The Best Biotech Locations in the South

Welcome to the Future

The South's HOT Biotech Markets Explode onto the Scene

By Kimberly D. Acreback, Nicholas Maxwell & Trisha Ostrowski

BioSouth? How about BioWarm or BioSunshine? BioBargain has a nice ring to it. Thirty years ago we might have even pitched BioBubba. But not anymore. Is the South the next biotech hotbed in the U.S.? Looks like it might be. But BioSouth? Why not? After all, Northern California has Biotech Bay and Southern California has Biotech Beach. In Boston it's Genetown. In parts of the Northeast they call themselves PharmCountry and in the Northwest it's BioForest.

Yes, Boston, New York, San Francisco, San Diego and Seattle are traditional biotech hotbeds. Very costly hotbeds. Truth is, operating in these markets is costing biotech companies more than almost anywhere in the entire country.

As if bottom line woes weren't enough, these markets are of-late facing land shortages and a business climate that's not always friendly to biotech growth. Case in point, an October 22, 2001 San Francisco Chronicle article indicates that a zoning proposal, seeking an 18-month moratorium on "new experimental laboratories" in parts of the city, may discourage much needed labs from cropping up in key areas.

In sharp contrast, cities, counties and states across the South are making the needs of biotech companies top priority. They are transforming themselves into the best possible locations for biotech to thrive.

Local government and economic development groups are busy identifying and executing initiatives to foster biotech success. These include the creation of competitive tax incentives, partnerships with research universities, and programs to facilitate product approvals. To help companies through the difficult product development phase, state-and local-supported biotech incubators are also emerging at record pace.

"We have exported our intellectual capital into the life sciences with the realization that biotech is a major growth industry," said Peter Arnoti, executive director of the Greenwood County Economic Alliance, whose South Carolina community is one of the hottest biotech markets. "We are recognizing that for the South's economy to stay strong, first and second generation jobs must come out of innovation. Out of that comes a greater willingness to do business with biotech companies."

In addition to pouring resources into the life sciences, many communities in the South have also implemented programs to help companies find a steady capital stream until they can gain product approval and generate revenue.

"Venture capitalists are recognizing the value of companies in the South and are focusing on cities in the South for investment," said John Chaffee, executive director of Pitt County Development Commission in North Carolina, whose community has attracted several biotech companies.

With unprecedented growth across so many sectors, it's no surprise that biotech companies would also recognize all that the South can offer. A prime example-- much lower operating costs, so a company can direct its capital into sophisticated product development. Biotech companies are discovering readily available, affordable lab space; along with low-cost, highly reliable utilities.

Companies in search of graduates and postgraduates in the field are also finding the South extremely attractive. The region boasts an under-tapped pool of knowledge-based workers, who are well educated and possess advanced technical skills. World-class research universities across the region are turning out large numbers of graduates in the life sciences.

"The South offers a readily available supply of scientists and researchers. Companies are finding that they have no need to recruit these individuals to a high-cost location, Instead, they are choosing to be near where their workers are coming from in a lower cost environment," said Ken Atkins, executive director of Wake County, North Carolina Economic Development, whose area is also experiencing a biotech boom.

Perhaps one of the most important rewards that biotech companies are realizing is the South's unmatched quality of life, so instrumental in helping them attract and retain top talent.

As Atkins explained, "Biotech firms are discovering that a southern location gives them the ability to move people to a very nice place to live with a warm climate and an affordable cost of housing. Cultural amenities popping up in southern cities are also attracting people from all over the world, making the South increasingly cosmopolitan."

Biotech may very well be the key to America's technological future, developing products for countless unmet medical, environmental and agricultural needs. Advancements such as the sequencing of the human genome provide a foundation that will support decades of research and discovery. The current count of 1,283 biotech companies in the U.S., according to the Biotechnology Industry Organization, is projected to increase exponentially in coming years.

As the industry prepares for unprecedented dramatic growth, the South's hot markets stand ready with strategic initiatives and unparalleled advantages for biotech success.

The following profiles are of markets in the South that have prepared and positioned themselves to attract expanding companies in the life sciences. We have chosen these markets based on their existing biotech cluster, infrastructure put into place that would benefit companies in the life sciences, suitable labor for the life sciences, proximity to research facilities, including universities and the level of understanding and desire by community leaders to attract companies in the life sciences.

Unlike most industries, the life sciences bring many different sectors to the table. We have simplified these sectors and defined them as endeavors in human, animal, plant and environmental biotechnology. In terms of industry and development types, those are as numerous as the sectors themselves, There's manufacturing, research & development and a myriad of types of industry in the life sciences.

Different markets in the South bring different biotech site location items to the table, too. For example, Arkansas' biotechnology efforts are centered very much in the plant sector. Maryland's are focused on almost all sectors, but specialize in the human. That being the case, we have tried to identify markets that are involved in all facets of biotechnology.

Certainly, these are not the only markets in the South that can accommodate your life sciences deal. But our research has shown that the following markets have, for years (not months) planned, developed and initiated programs designed to attract companies in the life sciences.

Biotechnology has its own language, as you know. You are fluent in that language if you are running a company in this sector. The leaders of the markets profiled here know that language as well. Surprised? Don't be. These are, after all, the South's best locations for biotech.

ALABAMA

Birmingham, Alabama

Sixty years ago, Southern Research Institute (SRI) was created in Birmingham to recruit the best and brightest scientific minds, and to create new products and technologies to foster new industry for the state. Since that time, the institute has made significant contributions to drug discovery and development, energy and environmental research, chemical and biological defense, and engineering research. Five of the FDA approved cancer-fighting drugs currently on the market were tested at SRI.

In 1969, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), the extension medical campus of the University of Alabama, declared its independence and eventually became the driver behind Birmingham's growing biotechnology industry. UAB's research funding has doubled every decade since 1969, standing at $311 million today. The university is currently planning an Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences Research Building. In fact, the Alabama legislature recently approved $25 million (of the $90 million needed) in bonds for this new biomedical research building. It is expected to house more than 1,000 employees, most of which will be highly educated scientists.

By housing researchers from various departments together in one setting, UAB believes it can accelerate the pace of discovery in tackling disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Type 1 diabetes and chronic hepatitis, all of which have their basis in immune system dysfunction.

UAB's Office for the Advancement of Developing Industries (OADI) is home to a number of biomedical companies. At OADI, technology-oriented entrepreneurs exist in an environment designed to improve a start-up company's chances for success, with low-cost office and laboratory space, professional and support services, and access to UAB resources. OADI has graduated 37 companies and currently houses 24 more.

