From Polio to Pandemics: Texas Biomed's 85-Year Health Legacy

SAN ANTONIO, TX – January 14, 2026 – As it marks its 85th anniversary in 2026, the Texas Biomedical Research Institute stands as a testament to sustained scientific endeavor, a quiet powerhouse in San Antonio whose work has reverberated across the globe. From developing life-saving devices for premature infants to conducting pivotal preclinical work for COVID-19 vaccines, the independent institution has evolved from a philanthropist's ambitious dream into a critical component of global health security.

Founded in 1941 by Thomas Baker Slick Jr., Texas Biomed is commemorating its decades of discovery with a series of events, including the opening of a new 18,000-square-foot Animal Health Center. But the celebration is more than a milestone; it’s a moment to reflect on a legacy of innovation that has consistently placed the institute at the forefront of the fight against infectious diseases.

A Visionary's "City of Science"

The story of Texas Biomed begins not in a laboratory, but with the vision of an adventurer, oilman, and philanthropist. Thomas Baker Slick Jr., heir to an Oklahoma oil fortune, was inspired to create a "city of science" in South Texas. In 1941, amidst global turmoil, he established the Foundation of Applied Research with a broad mission to advance agriculture, natural sciences, and medicine. It was a pioneering move to create a privately funded, independent research center at a time when such endeavors were rare.

"My father believed in science's power for good," said Charles (Chuck) Urschel Slick, son of the founder and a member of the Texas Biomed Board of Trustees, in a recent statement. "His vision was to build a center that would foster innovation and challenge scientists to seek revolutionary breakthroughs to advance human health. I believe he would be proud of his legacy today."

That legacy is now a sprawling campus with nearly 500 employees, continuing the work Slick began. His initial investment, born from a conviction in scientific progress, laid the groundwork for an institution that would later narrow its focus to become a world leader in biomedicine, specifically tackling the infectious diseases that threaten humanity.

A History of Life-Saving Breakthroughs

Over eight decades, Texas Biomed's researchers have been instrumental in medical advances that are now part of standard healthcare. In the 1980s, scientists at the institute were central to the development of the high-frequency neonatal ventilator, a device that acts as artificial lungs for premature infants and has saved countless young lives.

The institute’s contributions to virology have been equally profound. Researchers played a key role in developing the globally administered Hepatitis B vaccine, now used in over 116 countries to prevent liver disease and cancer. They were also pivotal in the early research that led to the identification and understanding of what is now known as Hepatitis C, paving the way for eventual cures.

More recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Texas Biomed's unique resources were called upon for urgent, high-stakes research. The institute conducted critical preclinical safety and efficacy studies for several FDA-authorized vaccines and therapies, including the Pfizer-BioNTech and Novavax vaccines, as well as Regeneron's antibody cocktail. This work, particularly within its primate research center, was essential for accelerating the therapies' path to human clinical trials and public use.

The Arsenal for Future Pandemics

Today, Texas Biomed is strategically positioned as a frontline defense against future health crises. Its unique combination of advanced infrastructure and scientific expertise makes it one of the few places in the world equipped to handle the most dangerous pathogens.

"Texas Biomed is a world leader in advancing global health and combating infectious diseases through scientific innovation," stated Dr. Larry Schlesinger, President and CEO of the institute. He highlighted the "unique combination of high-containment laboratory space and one of only seven federally funded National Primate Research Centers," which gives researchers unparalleled resources.

The campus houses the nation's only privately owned Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) laboratory. This maximum-containment facility allows scientists to safely study deadly pathogens like Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa virus, for which no cures exist. This capability is crucial for developing countermeasures before an outbreak becomes a pandemic.

Complementing the BSL-4 lab is the Southwest National Primate Research Center (SNPRC), home to nearly 2,500 nonhuman primates, including the world's largest baboon colony dedicated to biomedical research. These animal models are indispensable for understanding complex human diseases and testing the safety and efficacy of new vaccines and drugs for illnesses such as HIV, tuberculosis, and emerging viruses.

With a 10-year strategic plan to become the "MD Anderson for infectious diseases," the institute is aggressively expanding. It aims to double its scientific faculty and is investing heavily in campus modernization, with a planned $350 million in infrastructure projects by 2028. This expansion is designed to bolster its research capacity and accelerate the translation of discoveries from the lab to the patient.

A Pillar of San Antonio and the Scientific Community

While its impact is global, Texas Biomed is deeply rooted in the San Antonio community. As a major employer and economic driver, it also plays a vital role in education. The institute partners with 17 local school districts, reaching over 10,000 students annually through STEM outreach programs designed to inspire the next generation of scientists.

As it looks back on 85 years, Texas Biomed is also looking forward. The anniversary will be marked by the opening of the new Animal Health Center and a fireside chat series highlighting its history and research. These events celebrate a legacy of bold discovery while underscoring the institute's ongoing and urgent mission to protect human health from infectious threats, both known and unknown.