C2N Diagnostics to expand in St. Louis, investing millions of dollars and preparing for significant hiring

C2N Diagnostics, LLC (C2N), a leader in advanced brain health diagnostics, announced today that it will expand in St. Louis, investing millions of dollars and preparing for significant hiring. The company's expansion includes the relocation of its headquarters, tripling the size of its operations, as it meets the global need for answers to Alzheimer's disease.

"The ongoing success of C2N Diagnostics in St. Louis is proof that Missouri is leading the way in groundbreaking medical research," said Governor Mike Kehoe. "Their partnership with Washington University demonstrates the powerful impact of science and entrepreneurship happening right here in Missouri."

C2N will relocate its headquarters and expand its federally regulated CAP accredited-CLIA certified lab operation to 4140 Forest Park Avenue at Catalyst, Powered by WashU, in the Cortex Innovation District in Midtown. Washington University is redeveloping the former Goodwill Industries International site. C2N's new lab at Catalyst will leverage the latest advancements in bioautomation and high-resolution, high-throughput proteomic testing. Altogether, C2N will occupy 82,451 new square feet at the new site, filling the first three floors. C2N expects to begin the move in late 2026.

"This news is a testament to the enthusiastic backing we've received in St. Louis, the extremely talented team members we employ, and the health care professionals who've embraced our technology and premium quality testing services," said Dr. Joel Braunstein, CEO of C2N. "We're especially excited to be growing in the Cortex Innovation District, where we started and where we feel we exemplify its passion for providing the resources needed to shape the future."

C2N is best known for commercializing the first clinical blood test for Alzheimer's disease and more recently for its highly accurate PrecivityAD2™ blood test, which helps health care professionals in the detection of amyloid plaques in the brain. Amyloid plaques are a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and inform medical management and treatment decisions.

"C2N's breakthroughs demonstrate how cutting-edge science fuels economic development," said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. "This company's decision to relocate and expand its headquarters in St. Louis is helping Missourians prosper by bringing new solutions to patients while boosting our state's global competitiveness."

In addition to the new headquarters, C2N will maintain its existing lab facility and turn it into a center dedicated to providing cutting-edge multi-omic solutions and advanced analytical platforms. The center will help drive innovation across its biopharmaceutical research services, medtech business units, and international collaborative research initiatives.

C2N Diagnostics will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. The company may also receive assistance from Missouri One Start, a division of the Department of Economic Development. Missouri One Start assists eligible businesses with their recruitment and training needs.

What others are saying

"C2N's expansion in St. Louis is yet another example of our region's strength in neuroscience research," said Dustin Allison, Interim CEO, Greater St. Louis, Inc. "C2N's investment here is not only deeply important to human health, but also to our region's economic development. C2N's announcement is clear evidence that growth and innovation are valued in this region, and that our community will work in intentional, collaborative ways with business partners looking for a welcoming place to grow their enterprise."

"When WashU acquired the former Goodwill building in the Cortex Innovation District, we saw more than a property - we saw potential," said Doug Frantz, Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Commercialization at WashU. "With Catalyst, that potential becomes reality. We are so pleased to welcome C2N as our anchor tenant. Catalyst will lower the barrier for late-stage start-ups such as C2N to find the space, resources, and community that will accelerate their breakthroughs to market. It's a full-circle moment, as C2N was co-founded by WashU researchers with the underlying technology spun out of the university. We are proud to have played a part in helping the company's global scale here in St. Louis."

"With WashU's steadfast commitment to Cortex since our founding, Catalyst is a powerful example of what our collaboration can achieve to position Cortex as a premier destination for pioneering biotech and life sciences companies," said Sam Fiorello, President & CEO, Cortex. "By providing state-of-the-art space for C2N Diagnostics and other mid- and late-stage startups, Catalyst ensures that groundbreaking research doesn't leave our region, but instead grows here, creates jobs here, and changes lives from right here in St. Louis."

"Keeping this company in St. Louis was a big priority for SLDC," said Otis Williams, Interim CEO and President of the St. Louis Development Corporation. "This investment continues the potential we saw years ago in the Cortex Innovation District."

About C2N Diagnostics, LLC

C2N is a specialty diagnostics company with a vision to bring Clarity Through Innovation®. C2N strives to provide exceptional clinical laboratory services and advanced diagnostic solutions in the field of brain health.

C2N's high-resolution mass spectrometry-based biomarker services and products are used for: clinical decision-making to improve patient care, including diagnosis and treatment monitoring; maximizing the quality and efficiency of clinical trials that test novel treatments for neurodegeneration; and providing innovative tools to help healthcare researchers better understand novel mechanisms of disease, identify new treatment targets, and conduct important epidemiologic studies to improve global public health.

To learn more about C2N Diagnostics, visit c2n.com.

About the Missouri Department of Economic Development

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri's businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.

For the latest updates on DED's current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED's website.

About the Missouri Works Program

As the state's number one incentive tool for expansion and retention, the Missouri Works Program helps businesses access capital through withholdings or tax credits to embark on facility expansions and create jobs. This program can also help businesses purchase equipment to maintain its facility in Missouri.

About Missouri One Start

Missouri One Start is the state's premier workforce recruitment and training division. It helps eligible businesses of all sizes stay competitive by providing customized recruitment assistance, along with resources to train and upskill new and existing employees. Its recruitment strategies and training programs are tailored to the specific workforce needs of the businesses it serves.