In September 2001, the Southeastern BIO Investor Forum was held in Birmingham. This meeting is the region's preeminent event for high-growth, life-sciences companies and investors, bringing together leading biotechnology executives, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, investment bankers and other professionals.

For more information, visit Birmingham's website at www.bioalabama.com

ARKANSAS

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Fayetteville is home to the University of Arkansas (UA), which has been a vital part of higher education in the state for more than 125 years. The University contributes to the economic welfare of the community by providing research resources and supplying a plethora of highly-educated workers to the local labor force.

UA also has bragging rights to the GENESIS Program, a business incubator intended to cultivate and nurture small companies in highly-technical disciplines until they can survive on their own in a competitive environment. With seed money from the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority (ASTA), GENESIS coordinates with organizations such as the Arkansas Department of Economic Development, the Arkansas Capital Corporation, and the Small Business Innovative Research Program. It provides its clients with modern office facilities in the UA Engineering Research Center and the BioMass Research Center, as well as access to 40 specialized research labs, university libraries, computers, and expert advice.

In addition to its first-rate educational system, Fayetteville is the site of the first high-tech "FiberPark" in Arkansas. Installation of the $610,000 fiber optics "hub" was completed at the Research and High-Technology Park, which now provides its tenants with essential high-speed, high-capacity communications links.

Fayetteville offers an impressive quality of life, diverse cultural activities, and a flourishing industrial base. The city has experienced remarkable growth over the past six years and is prepared for continued development.

Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Approximately 1,500 acres of unused Pine Bluff Arsenal land has recently been transferred to the Economic Development Alliance of Jefferson County for use as a Bioplex. The property borders the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) on both sides.

The NCTR studies toxins to determine their effect on the human body and trains scientists in the fields of genetics, biochemistry and toxicology. It is FDA's primary risk assessment center. Several programs offer recent postgraduate and doctoral students the possibility for independent or collaborative research.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is the cornerstone for the state's medical biotechnology research. The current UAMS research base is over $70 million per year. In 1994, UAMS formed the Biomedical Biotechnology Center (BBC). The BBC encourages technology transfer and the creation of new biotech companies by providing technical assistance in management, research and finance. Research at UAMS has led to 219 total invention disclosures, 166 patent applications, 53 patents issued, 15 patents allowed and 28 commercial license agreements. The patent portfolio at UAMS grows at the rate of about 25 new patents per year and provides unique opportunities for licensing and in-state commercial development.

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is contributing to the growth of biotechnology in the area by offering degree programs in biotechnology, regulatory sciences, and aquaculture and fisheries. Agri-medicine and Bio-agriculture are two exciting areas of biotechnology research and development being pursued jointly by UAMS and the University of Arkansas.

Supported by four national laboratories, a business incubator, several well-established biotech companies and a network of university resources, Pine Bluff is in the midst of establishing a solid foundation in the biotech industry. Located in a major agricultural state and close to nationally ranked medical facilities, Pine Bluff is a natural fit for biotechnology.

Little Rock, Arkansas

Arkansas' capital and largest city, Little Rock, is a metropolitan area of more than one million people. One of the founding members in the Biotechnology Cities Coalition, a joint effort of Arkansas cities with close affiliations to the state's major research institutions, it's also home to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) as well as being the center for healthcare research in Arkansas.

UAMS facilities include the Biomedical Biotechnology Center, a clearinghouse for biotechnology resources with a new business incubator program to foster a cluster of biotechnology-based start-up companies. Coupled with Little Rock's entrepreneurial environment, this center has spawned companies that are developing ovarian and breast cancer diagnostics, osteoporosis therapeutics, blood vessel viewing technology, orthopedic surgical novelties, and peanut allergen diagnostics and therapeutics.

Meanwhile, business, education, research and government are working together to foster an environment in which biotechnology can prosper. For example, state income tax credits of up to 30 percent are available for biotechnology companies engaged in qualified research. And new legislation has been enacted to provide incentives specifically for the investment of venture capital into biotechnology companies.
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Stuttgart, Arkansas

Proud of its reputation as Rice Capital of the World, Stuttgart Arkansas' active agricultural economy is founded on the rice farming industry that began in the early 1900s. Located less than an hour away from Little Rock, Stuttgart produces over 120,000 acres of rice, the number one food staple for a majority of the world's population. Since 1921, Stuttgart has also been home to Riceland Foods, Inc., the world's largest processor of rice and one of the top 10 grain companies in the country.

Over time, Stuttgart's agricultural economy has matured and the city has become a hotspot for research with not one, but several acclaimed research facilities including: Rice Germplast Evaluation and Enhancement Center, Rice Research and Extension Center, Hartz Cotton Research Center, Riceland Research and Technical Center, and the Stuttgart National Agricultural Center. The Dale Bumpers' National Rice Research Center alone is an $11.2 million state-of-the-art laboratory containing offices, research labs, seed storage and greenhouse space. With a focus on improving genetics, the center provides lab space to rice research groups from the University of Arkansas, as well as to visiting scientists who often make their way to Stuttgart to exchange ideas in the field of rice germplasm research.

Stuttgart's infrastructure is primed for continued growth. Situated at the intersection of three major highways, the city has easy access to major metropolitan areas. It also offers a 60-acre commercial business park and has 260 acres available for industrial use at its municipal airport. Phillips Community College supports Stuttgart's work force, with a Technology Division that provides customized training for the local rice and agricultural industry.

FLORIDA

Tampa Bay, Florida

Tampa Bay is the gateway to Florida's high-tech corridor. The 190 biomedical companies along the corridor fall into one of five categories: pharmaceutical, medical devices and equipment, medical waste services, wholesale medical equipment, medical laboratory and research. These companies, 87 percent of which are located in Tampa Bay, employ more than 10,000 individuals and take in over $1.3 billion annually. Some of Tampa's high profile "anchor companies" supporting pharmaceutical and medical products include Baxter Healthcare, Critikon, and Smith & Nephew.

Tampa Bay and the Florida high-tech corridor boast an unusual concentration of younger, retired executives with experience in starting biomedical/medical companies. These individuals provide mentoring, as well as commercial and management knowledge to start-up ventures.

