A subsidiary of Korea-based biotech RNL Bio is expanding into Germantown, Maryland, where it is building a stem-cell research and development and manufacturing facility. The 930-square-metre building will be completed by the end of June, according to Donna Lee, director of business development, who says the company is hiring 50 lab technicians. By 2014, the company expects to double its floor space and hire stem-cell researchers. “There is a need for continuing studies on characteristics of the cells themselves and different disease indications,” Lee says. RNL Biostar and parent company RNL Bio carry out research on therapies based on adult-derived stem cells.