Informuta opens clinical lab at New Orleans BioInnovation Center, expanding partnership with Ochsner Health

Written By Alicia Vial

Informuta's AI-powered diagnostics platform gains momentum through Tulane Innovation Institute and Ochsner Health collaboration

NEW ORLEANS – Informuta, a biotechnology company specializing in sequencing- and machine learning-based diagnostics for infectious diseases, has opened a new laboratory at the New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC). This expansion brings the company’s clinical research operations to New Orleans, bolstered by strategic partnerships with Ochsner Health and Tulane Innovation Institute, and supported by a coalition of local investors.

The new facility will allow Informuta to conduct pilot validation and clinical studies, starting initially at Ochsner Health, for its cutting-edge AI- and DNA sequencing-powered diagnostic platform. Informuta tests infections to determine drug susceptibilities and, uniquely, can forecast the likelihood that an infection will evolve resistance to drugs during treatment. These predictive insights are intended to enable faster selection of effective therapies, improve patient care, and strengthen antibiotic stewardship efforts. Informuta also maintains operations in San Diego, Ca.

“Opening our clinical lab headquarters in New Orleans is a major step forward for Informuta. With access to Ochsner Health, Louisiana’s leading healthcare system, we can deliver our diagnostics directly to patients and accelerate regulatory progress," said Kalen Hall, PhD, CEO and Co-Founder  of Informuta. "We’re proud to invest in this region and contribute to its growing biotech ecosystem.”

Informuta’s partnership with Ochsner Health is a cornerstone of the company’s growth strategy. The collaboration connects Informuta’s cutting edge diagnostic technology directly to clinical settings, enabling faster translation of research and improving quality of patient care. By integrating these tools into Ochsner’s health system, the partnership not only advances precision medicine for infectious diseases but also supports shared goals of improving population health and expanding access to innovative care.

“Our collaboration with Informuta brings groundbreaking diagnostic capabilities to our patients and aligns with our purpose at Ochsner as we improve health outcomes throughout the Gulf South,” said Dr. Nneka Ifejika, Chief Scientific Officer at Ochsner Health. “It’s an example of how healthcare and biotech collaboration can increase economic mobility and open new opportunities for our communities.”

The opening was made possible through the combined support of Tulane Innovation Institute, Tulane Ventures, 1834 Ventures, Boot64 Ventures and New Orleans BioFund, showcasing how local investment and collaboration can drive biotech growth in Louisiana.

“When high-growth startups like Informuta choose to expand here, it reinforces our city’s position as a hub for life science innovation,” said Kris Khalil, Executive Director for NOBIC. “This expansion means more specialized jobs, more clinical impact and more reasons for top talent to call New Orleans home.”

As a Tulane University spinout, Informuta builds on the university’s legacy of translating groundbreaking research into real-world solutions. Tulane’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship has helped create an environment where discoveries like Informuta’s can evolve into companies with global health impact.

“Informuta’s success shows what can be achieved when a wide network of partners champion startups stemming from academic research,” said Kimberly Gramm, David and Marion Mussafer Chief Innovation and Entrepreneurship Officer at the Tulane Innovation Institute. “This lab marks a milestone for the company and a win for New Orleans, retaining exceptional talent while strengthening our region’s role in advancing biomedical science.”

The opening of Informuta’s new lab marks the next chapter in the city’s growing life sciences story – one built on collaboration between research, healthcare and investment communities. By anchoring its clinical operations in New Orleans, Informuta is helping to create high-value jobs, attract top-tier talent and position the region as a leader in biotech innovation.

For more information on Informuta and their work visit here.

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About Informuta:
Informuta is a biotechnology company on a mission to revolutionize infectious disease detection and enable precision medicine for infections. Leveraging proprietary, AI/ML-powered analytics of next-generation sequencing data, Informuta’s technology predicts bacterial responses to antibiotics and assesses the potential for resistance development over time.Our innovative platform harnesses the power of DNA sequencing to guide more effective treatment decisions, helping clinicians optimize antibiotic use. By improving how existing, market-approved antibiotics are deployed, we aim to combat the global health crisis of antibiotic resistance and ultimately save lives. Learn more at https://informuta.com/.

About New Orleans BioInnovation Center:
The New Orleans BioInnovation Center (“NOBIC”) is a nonprofit business incubator focused on advancing life science entrepreneurship and technology commercialization in Louisiana. The mission of NOBIC is to create a successful biotech ecosystem by providing emerging companies with customized commercialization services, premier facilities, and a comprehensive support network. Through relationships with research institutions, economic development organizations, and industry stakeholders, NOBIC helps its clients de-risk novel technologies, attract funding, and improve global health outcomes. For more information, visit neworleansbio.com.

About Ochsner Health:
Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 46 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. For 14 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has recognized Ochsner as the No. 1 hospital in Louisiana. Additionally, Ochsner Children’s has been recognized as the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana for four consecutive years. Ochsner inspires healthier lives and stronger communities through a combination of standard-setting expertise, quality and digital connectivity not found anywhere else in the region. In 2024, Ochsner Health cared for more than 1.6 million people from every state in the nation and 63 countries. Ochsner’s workforce includes more than 40,000 dedicated team members and over 4,900 employed and affiliated physicians. To learn more about how Ochsner empowers people to get well and stay well, visit www.ochsner.org. 

About Tulane University Innovation Institute:
The Tulane University Innovation Institute is dedicated to assisting Tulane students, faculty, and community innovators in developing their ideas, launching startups, and attracting resources to fuel innovation in the Gulf South and strengthen the area's economy. The institute offers educational webinars, mentorship, pitch competitions, and funding opportunities to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Additionally, the institute focuses on advancing discoveries in the local bio-innovation community and aims to have a global impact by supporting researchers and inventors in navigating the process of developing ideas and bringing new products to market. For more information, please visit innovation.tulane.edu/programs.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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