American made: Biotech firm, fed up with foreign foes, launches manufacturing incubator

Tampa biotech SynDaver made a name for itself as a pioneer in manufacturing synthetic but extremely lifelike human and animal bodies, including dogs and pigs, used in medical and veterinary schools. Last year, it expanded into the secondary school market, introducing SynFrog, an artificial frog that can be dissected in biology classes but then reused, saving school districts money and putting squeamish students at ease. 

More recently, the company, led by founder and CEO Dr. Christopher Sakezles, acquired a 3D printing business and used it to establish a subsidiary, SynDaver West, headquartered in Loveland, Colo. And in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the firm repurposed its manufacturing capabilities to produce highly sought-after respirator masks.