The University of South Florida (USF), based in Tampa Bay, offers significant support to the region. The USF College of Medicine provides the capacity to conduct clinical trials and other medical testing procedures. The Tampa Bay region also has several research hospitals. More than half of those attending college in Tampa Bay continue to live and work in the area after graduation, adding more than 10,000 highly educated workers each year. The college population provides a potential pool of over 110,000 skilled part-time workers.

Regional education includes vocational schools, community colleges and junior colleges that offer training in medical-related fields. In addition, an average of 30,000 new workers are added to the labor force each year through migration from other areas.
Guinness Book of World Records credits Tampa Bay with the longest run of consecutive sunny days in the USA, and biotech companies are sure to experience an equally bright future in this beaming locale.

For more information, visit Tampa Bay's website at www.tampabay.org

Orlando, Florida

Orlando Means Business When it Comes to Biotechnology

Metro Orlando's emerging biotechnology cluster is founded on a well-developed infrastructure that includes state-of-the-art telecommunications, a strong Interstate network system, and a world-class airport.

The University of Florida's top-notch biotech program is only two hours north of Orlando, allowing biotech companies easy access to this major research university. In addition, the University of Central Florida (UCF), with roughly 32,000 students, produces high-quality talent to meet the growing demands of the biotech industry. UCF is developing its own competencies in the biotech/biomedical field. The Center for Discovery of Drugs and Diagnostics is seeking to achieve pre-eminence in molecular medicine, which leads to new drugs and diagnostic procedures. It is also developing a biomedical engineering program that will pioneer rehabilitation design for the elderly and disabled.

The region is best suited to companies who focus on human health sciences due to Florida's strong retirement population. Not surprisingly, Florida has the nation's third largest concentration of medical industry firms. Rapid growth, high value-added manufacturing and a healthy export market characterize the biomedical industry in the state. Part of Orlando's success is linked to the state's numerous research and development hospitals such as The Mayo Clinic.

With regard to plant-related biotechnology, the University of Florida's Mid-Florida Research and Education Center educates up to 200 students in genetic engineering and other agricultural and life sciences. The center conducts cutting edge research in crop disease resistance, biological control and integrated pest management. This research is used to assist the many horticulture and tissue culture companies located in Central Florida.

Furthermore, the community colleges have a two-year biomedical program that produces highly skilled workers with degrees and skills in biomedical equipment engineering, medical laboratory, plastics engineering technology, and computer programming and applications.

Finally, venture capital is growing in Orlando. In 2000, the Central Florida region attracted $363 million in venture funding. The State of Florida has recently designated the medical products/biomedical industry as a "high impact" sector, targeting significant capital purchase, research and development, training and other incentives to bolster this industry.

With a strong customer base, progressive business environment, access to research, a strong labor pool, and mounting funding opportunities, Orlando means business when it comes to biotechnology.

For more information, call 407-422-7159, CIRCLE NO. 190 ON READER SERVICE CARD or visit Orlando's website at www.OrlandoMeansBusiness.com

Broward County, Florida

As the second largest county in Florida, Broward County offers a growing work force and a large financial community to make rapid business expansion easy. The atmosphere is decidedly pro-business and the tax structure is one of the nation's best. The county is also well positioned to serve international markets in Latin America.

Broward County is part of the Florida Atlantic University system, with its newly established Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (CMBB). The techniques used in molecular biology, especially recombinant DNA technology, are the basis for most of the ground-breaking work going on in the field of biology. The future of medicine will certainly emphasize molecular medicine.

High-tech, up-to-date services are the norm, not the exception. For example, Broward is home to the renowned Cleveland Clinic, offering its specialized services to patients from around the globe.

The Broward Community College Center for Business and Industry and the Broward County School System provide a network of education and training programs tailored for area employers.

Undoubtedly, Broward County has also benefited from the BioFlorida Initiative. BioFlorida is an alliance that stresses four themes: training and education, financial resources, information exchange, and legislative action.

The Broward Alliance Information Network (BRAIN) is the county's official economic and community development agency with resources available to help with business expansion and relocation. The Alliance has information about office and industrial space and can explain local incentive plans such as fast track permitting and tax abatements.

Gainesville, Florida

Even in a state with a dedicated venture capital program that since 1999 has provided more than $50 million in financing to biomedical companies, Gainesville stands out.

One reason- it's home to the University of Florida (UF). The tenth largest research institution in the U.S. and the largest in the Southeast, UF's scientific expertise and technical innovation have led to products such as Gatorade, Bioglass, and Trusopt (a glaucoma drug marketed by Merck).

Gainesville is also home to the Enterprise North Florida Corporation-- one of Florida's three Innovation Commercialization Centers that provide a full range of intensive business-assistance services to emerging technology companies.

In addition, Gainesville provides companies with technology transfer resources such as the Sid Martin Biotechnology Development Institute. A UF affiliate, the institute offers biotech startups state-of-the-art laboratory space, entrepreneurial suites and valuable laboratory equipment. Meanwhile, the Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research makes available leading-edge scientific tools for all aspects of DNA and protein chemistry research.

In an environment like this, it's easy to see why a number of health technology companies including Ixion Biotechnology Inc., Exactech Inc., and Regeneration Technologies Inc. are finding success. In turn, their ability to take advantage of a premier research university, highly skilled labor and commercialization assistance has put Gainesville on the map as a prime location for biotech.

GEORGIA

Atlanta, Georgia

Positioning Itself as a Center for Biotech Innovations

To describe the life sciences industry in metro Atlanta, picture a mitochondrion, small and powerful. At last count, 170 such facilities employed nearly 9,500 Atlantans in life sciences including pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, medical devices, and physical and biological research.

Some of the nation's top research facilities are located in the Atlanta region, and more are on their way. Atlanta is home to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Cancer Society. The CDC operates a Technology Transfer Office, which joins federal scientists with industry investigators. The collaboration allows them to leverage R&D efforts in order to patent discoveries and eventually obtain licenses.

At least six nearby universities including Emory and the University of Georgia are centers for life science research in areas such as immunology, cancer, AIDS, vaccine development and the neurosciences. Georgia Tech and Emory offer joint degree programs in the field of biotechnology.

Investments from the Georgia Research Alliance (GRA) have enabled the creation of many leading biotech research centers and institutes in the state. Following the GRA's lead, the Chamber of Commerce recently announced the formation of the Metro Atlanta Biotech Task Force. Chamber President Sam Williams said, "The goal of the task force is to make recommendations that will position Atlanta as a center for biotech innovations." The task force is made up of leaders from the business community, academia, public health organizations and research.

