Old Dominion University

Research partnerships with Old Dominion University (ODU) have nurtured two successful biomedicine companies: ReAlta and Pulse Biosciences. Founded in 2018, ReAlta Life Sciences emerged following a decade of National Institutes of Healthfunded research by faculty at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), now part of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. Their studies of the human complement system and inflammatory pathways resulted in the development of a novel peptide inhibitor, forming the foundation of ReAlta’s intellectual property.

Researchers in ODU’s Center for Bioelectrics and at EVMS conducted National Science Foundation-funded research on the use of electric pulses to kill cancer cells. That work led to the commercialization, through licensing, of its nanosecond pulse field ablation (nsPFA) technology to Pulse Biosciences.

The research conducted at ODU contributed to regional and national economic growth. ReAlta is headquartered in Norfolk, VA, employs nearly 20 full-time employees, and has raised $90 million in funding. Pulse Biosciences has grown its market capitalization to $1.5 billion as of 2025.

Old Dominion University plays a pivotal role in Virginia’s economy. Following its 2024 integration of Eastern Virginia Medical School to form Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, the institution contributes $3.8 billion annually in GDP. The medical school generates an estimated 4,900 additional jobs through its ripple effect on the local economy.