RBL LLC Appoints Devyn Smith to Board of Directors, Boosting Biotech Innovation in Houston

RBL LLC Welcomes Devyn Smith to Its Board of Directors

On April 22, 2025, RBL LLC, a biotech venture creation studio based in Houston, proudly announced the appointment of Devyn Smith to its board of directors. This strategic decision reflects RBL's commitment to enhancing its capabilities in developing lifesaving medical technologies inspired by innovative research from Rice University.

A Leader in Biotech
Devyn Smith, who currently serves as the CEO of Arbor Biotechnologies, brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in the biotech field, particularly in regenerative medicine. His background includes extensive work in company formation and commercial strategy, elements that RBL believes are vital for its mission.

Paul Wotton, RBL’s managing partner, expressed his enthusiasm for Smith’s addition, stating, "Securing a leader of Devyn's caliber represents a significant milestone for RBL. His unique blend of scientific credibility and commercial insight is crucial as we aim to create multiple companies simultaneously. Devyn's strategic perspective and connections across the biotech ecosystem will be invaluable in helping us identify promising opportunities."

Vision for the Future
Omid Veiseh, a Rice professor of bioengineering and another managing partner at RBL, highlighted Smith’s impressive achievements. He commented, "Devyn's reputation in the biotechnology industry speaks for itself. His roles at the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine and his success in advancing therapy companies align perfectly with our vision at RBL. His expertise will be critical in transitioning our Rice technologies into clinical-stage enterprises."

Smith himself articulated his reasons for joining RBL, stating, "The biotech landscape is evolving rapidly, with academia playing a central role in company creation. What attracted me to RBL is their bold, patient-centered approach that dismantles barriers between academic innovation and clinical impact. Houston is poised to emerge as a significant biotech hub, and I look forward to capitalizing on this momentum."

A Proven Track Record
Before joining Arbor Biotechnologies in 2021, Smith held key positions, including Chief Operations Officer and Head of Strategy at Sigilon Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech firm. His impressive career spans leadership roles at Pfizer, where he made significant contributions to developing regenerative medicine portfolios handling pain and sensory disorders.

As for his educational background, Smith earned a Doctorate in genetics from Harvard Medical School, where he was prolific in research leading to multiple publications in esteemed journals like Cell and Nature. He also holds a Master's degree in biology from Idaho State University and a Bachelor's in zoology from Brigham Young University.

About RBL LLC
RBL LLC is an innovative biotech venture creation studio located in Houston, tasked with accelerating the progression of advanced medical technologies. By providing strategic guidance, financial support, and access to resources at the Texas Medical Center Helix Park, RBL is dedicated to fostering the next wave of biotech companies. They help entrepreneurs and researchers navigate the complexities of turning scientific advancements into market-ready solutions. For more information, you can visit their official website at rbl-llc.com.

In a rapidly changing biotech environment, RBL LLC's commitment to harnessing groundbreaking science and developing clinical-stage therapies signifies a promising future for healthcare innovation.