A few leading companies in the region include CryoLife, a developer of implantable living human tissue for use in cardiovascular and orthopedic surgeries; CytRx Corp. (pronounced Scitrex), which focuses on human therapeutics such as sickle cell crisis, shock, and stroke; Inhibitex and Serologicals, which both develop antibodies for diseases; and Merial, which creates veterinary vaccines and diagnostic products.

Georgia and the Atlanta region surpass some of the top 10 biotech states in number of university licenses executed, university patents issues, science & engineering degrees granted and recent biotech investments. There is every reason to believe that metro Atlanta has positioned itself to be a major force in biotech growth in the future.

For more information, call 404-586-8474, CIRCLE NO. 118 ON READER SERVICE CARD or visit Atlanta's website at www.metroatlantachamber.com

Augusta, Georgia

A Cornerstone for Biotechnology

With ten major hospitals and a well-educated work force of more than 25,000 employees in the health care sector, Augusta enjoys national prominence for its outstanding healthcare facilities and practitioners. Augusta's medical community and life science researchers provide the cornerstone for biotechnology commercial development in the area.

Companies involved in medicinal chemicals and botanical products, pharmaceutical preparations, in vitro and in vivo diagnostic substances and industrial inorganic chemicals will fit well within the existing environment. Notable firms with a presence in Augusta include Monsanto Dairy, Pharmacia, Procter and Gamble, Kendall, International Flavors & Fragrances, NutraSweet and GlaxoSmith-Kline.

Bolstered by nearly half a million residents, the area's economy is much like that of its health care sector: clean, high-tech and stocked with skilled workers. Augusta is supported by the Medical College of Georgia (MCG), Doctors Hospital, the University Health Care System, Fort Gordon's Eisenhower Army Medical Center (EAMC), which serves as a regional tri-service medical center to five southeastern states and Puerto Rico, and the Savannah River Site, which transfers applied environmental technology to government and non-government entities.

Augusta's medical institutions have received repeated high marks in comparison to peers. The Medical College of Georgia (MCG) is ranked as one of the top 20 medical schools in the nation. MCG Hospitals and Clinics was selected as the winner of the National Research Corporation's Consumer Choice award in the region for overall quality in 2001. In addition, Doctors Hospital was ranked as one of the top 100 hospitals in the U.S. for superior clinical, operational and financial performance.

Augusta is also home to the Georgia Medical Center Authority (GMCA), a nonprofit state authority established by the Georgia Legislature to create biomedical businesses in Augusta and the state, to build a biomedical park, and to coordinate efforts to acquire venture capital. The GMCA is working with the Medical College of Georgia to create at least one business development center to aid biomedical and biotech entrepreneurs as they start up companies in Augusta.

Offering an extensive base of manufacturers, a core of technology-based employers, an expanding service sector and the annual Masters Golf Tournament, biotech companies will find Augusta is a hole-in-one.

Athens, Georgia

Athens claims it is "the closest place to Heaven on Earth." Home to the University of Georgia (UGA), a strong manufacturing base, and growing high tech and biotech industries, Athens is positioned for growth. Its association with UGA, gives the community a leg up on federally funded initiatives in both animal and human life sciences, as well as a multitude of highly skilled resources. Technical knowledge workers make up 25-30 percent of the work force in the area. Athens Technical College also supports the biotech infrastructure by offering associate degrees that prepare students to handle day-to-day operations and production.

A generous combination of public and private funds has led to developments at UGA such as the recently completed 257,000 sq. ft. Life Sciences Building, which provides cutting-edge amenities and equipment for biotechnology research and teaching. The university generates a cool $4 million from royalties tied to new businesses cultivated in its incubator program. In fiscal year 1999-2000, UGA received a record $101.9 million in research awards, grants and contracts. The Georgia Research Alliance, which attracts scholars to universities across the state of Georgia, has brought four scholars to UGA to focus on biotechnology efforts. Scientists at UGA conduct research in recombinant DNA, molecular biology, gene-splicing and other areas of genetic engineering. Since the city is home to UGA, it has intimate relationships with its researchers and access to its research.

Athens has now accumulated a cluster of biotech interests. Eighteen biotech companies have taken up residence in the area. Their expertise ranges from stem cell therapy and cloning to protein discovery and pharmaceutical development. The Association of Technology Managers recently recognized the impressive strides the city has made when it selected Athens as a top tier location for technology development. Athens may very well be heaven to biotech companies looking for a place to call home.

KANSAS

Lawrence, Kansas

Home to the nationally recognized University of Kansas (KU), Lawrence is young, well educated and one of the fastest growing areas in the Kansas City region. According to federal census data, Lawrence claims the third best-educated population per capita in the nation. A year 2000 labor survey indicates that 81 percent of the available labor pool has some college education with a remarkable 45 percent receiving bachelor's degrees. As a result, the city has little trouble supplying capable people to local employers.

KU's contributions to the community do not stop with its graduates. It is also a member of the esteemed Association of American Universities, an exclusive group of 62 public and private research universities representing excellence in education and the highest achievements in research internationally. Researchers at KU's Higuci BioSciences Center have earned worldwide recognition in the areas of pharmaceutical chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, and neuroscience. Higuci is a center of excellence with three research facilities focusing on preclinical aspects of the pharmaceutical industry.

According to a spokesperson from the Chamber of Commerce, "Lawrence offers a full range of financing opportunities for new and expanding businesses including conventional, venture, seed and industrial revenue bond financing." Perfectly situated for biotech research companies, city officials say there is a boom in office park development. Other benefits include excellent tax abatement programs for qualifying R&D companies, proximity to Kansas City, and state-offered tax credits and training.

LOUISIANA

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Baton Rouge is a city, which combines character and vision. A place where antebellum homes sit next to industrial facilities renowned for their cutting-edge technologies.
Home to Louisiana State University (LSU) and Southern University, Baton Rouge benefits from the extensive research both universities conduct related to food products. At any given time, more than 2,000 sponsored research projects are under way at LSU. Other research centers include the LSU School of Veterinary Science, the Pennington Biomedical Research Center and several local hospitals. Pennington is a world-class leader in human health research receiving numerous grants and research contracts from the National Institute of Health, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Defense, and NASA. By contrast, the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, part of the LSU Agricultural Center, conducts basic and applied research designed to enhance the use of natural resources while protecting the environment.

Baton Rouge is also home to the Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices (CAMD) and the Louisiana Technology Park. CAMD is a high-tech synchrotron research center providing tools, knowledge and infrastructure for microstructure and micro-device research and development efforts. The tech park is a public-private alliance featuring a business incubator, high-speed Internet access, commercial data center usage, and top-notch business advice.

