Rosalind Franklin University (RFU) has officially welcomed the new Northern Illinois Laboratory for Tolmar, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, at its Innovation and Research Park (IRP) in North Chicago, Illinois. Announced on December 16, 2025, this facility significantly enhances Tolmar’s ability to develop and commercialize pharmaceutical products while enriching RFU’s ecosystem for industry innovation.
Founded in 2007, Tolmar is globally recognized for its advanced capabilities in long-acting injectable drug delivery. The company specializes in developing and manufacturing injectable medications in key therapeutic areas such as urology, oncology, and endocrinology. Among its notable products is a treatment for advanced prostate cancer, which is currently marketed in 89 countries worldwide.
The new research facility at RFU will complement Tolmar’s operational team based in Colorado, which includes experienced researchers and engineers. This expansion not only increases Tolmar’s development capabilities but also solidifies its regional presence, which includes executive offices and sales personnel located in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.
Dr. Dave Loffredo, vice president of innovation at Tolmar, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion. “We are excited to expand our development capability, now covering both Colorado and Illinois,” he stated. “After an exhaustive search, we found a great home at Rosalind Franklin’s IRP. Our scientists are eager to be part of this dynamic research environment and hope to grow our presence at IRP.”
Collaboration and Innovation at RFU
Dr. Stace Porter, senior vice president of development operations for Tolmar, sees substantial potential in the new lab located within RFU’s Research Park. “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,” Dr. Porter noted. “Surrounded by Lake County’s vibrant network of global life science companies, we’re excited to grow and innovate here.”
The IRP spans 100,000 square feet and is home to six RFU research centers, including the Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology, and Infection. Dr. Joseph DiMario, RFU’s Executive Vice President for Research, conveyed the university’s excitement about welcoming Tolmar. “We look forward to collaborations that can help accelerate new product development,” Dr. DiMario stated. “The IRP provides an environment that fosters the kind of intellectual biomedical ‘collisions’ that drive meaningful innovation.”
About Tolmar and Rosalind Franklin University
Tolmar is a fully integrated specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of specialty pharmaceuticals across multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology, urology, and endocrinology. Its product development and manufacturing facilities are based in Northern Colorado, while its executive offices and commercial headquarters are situated in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake, Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose work was pivotal in uncovering the structure of DNA. RFU is recognized for its research in various fields, including neuroscience, inherited disorders, and diabetes, and comprises several colleges and schools dedicated to advancing medical education and research. For more information about Tolmar, visit their website at www.tolmar.com, and for details about RFU, visit rosalindfranklin.edu.
