolmar’s Vice President of Innovation, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, “Tolmar is excited to expand our development capability, now covering both Colorado and Illinois. After an exhaustive search, we found a great home at Rosalind Franklin’s IRP.”
Dr. Loffredo emphasized that the new laboratory will allow Tolmar scientists to immerse themselves in a dynamic research environment, paving the way for future collaborations. The facility is expected to foster innovation through interactions with other researchers and organizations within the park.
Dr. Stace Porter, Senior Vice President of Development Operations for Tolmar, highlighted the advantages of the RFU location. “At Rosalind Franklin University’s Innovation and Research Park, Tolmar gains world-class research space and the chance to collaborate with leading scientists and advanced research cores. Surrounded by Lake County’s vibrant network of global life science companies, we’re excited to grow and innovate here,” she noted.
Advancements in Biomedical Research
The RFU Innovation and Research Park spans 100,000 square feet and is home to six research centers, including the Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology, and Infection. Dr. Joseph DiMario, RFU Executive Vice President for Research, expressed the university’s eagerness to have Tolmar join its roster of innovative companies. “We look forward to collaborations that can help accelerate new product development,” he stated. “The IRP provides an environment that fosters the kind of intellectual biomedical ‘collisions’ that drive meaningful innovation.”
Tolmar’s commitment to advancing pharmaceutical development is matched by RFU’s dedication to research excellence. The partnership signifies a promising opportunity for advancements in medical treatments, particularly in the areas where Tolmar specializes.
For further information about Tolmar, please visit www.tolmar.com. More details about Rosalind Franklin University can be found at rosalindfranklin.edu.