Shreveport, Louisiana

Shreveport is a city on a mission. In the mid-80s, city officials decided to transform their community into a biotech haven.

Initially using private funds and then securing federal and state aid, Shreveport established the Virginia K. Shehee Biomedical Research Institute, a 160,000 sq. ft. building with 56 wet labs for research in life sciences. By leasing the labs to the medical school, Shreveport was able to use the revenues to develop and support the Positron, Emission and Tomography (PET) Center, which enables the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, heart disease and neurological problems. The PET Center currently supports doctors in a four-state region.

Since that time, Shreveport has continued to build its biotech base. The Consortium for Education, Research and Technology (CERT), comprised of 10 different college and universities, focuses on supporting the private sector. The Center for Biomedical Technology Innovation, a business incubator, decreases the time from research to commercialization. "Intertech," a converted industrial park, provides the infrastructure to support knowledge-based, tech-driven, value-added business. As a result, companies like BioEnzyme and Bio-Tech Imaging, Inc. have moved their operations to Shreveport. Just last month, Bio-Tech Imaging dedicated a new 33,000-square foot clean room facility, which will immediately create 60-75 new jobs and eventually add 100 more.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Technical Infrastructure and a Savvy Work Force

The biotechnology industry is discovering in a big way that New Orleans is much more than simply its mantle as the food and hospitality capital of the nation.

An expanding base of cutting-edge research facilities is putting New Orleans on the world's radar as a health-based technology transfer center. Among the research facilities in New Orleans are Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, the Tulane University Health Sciences Center, the Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, the National Biodynamics Laboratory, the Pennington Biomedical Research Center and the Gene Therapy Research Center.

The array of institutions also includes the Tulane Regional Primate Center, where intensive genetic research is under way, the Xavier University of Louisiana, which is focusing on drug applications research. Complementing these efforts are the University of New Orleans Innovation Center and Technology Park, which provide an incubator atmosphere for start-up technology companies.

Another bonus of a New Orleans location is that the diversity of lifestyle choices in Southeast Louisiana has attracted a large number of technology-savvy researchers and medical professionals to the medical schools at Tulane and Louisiana State universities. These institutions are feeding graduates into a growing number of biotechnology research segments. In turn, these researchers are busy producing tech-transfer applications and spinning off biotech companies such as Autoimmune Technologies and St. Charles Pharmaceuticals.

The Louisiana Genetics Research Consortium, established to aid in the creation of genetics incubators, also is driving New Orleans' biotech growth and is an important part of a state strategic plan to maximize opportunities to grow the medical, biomedical and biotechnology industries.

For more information on the New Orleans Region and Southeast Louisiana, call the MetroVision Economic Development Partnership at 504-527-6943. Circle No. 31 ON READER SERVICE CARD or visit the New Orleans Web site at www.metrovision.org

MARYLAND

Frederick County, Maryland

Maryland enjoys some of the nation's highest concentrations of R&D facilities as well as scientists and engineers. It has also attracted the third highest concentration of biotechnology companies. And, thanks to a highly skilled and educated labor force, pro-business climate with tech-friendly taxes, and an excellent quality of life, new and expanding biotechnology companies are recognizing Maryland's Frederick County as a preferred business location.

Another attraction is Frederick County's strategic location-just 45 minutes from Virginia, Baltimore and Washington, D. C. It gives the local community, which includes the National Cancer Institute, the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, the lead medical research laboratory for the U.S. Biological Defense Research Program, the Southern Research Institute and private firms like BioWhittaker, MedImmune, and Life Technologies, ready access to an array of higher education resources. These include Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, the Columbus Center for Marine Biotechnology, and the Institute of Human Virology.

Frederick County's Biotechnology Task Force also focuses on the needs of the industry. It is working to make Frederick County the ideal location for emerging bioscience companies.

Other contributors to Frederick County's appeal are MdBio, a private, nonprofit organization formed to advance the commercial development of bioscience in Maryland, and the High Tech Council of Maryland, a membership organization comprised of technology-based companies, federal laboratories, higher education institutions, and businesses that support Maryland's technology community.

Montgomery County, Maryland

Adjacent to the nation's capital, Montgomery County, Maryland, is proving to be an emerging international force in bioscience business. The presence of biotechnology firms in this mid-Atlantic county is expected to soar in the next two decades. High-tech jobs are already growing at twice the rate of the rest of the state and nation. As Maryland's technology hub, Montgomery County has the third largest cluster of biotech firms in the country. City officials predict the local bioscience industry will reach $24 billion in U.S. sales by 2006.

Montgomery County owns and maintains the Shady Grove Life Sciences Center, a 300-acre research and development park for leading genomics, proteomics, and biotech companies. The center also has bragging rights to Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland's Center for Advanced Research in Biotechnology (CARB). As a complement to these highly reputed institutions, Montgomery College, one of the nation's top community colleges, features a High Technology and Services Center and a broad range of programs designed specifically to meet work force needs.

In terms of research dollars, Montgomery County is not lacking. Maryland receives more research and development contracts from the National Institute of Health, whose fiscal year 2001 budget surpassed $20 billion, than any other state.

Referred to as "DNA Alley" because of its collection of genomic firms, Montgomery County has an expansive 77 million square feet of office and research space, with another 30 million square feet on the way. Most of the space is already wired with high-speed broadband and fiber optics. The county also offers incentive programs such as low-interest loans and grants, tax credits, site-location assistance, fast track permitting and work force training.

Conveniently located between Baltimore and Washington, Montgomery County offers cultural, educational, employment and business opportunities that few communities can match.

MISSISSIPPI

Starkville/ Oktibbeha County Mississippi

Enhanced Programs for Biotechnology

Starkville, Mississippi, is home to the Mississippi Research and Technology Park and Mississippi State University (MSU), providing state-of-the-art facilities and academic resources to companies located in the county.

The Mississippi Research and Technology Park, the only one of its kind in the state, has sites available for biotech research, manufacturing or processing companies. Situated on a beautifully landscaped 220-acre site, it is adjacent to MSU. The park's proximity to MSU offers convenient access to the university's research facilities and library. MSU faculty members and graduate students are also available to provide advice and assistance. A new technology incubator facility will be ready for occupancy in late 2002.

