While concurring that Cambridge and Boston still capture the lion's share of biotech activity, Richards Barry Joyce & Partners principal Jon Varholak says "The suburbs are increasingly attracting more life sciences firms, due in part to space crunches in Cambridge and Boston and a comparably lower lease cost." Varholak and RBJ president Robert Richards brokered the lease for the tenant. Nine Fourth Ave. is owned by JF White Contracting Co.

A similar deal involving RBJ has also just been consummated, with Resolvyx Pharmaceuticals taking nearly 10,000 sf at 6-8 Preston Ct. in Bedford. The company is exploring therapies related to "inflammation resolution" via activation of the body's "off-switch mechanisms." Varholak and RBJ colleague Chris McCauley were agents for Resolvyx, whose new landlord is Alexandria Real Estate Equities.