Apimeds Expands ai² Future Labs Program to Include University of San Diego Students in Biotech Business Development
Apimeds Pharmaceuticals US, Inc. (NYSE:APUS) ("Apimeds") today announced the expansion of its ai² Future Labs program by engaging graduate students from the University of San Diego's Knauss School of Business. The initiative is designed to identify promising pharmaceutical assets critical to improving human health while cultivating the next generation of business leaders for the biopharmaceutical industry.
Future Labs is part of Apimeds' ai² innovation platform, connecting university students with real-world strategy and business development projects. Through this collaboration, student teams will work closely with Apimeds mentors to identify and evaluate opportunities to advance development projects previously left behind by industry.
"We're thrilled to welcome University of San Diego students into the Future Labs program," said Erik Emerson, CEO of Apimeds. "USD represents exactly the type of forward-thinking institution we want to partner with—where students are encouraged to bring fresh perspectives to complex problems. Drug development is challenging, and many therapies with true potential never reach patients. Future Labs is meant to function as both a discovery engine for assets and a training ground for tomorrow's leaders."
Students will gain hands-on experience in market analysis, FDA regulations, clinical development requirements, competitive positioning, intellectual property, and commercialization planning—skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Top-performing teams at each participating institution will be eligible for paid internships or consulting opportunities with Apimeds, creating a direct pathway into the industry.
"As a recent graduate of the University of San Diego, I see Future Labs as an incredible way to take what we've learned in the classroom and apply it directly to the challenges of the biopharma industry," said Coben Emerson, Manager, FP&A, Apimeds. "By working hands-on with asset evaluation and strategy, students not only contribute to Apimeds' pipeline exploration but also gain the kind of practical, career-ready experience that sets us apart as we enter the workforce."
"Our students will gain invaluable exposure to the business side of the life sciences industry," said Jaime Alonso Gomez, PhD, professor of strategy, international management and family business at the Knauss School of Business. "Partnering with Apimeds allows us to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience—where academic rigor meets real-world biopharma decision-making."
The initiative underscores Apimeds' commitment to fostering innovation, building meaningful industry–academic collaborations, and shaping the next generation of biotech leaders.
About Apimeds Pharmaceuticals
Apimeds Pharmaceuticals (NYSE:APUS) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing non-opioid, biologic-based therapies for pain management. The company's lead product candidate, Apitox, is in late-stage clinical development for osteoarthritis of the knee. For more information visit www.apimedsus.com. Information on the Apimeds' website does not constitute a part of and is not incorporated by reference into this press release.
About the Knauss School of Business, University of San Diego
The Knauss School of Business at the University of San Diego is committed to developing socially responsible leaders with a global mindset through values-based education and innovative research. Together, we work to advance sustainable and ethical business solutions that address the world's greatest challenges.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan" and "will" are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. These statements relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made, and Apimeds undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that the actual results anticipated by Apimeds will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to or effects on the company or its business or operations. Readers are cautioned that certain important factors may affect Apimeds' actual results and could cause such results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements that may be made in this press release. Factors that may affect Apimeds' results include, but are not limited to, the ability of Apimeds to raise additional capital to finance its operations (whether through public or private equity offerings, debt financings, strategic collaborations or otherwise); risks relating to Apimeds' ability to advance its product candidate and successfully complete clinical trials; risks relating to its ability to hire and retain qualified personnel; and the additional risk factors described in Apimeds' filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 as filed with the SEC on April 15, 2025 (as amended on May 2, 2025).
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Media Contact:
Brian Peters
Apimeds Pharmaceuticals
919-602-6557