MSU recently established the Life Sciences and Biotechnology Institute. This is not surprising considering the university's priorities include enhancing its programs in biotechnology and bioinformatics. Primary objectives of the institute are to promote scientific research and education that meet the needs of society, and to attract financial and intellectual capital that will advance commercialization of new biotechnology products in Mississippi.

Dr. Alan Wood, who left Cornell University to become the Director of the Life Sciences and Biotechnology Institute said, "I came here because this place is growing. It's exciting, it's challenging and it's a great place to be."

According to the National Science Foundation, MSU ranked eighth among all U.S. universities in agricultural research expenditures in 1999. The university produces more than 300 graduates a year in life sciences and receives approximately $9 million annually for externally supported industrial collaborations with companies like Procter and Gamble, Monsanto, Dow Chemical, DuPont, Pfizer and Eli Lilly.

MSU supplies a steady stream of highly trained workers to Starkville employers, giving them a decisive edge in recruiting efforts. The convenience and combined resources of the Mississippi Research and Technology Park and Mississippi State University provide a formidable business advantage to those who call Starkville home.

For more information, call 662-324-7776, CIRCLE NO. 170 ON READER SERVICE CARD or visit Starkville's website at www.starkville.org

MISSOURI

Kansas City

Everyone knows that Kansas City (KC) has great BBQ, but did you know it's also called the "City of Fountains" ranked second only to Rome? If not, it may also surprise you to learn that nowadays the city is making a new name for itself in the area of life sciences research. As recently as 1999, Kansas City formulated a plan to become a nationally recognized life sciences center and one of the top-ten areas for life sciences excellence. With that goal in mind, city councils created the non-profit Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute (KCALSI). KCALSI is charged with coordinating the efforts of the region's life sciences initiatives to make new discoveries in cancer, human development and aging, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases and neurological diseases. Oh yeah, they also plan to make the top-ten list for regionally funded life sciences organizations.

The dream began to turn into a reality when the world-class Stowers Institute for Medical Research opened its doors in April 2001. The following research, educational and healthcare organizations have since united forces in support of the goal: Midwest Research Institute, University of Kansas, University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Health Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, and Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City. In addition, approximately 40 private companies and 10 community organizations are also contributing to the momentum. KCALSI is now working to implement an aggressive commercialization system and most "stakeholder institutions" have already established robust technology transfer capabilities.

Kansas City's strengths include basic and translational research and healthcare delivery. The city is working to build capacity in targeted disciplines, such as genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, pharmacology and engineering. KC hopes to further advance research in these areas by strengthening the region's assets in core enabling technologies, such as genomics, proteomics, information technology/bioinformatics, imaging and analytical sciences.

Already offering fantastic food, fountains and friendliness, Kansas City can now add life sciences to its list of city greats.

St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis, with its Gateway Arch, not only marks the entrance to the West, but also provides passage into a new era of plant and life sciences research. A recent study by the Battelle Memorial Institute found that the St. Louis region is well on its way to becoming a world leader in plant sciences, and is in the top tier of North American cities in life sciences. The heart of the BioBelt, St. Louis' core competencies are unusual and impressive: tropical botany, plant science, genomics and gene sequencing, virology/microbiology/immunology, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, and cardiology.

Some 1,200 plant and life science enterprises call the St. Louis region home, along with 23,000 employees and $2.5 billion in annual economic output. Venture capital funds, with potential to raise $500 million for biotech and medical companies, have taken root in St. Louis. Advanced technology incubators are also blooming, which means increasing levels of support and collaborative opportunities for plant and life science startups.

The region's history of agricultural importance and innovation goes back hundreds of years. Today there is a unique establishment of Fortune 500 companies, as well as a number of emerging startups in the field. A few of the businesses and research organizations that define the industry in the St. Louis region include: Monsanto, Sigma-Aldrich, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, the Missouri Botanical Garden and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Between them they provide the world's most sophisticated facilities devoted to biotechnology, housing more than 960 scientists, a new $55 million life science research center, a $146 million top-notch interdisciplinary plant research center, the world's most active research program in tropical botany, and plans for a $20 million ethanol research plant - the only one of its kind in the world.

NORTH CAROLINA

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Quickly Emerging as a Leading Technology Center

The key component to the biotech industry in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. It is the catalyst for a number of facilities, initiatives and programs that are advancing the region's technology industry.

Wake Forest University recently established a genomics research program with a $60 million investment. The companies that have spun out of Wake Forest all focus on pharmaceutical compound research for human ailments such as cancer, Alzheimers and Parkinsons.

In 1998, the community constructed the Piedmont Triad Research Park in downtown Winston-Salem surrounding the Physiology and Pharmacology department at the WFU School of Medicine. This unique business environment provides the excitement of an urban downtown with university proximity for researchers and entrepreneurs to interact in their pursuit of innovation. The area has new buildings and renovated structures with condominiums available for residential living. Companies in the research park represent biotechnology, computer network services, medical devices, e-commerce, software development, academia, research and development and business services.

In addition, Winston-Salem has initiated the Triad Entrepreneurial Initiative to enhance opportunities for start-up technology businesses. The Winston-Salem community has pledged $1.1 million over the next three years to support various programs. Program elements include coordinated counseling and assistance services, educational programs, mentoring and coaching services, affordable incubator space, capital availability, networking activities, work force training and an annual business plan competition. The Winston-Salem Technology Council, Techcentricity and Piedmont Entrepreneurs Network have all been established to address specific needs related to high-tech entrepreneurs in the region.

Winston-Salem is a truly wired city with high bandwidth capability in every business area of the city, a competitive telecommunications market and cutting edge infrastructure resources. WinstonNet, a community-based fiber network installed by Wake Forest University, connects public schools, universities, libraries, government businesses and research entities.

The Winston-Salem area has nine 4-year universities and five 2-year community colleges offering more than 40 degree programs in biotech/biomedical related fields.

With all of these advantages in its corner, Winston-Salem is quickly emerging as a leading technology center for health care, research, science and advanced manufacturing.

For more information, call 336-723-8955, CIRCLE NO. 52 ON READER SERVICE CARD or visit Winston-Salem's website at www.winstonsalem.com

Greenville, North Carolina

Greenville/Pitt County, North Carolina, is a small, but fast-growing area with a diverse economy. An expanding and highly productive labor force, a low cost of living, an excellent educational system, a large regional health care complex, a pro-business local government, and a mild climate characterize the region.

Notable announcements since 2000 include DSM Catalytica, a contract pharmaceutical development and production company creating 200 new jobs; Metrics, an analytical lab & pharmaceutical company; and PhytoMyco Research Corporation, a biotech research and development firm.

