Biotech manufacturer of pills and tablets opens R&D hub in Spartanburg

A company that specializes in custom supplement and private labeling of capsules, tablets, powders, gummies and other delivery mechanisms is setting up shop in the Spark Center in Duncan.

A soft opening for Xoted Biotechnology Labs was held May 8 in an event conducted by DRC Ventures, a global player in biotech, nutraceutical and environmental innovation, and its holding company, TRB Holdings.

In a news release they called it a lab that will be “focused on groundbreaking biotechnology practices and sustainable product development, including plant-based detoxification, seed research, oil refinement and next-gen textile and cleanroom applications.”

Xoted Biotechnology Labs is under development as a cutting-edge research and development center in partnership with the state of South Carolina, Spartanburg County, Spartanburg Community College and OneSpartanburg Inc., the news release said.

The lab is positioned to serve as a global STEM education hub, with plans to engage in advanced scientific research and educational outreach, the release stated.

“South Carolina shares our values of integrity, innovation, and clean living,” Christina Rahm, chief science officer and founder of DRC Ventures, said in the release. “It’s the ideal place to build a future-focused, clean manufacturing facility that puts science, sustainability and people first”

The R&D center will initially be housed in Spartanburg Community College’s Spark Center while a brick-and-mortar facility is being constructed. The company did not say how much would be invested in the project or how many jobs are expected.

“The launch of Xoted Biotechnology Labs marks a significant milestone in the continued advancement of innovation at Spartanburg Community College, in close concert with our extraordinary Spark Center,” Michael Mikota, president of Spartanburg Community College, said in the release. “I am honored to partner with Dr. Christina Rahm in establishing a groundbreaking model of collaboration that will shape the future of scientific research partnerships, curriculum innovation, and educational outreach that will yield a meaningful global impact. This forward-thinking investment in both technology and workforce development positions Spartanburg — and the state of South Carolina — for a new era of economic diversification and prosperity. With additional high-value patents in the pipeline, the initiative represents not just a first step, but a transformative leap forward for the proud Chasers of SCC, our partners and the people of South Carolina.”

Manufacturing will be rolled out in four phases, the release said. During the development of Phase 2, TRB Holdings will begin identifying additional sites. The company plans to expand throughout South Carolina as it grows.

“The research and development hub and the sheer volume of proprietary manufacturing processes Xoted is bringing to Spartanburg County is a win for the entire state of South Carolina,” said Spartanburg County Councilman David Britt, who leads the council’s Economic Development Committee. “In the last 30 years, our economy has grown more and more thanks to highly skilled STEM jobs. Biotechnology has been called the next frontier, and we are glad to partner with a company that is at the forefront of this space.”

With nearly 90 countries served, seven U.S. patents, 11 patents pending, 78 patents to be filed, and more than 200 trademarked manufacturing processes, DRC Ventures is reshaping the future of sustainable science across sectors including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, skincare, animal health, environmental solutions, and gas, oil and energy innovation, the release stated.

These patents, which the company says are valued at more than $1 billion, focus on innovative technologies for detoxification, health and environmental remediation. They include a material that selectively blocks harmful substances like radiation and toxins while allowing beneficial molecules through; water-soluble clinoptilolite for detox and environmental cleanup; and compositions for improving sleep disorders and accelerating alcohol metabolism and reducing hangover effects. These advancements offer significant potential across various industries.

Through TRB Holdings, DRC Ventures will own and operate manufacturing and R&D facilities across South Carolina, Nevada and Tennessee — solidifying its position as a leader in the production of over 29 brands, including the globally distributed ROOT Brands, the release said.

“This is an exciting time for TRB Holdings,” Bill Biggs, president of the holding company, said in the release. “With facilities in three states, we are building a firm foundation in the biotechnology space — one that will support our growth for years to come.”

With the acquisition of its flagship U.S.-based, GNP-certified manufacturing facility Strata Biotech in Nevada, the TRB Holdings ecosystem also includes Research Science Labs, a textile-based clean room in Nashville, Tenn., which produces the sustainable fashion line Merci Dupre Clothiers.

Strata Biotech is an FDA-certified facility registered with the Department of Defense, producing capsules, tablets, skincare and animal wellness products. The facility boasts a 98.7 Good Manufacturing Practices score and is expanding production to include baby food, gummies, stick packs and innovative delivery mechanisms.

These facilities collectively allow for expanded capacity, diverse product development, and global scalability.

“This is about unifying global science and education to create sustainable solutions for the planet, pets and people,” Rahm said in the release. “We are connected to everything around us — from a leaf on a tree to the genetic code within ourselves. That belief is driving our innovation.”

Founded in 2023 by Rahm, DRC (Deeply Rooted Causes) Ventures creates sustainable solutions intended to challenge the status quo both scientifically and artistically. That means creating products that support the health of people, animals, and the earth, with environmental attention also paid to land, air and water conservation. The organization’s vision is to be a leader in the scientific and consumer goods industries, driving positive change and making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

DRC Ventures consists of partnerships with multiple companies and brands in various sectors, ranging from wellness, nutraceuticals, beauty and fashion to research and philanthropy.

Xoted Biotech Labs is dedicated to innovation with patents and trademarks focused on detoxification using plants, seeds and delivery mechanisms in pharmaceutical and biologics

The Spark Center was established in June 2006 to ignite economic growth in Upstate South Carolina and to serve as a catalyst for business and entrepreneurial development. Since inception, the Spark Center SC has assisted more than 150 companies with more than 125,000 jobs created and generated over $4.1 billion in economic output throughout the state, the release stated.