Sentio BioSciences Builds Health and Hope in St. Louis
Pharmaceutical company leads innovation in essential medicines from the heart of Missouri
Founded in 2008, Sentio BioSciences, LLC (Sentio) has been steadily reshaping the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing. Within Maryland Heights, Mo., founders Karthik Raghavan and Flavia D’Souza’s company has been making critical medicines for nearly two decades. Beyond that, the company’s story is a symbol of perseverance, constant innovation and community impact led by leaders whose roots in the region run deep.
Living in St. Louis for 30+ years, the city was their first choice when setting out to start a pharmaceutical development and manufacturing company. This decision was strengthened by the attractive low cost of living, access to good local universities, which generates strong talent access, ease of logistical access and a substantial industrial sector.
“There’s a good academic base here to attract talent from various levels, not just higher education levels, but also community college, associate’s degrees and so on,” said Raghavan, CEO of Sentio BioSciences.
Sentio’s founders credit much of their success to the support system embedded in the St. Louis bioscience ecosystem. It’s an environment that continues to foster innovation through partnerships with institutions like University of Missouri – St. Louis, St. Louis Community College, Washington University, Saint Louis University, and nonprofit accelerators such as BioSTL and Cortex.
“If somebody has an idea and wants to move to St. Louis to set up their startup, I think these are some very key ingredients that support the life science and biotech startups,” continued Raghavan. “In addition, there is also a good network of individuals who have experience in this field that entrepreneurs can tap into. There is a great set of folks in the St. Louis area that offer help and can be on advisory boards.”
As proud members of the AAPI community, Raghavan and D’Souza see their work as part of a broader story, one of opportunity and resilience. Being raised in two of the world’s largest democracies, the U.S. and India, they’ve found that there are many opportunities for any new innovator or a person who is committed to making their dreams come true.
“The U.S. has really given a lot of opportunities for us,” noted Flavia D’Souza, Sentio co-founder. “The most important thing is, if you have an idea as an entrepreneur, an entrepreneurial spirit, there is a lot of opportunities out here to keep building and to keep growing.”
Connection with not only the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, but with the region’s support system as a whole has helped Raghavan and D’Souza remain resilient and up to the challenges of running a successful business. Meeting with people at every level, even executives, and accepting input, guidance and advice, has led them to where they are now.
That foundation of community and opportunity has allowed Sentio to achieve what few small biotech companies can claim – taking multiple pharmaceutical products from concept through FDA approval to commercial manufacturing. With only 35 employees, Sentio has taken two drug products to commercial manufacturing in St. Louis, something nearly unheard of. In addition, they have many other essential medicines currently in different stages of development.
“Economic development, domestic manufacturing of essential medicines and workforce. Those three are the most important things for us from an impact point of view,” stated D’Souza.
Along with those three base tenements, a commitment to lifelong learning is also crucial to D’Souza and Raghavan. They are not only dedicated to learning something new every day, but also instilling that principle into their employees. Sentio BioSciences is able to face each new challenge thrown its way by its workers’ love for education and problem solving. They are always trying to see what the best approach may be and taking challenges head on.
Their work isn’t just improving healthcare access; it’s creating opportunity. Sentio’s expansion into essential hospital medicines is not only helping meet national needs but also uplifting the local workforce. By offering science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and advanced manufacturing careers to individuals from diverse backgrounds, the company is helping people upskill and grow in one of the most critical industries in the world.
Sentio BioSciences stands as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those from underrepresented communities, proving that persistence, smart planning and a commitment to meaningful work can break barriers. As the U.S. seeks to strengthen domestic drug manufacturing and improve access to essential medicines, Sentio’s story is more relevant than ever. Their journey, built on resilience, innovation and community partnership, reflects the spirit of AAPI Heritage Month: a celebration of legacy, impact and the pursuit of a healthier future for all.