Other biotech companies in the area include Hall & Associates; H&A Scientific; Skinner, a consulting firm specializing in FDA regulatory affairs; Strahlung Services, a consulting firm specializing in hazardous materials management; AirClean Systems; and Carolina Medical Products.

The county is currently building a 59,000-square foot Technology Enterprise Center on 6.8 acres. The new center boasts $2.5 million invested in facilities and equipment, and already has 24,000 square feet of offices/wet lab space dedicated to biotechnology. The center also provides shared services (including equipped labs) and has an established partnership with East Carolina University.

East Carolina University (ECU), the state's third largest institution of higher education, confers a variety of biology and chemistry-related BS and MS degrees. The university operates several research centers to help local businesses resolve technical production problems, develop market strategies and improve management skills. ECU is currently constructing a new $55 million Science and Technology Building. The university medical school has cutting edge research facilities including a biotech center with shared resources, special research labs and a rare partnership with Pitt County Memorial Hospital.

Durham, North Carolina

Part of Durham's overwhelming appeal for biotech is that it is part of North Carolina's Research Triangle, one of the best-known research areas in the United States. Since 1959, Research Triangle's reputation has been built by biotechnology contributions from three major universities: North Carolina State; the University of North Carolina; and Duke University.

Durham, designated the "City of Medicine" in recognition of the outstanding quality and quantity of medical technology and services located there, is also home to North Carolina Central University as well as the North Carolina School of Science and Math. This nationally acclaimed, state-supported high school focuses on eleventh and twelfth grade students who are exceptionally talented in the fields of science and math. All of these institutions produce a steady stream of graduates ready to go to work for biotech firms.

Due to Durham's outstanding educational resources, medical technology research is very prevalent. Local laboratories study pharmaceutical products, medical devices, health care products and health sciences. Major research companies in the Durham area include Battelle - Scientific Services and Novartis Agribusiness Biotechnology. The presence of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the Chemical Industry Institute of Toxicology, and the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, has also made Durham one of the nation's leading healthcare and medical research centers.

Raleigh, North Carolina

North Carolina, and more specifically the Research Triangle area, is home to one of the South's largest and most dynamic life sciences industry clusters. One of the three universities anchoring the Research Triangle is North Carolina State. Located in Raleigh, this leading science and technology university provides exciting cutting-edge research and innovative graduate programs in bioinformatics and functional genomics related to human and animal health, food safety, crop health and ecobiotechnology. Its Entrepreneurial Development Center, a joint venture with the North Carolina Tecnological Development Authority, provides flexible office and wet laboratory space along with state-of-the-art electrical, plumbing and laboratory services for emerging technology companies and biotechnology research groups.

Raleigh is also home to the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, established by the state to strengthen biotechnology research capabilities in its universities and to assist biotechnology business development.

The center also encourages venture capital formation and collaborations among industry, academia, and government. In addition, its education program trains middle school, high school and community colleges in biotechnology instruction, and partners with the state's community college system to develop courses to train bioprocess technicians for jobs in biomanufacturing plants.

With companies like Ajinomoto USA Inc, Biogen Inc., and Paradigm Genetics part of its business community and a well-educated tech savvy workforce, Raleigh continues to attract a new breed of life science companies and researchers.

Wilson, North Carolina

Ready to Service the Biotech World

Wilson, North Carolina boasts an enviable list of life science companies. It is home to Merck and Purdue Pharmaceuticals LP, as well as Eon Pharma, a generic manufacturer, and Leiner Health Products, a private-label manufacturer. Southern Testing & Research Laboratories, Inc. provides testing services generally only found in major metropolitan areas. Jointly, these companies employ over 1,100 people in their Wilson facilities. The companies, which serve regional, national and international markets, have different reasons for selecting Wilson, but all appreciate the community's pro-business environment.

Governor Jim Hunt said, "I travel around the world recruiting new companies to North Carolina. From my experience, I know that most companies can find anything they're looking for in my hometown of Wilson. Wilson is a great place for business, with some of the hardest working, most productive people you'll ever meet."

Wilson's proximity to Raleigh, Greenville and other eastern North Carolina cities provides a huge boost to its work force. Over 7,000 people drive into Wilson each day to work. Although the population is only 77,000, the work force within a thirty-mile radius is 165,000.

Wilson currently has over 1 million square feet of pharmaceutical manufacturing, packaging, research, laboratory and warehouse space, most of which is less than five years old. Access to venture capital has also grown significantly in the past two years through the development of the Dogwood Equity, a joint venture between private interests and the State of North Carolina.

Local life sciences companies have collaborated with Wilson Technical Community College on an Industrial Pharmaceutical Technology Program and with Barton College on a Chemistry degree. Other universities in close proximity include North Carolina State University, Duke University, University of North Carolina, East Carolina University and Campbell University.

With an established biomedical community, a willing work force, and the capabilities to attract and retain international companies, Wilson is ready to serve the world.

For more information, call 252-758-1989, CIRCLE NO. 39 ON READER SERVICE CARD or visit Wilson's website at www.wilson.edc.com

SOUTH CAROLINA

Greenwood County, South Carolina

Making a Difference in the World of Biotechnology

Over the last 15 years, Greenwood County, South Carolina, has received $2.2 billion in investments - no small feat for a community with only 60,000 residents. Peter Arnoti, Executive Director of the Greenwood Alliance, attributes the success to "strong leadership, strong vision and strong commitments."

Although the county gained over 4,600 new manufacturing jobs during that same timeframe, city developers realized that the key to their continued success was to diversify their economic base. To achieve this goal, Arnoti says the community decided to "leverage the assets in our own backyard."

As home to the Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC), Greenwood has been involved in genetic research since 1974. Built from funding provided by the Self Family Foundation, the GGC diagnoses and provides clinical services to families across the Southeast whose children suffer from birth defects or mental retardation. Each year more than 20,000 families from South Carolina and neighboring states receive clinical and laboratory services at the GGC. According to Dr. Roger Stevenson, Director of the Greenwood Genetic Center, "Biotechnology research in Greenwood has made us a major player in the R&D arena and reflects our community's commitment to ensure that all children receive a healthy start in life."

In the early 1990s, the GGC developed a research arm, the J.C. Self Research Institute of Human Genetics, which studies the causes, treatment and prevention of genetic birth defects such as spina bifida. The goal of the Self Institute is for every baby to be born free of physical and mental disabilities. United with the GGC, it employs 20 M.D./PhD. geneticists and is one of 43 establishments nationwide that offers post-doctoral training in medical genetics.

