Alafair Biosciences Celebrated as #2 in Fastest-Growing Companies by Longhorn 100

Alafair Biosciences Takes the #2 Spot in Longhorn 100

Alafair Biosciences, Inc., renowned for its cutting-edge advancements in hydrogel technology tailored for medical use, proudly claims the #2 position in the prestigious Longhorn 100 list for 2025. The Longhorn 100 honors the fastest-growing businesses spearheaded by alumni of The University of Texas at Austin. The announcement was made on May 7, 2025, underlining Alafair's remarkable achievements in growth, innovation, and its strong ties to the UT community.

Alafair's journey exemplifies an impressive evolution from research to real-world application, with a commitment to improving surgical care through its hydrogel products. Co-founder Sarah Mayes, Ph.D., who completed both her undergraduate and doctoral studies at UT Austin, emphasized the university’s invaluable support in their early stages, mentioning resources like Discovery to Impact and the Austin Technology Incubator. “The University of Texas has been a cornerstone of Alafair's success. We owe much of our growth to the support from these institutions,” Dr. Mayes stated, reflecting on the collaborative spirit that has fueled the company's rise.

The executive team at Alafair consists of several UT alumni who carry the Longhorn legacy into their professional endeavors, continually inspired by the university's ethos of tenacity and innovation. John Joyoprayitno, the President and CEO of Alafair Biosciences, expressed gratitude for the accolade, noting, “It’s incredibly rewarding to be recognized among so many outstanding UT alumni-led companies. Our connection to the university is deep-rooted, and we strive to embody its spirit of innovation and excellence.”

Being ranked #2 in the Longhorn 100, presented by Texas Exes, is not just a mark of prestige but also a recognition of the impactful growth and industry leadership that Alafair embodies. The annual awards celebration took place on May 2, 2025, where the rankings were unveiled.

In the previous year, Alafair experienced phenomenal growth, achieving a 51% increase in revenue, largely driven by sales of their flagship product, the VersaWrap Hydrogel Sheet. The company shipped over 26,000 implants nationwide, firmly establishing its presence in the market and improving patient outcomes through innovative hydrogel solutions.

About Alafair Biosciences

Alafair Biosciences is a privately held medical device company dedicated to revolutionizing surgical care with its proprietary hydrogel technology. Their innovative product range is designed to deliver unparalleled therapeutic value to patients, surgeons, and healthcare facilities alike. Alafair’s mission centers on enhancing soft tissue protection and elevating patient outcomes through its advanced products. With a dispersed network of independent distributors across the United States, Alafair continues to expand its reach and impact in the healthcare sector.

Meet VersaWrap® Hydrogel Sheet

Among its innovative offerings, the VersaWrap Hydrogel Sheet consists of hyaluronic acid and alginate, forming a protective gelatinous encasement. This product is FDA-cleared and serves specific purposes — the VersaWrap Tendon Protector aids in managing and protecting injured tendons, while the VersaWrap Nerve Protector is designed for peripheral nerve injury management where significant nerve tissue loss isn't present. The advancement in technology allows for tissue gliding without excessive tethering, aiming to reduce the necessity for reoperations and improve overall patient recovery experiences.

In conclusion, as Alafair Biosciences celebrates this remarkable milestone, it stands as a testament to the power of innovation, dedication, and strong community ties fostered at The University of Texas at Austin. Alafair’s path forward reflects a commitment to not only continue its growth trajectory but also to reshape the landscape of surgical care through its groundbreaking hydrogel solutions.