Within a 2-hour radius of Greenwood are three research universities: Clemson, the Medical University of South Carolina and the University of South Carolina. Between them, they receive approximately $300 million annually to conduct research and confer degrees to over 1,800 life science graduates. Clemson, which specializes in plant and animal genetics, has even established a partnership with the Greenwood Genetics Center to allow graduate students to conduct basic research in human genetics.

Although research is critical, Greenwood recognized that it needed a way to put its knowledge assets to use. In order to turn concepts into commercial applications, Greenwood became the proud parent of South Carolina's first biotech incubator program. Situated on the campus of the GGC, the South Carolina Biotechnology Incubation Facility (SCBIF) offers access to superior intellectual and research resources. According to Jim Hodges, governor of South Carolina, the incubator "will help shape the state's new economy." The facility, dedicated on October 18, 2001, is replete with the latest communication technology, six hooded wet labs, office space, a conference room, a library, and a 124-seat auditorium, all for researchers wanting to commercialize their applications. When fledging companies are ready to graduate to the next level, SCBIF provides financial support ranging from tax incentives to a local angel investors network. This year, the angel investors network committed $5.2 million to create a company, which now manufactures saline solutions for kidney dialysis. According to Arnoti, the ideal scenario would be "to take a company from I.O.U. to IPO."

Start-up companies are not the only ones that have something to gain in Greenwood. The future Greenwood Biotechnology Park will target biotechnical, biomedical, and bio-pharmaceutical firms requiring scientific input. The 500-acre campus-style park is conveniently located adjacent to the Greenwood Genetics Center.

Leaning on its past and looking to its future, Greenwood County is a community with the passion and commitment to make a difference in the world of biotechnology.

For more information, call 864-388-1250, CIRCLE NO. 272 ON READER SERVICE CARD or visit Greenwood County's website at www.greenwoodalliance.com

Sumter County, South Carolina

A Superb Biotech Manufacturing Location

Until World War II, Sumter, South Carolina, was a quiet farming community, the hub of an agricultural region mostly dependent on tobacco and cotton. Since then, Sumter has shaken the sleepy little town image and today is a center of modern manufacturing. Companies such as Becton-Dickinson, Cooper Tools and Diebold call Sumter home. Robert Bosch Corp., Caterpillar and Kaydon each have two plants in Sumter.

How does this manufacturing base make Sumter one of the hottest sites for Biotech? The community took a giant leap into the biotech field with the recent announcement that a Massachusetts biotech company selected Sumter (pop. 105,000) for its first manufacturing facility. Biopure Corp. announced in early 2001 that it would build its first full-scale manufacturing plant in Sumter.

"The key to our success has been our ability to put together a team that can build a $100 million facility and then lease it back to the company. That way, we protect the emerging company's capital for research and FDA approval," said Steve Rust, president of the Sumter County Development Board. Although the deal spun with Biopure is a first, Rust said it could be duplicated for the right company.

"I'm sure that under the right set of circumstance we can do it again, he said. "If we can do it for Biopure, we can do it for other promising high-technology firms with breakthrough technologies."

The combination of a central location, skilled workers, low production costs, high quality of life, valuable state and local incentives, and a team of professionals that can coordinate and manage even the most complex and unusual projects, Sumter is poised to make additional strides in the biotech industry. Carl Rausch, Biopure's chairman and chief executive officer, said Team Sumter was quite impressive.

"We chose Sumter County because of the economic infrastructure and skilled work force in the surrounding area as evidenced during our meetings with representatives from Shaw Air Force base and our visits to the Becton-Dickinson, Caterpillar and Roche Carolina plants," Rausch said. "It was also important to us that the local and state governments supported and facilitated a structure that will preserve our operating capital."

Since Sumter began as a farming community and still has deep roots in agriculture, it has a distinct advantage for biotech projects. For instance, Biopure manufactures a breakthrough new medical product that uses bovine blood as its raw material. The blood is processed to extract the hemoglobin, an oxygen-carrying protein. Polymerized and processed to sterility, Hemopure can be used in lieu of whole blood during surgery. It has numerous advantages over whole blood: a 3-year shelf life, no need for refrigeration and compatibility with any blood type. The product also has great potential to be used in trauma situations, where time is critical.

With more than 100 manufacturing facilities and an Air Force base populated by 20,000, Sumter has managed to retain its rustic charm while becoming a modern community dedicated to making things and making them well.

For more information, call 803-418-0702, CIRCLE NO. 256 ON READER SERVICE CARD or visit Sumter County's website at www.sumteredge.com.

Florence County, South Carolina

Golf addicts beware…in addition to a flourishing economy, a strong foundation of existing pharmaceutical companies, and a multitude of research and teaching institutions, Florence County also offers some of the best golf courses in South Carolina.

In a state with three research universities: University of South Carolina, Clemson University and the Medical University of South Carolina, Florence County also boasts seven technical colleges and four undergraduate institutions within 60 miles.
A proven hotspot, numerous world-class companies have already taken up residence in Florence County. In 1998, IRIX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced their intent to build a new manufacturing facility in Florence, investing over $4 million and creating 100 new jobs. Then in 2001, IRIX announced plans to expand their Florence County operations with the purchase of a 60-acre site in the Florence Industrial Park and construction of a multi-purpose manufacturing facility emphasizing cryogenic capabilities. The expansion represents a $23.5 million investment and 60 new jobs.

IRIX offers wide-ranging chemistry research and development services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies involved in drug discovery and development. According to Mike Eades, President & CEO of the Florence County Economic Development Partnership, "Existing companies provide newcomers with the potential for contract services in areas like manufacturing and development."

In the spring of 2001, the Florence County Economic Development Partnership initiated a "Certified Economic Development Sites" program. The purpose of this program is to pre-certify select properties as "shovel-ready," saving prospective companies the time and cost of analyzing and preparing the sites.

Charleston, South Carolina

Long appreciated for its beauty and history, the Charleston region of South Carolina is beginning to draw attention as a home for the intertwined industries of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. One of the key assets driving this emerging sector is The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), which annually attracts more than $113 million in research funding and grants. Through its Foundation for Research Development, the university is dedicated to moving technological advances from the laboratory to the marketplace.

Comprised of Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties, the region offers a wide range of other benefits for biomedical firms. Aside from being a very appealing place to live - with a rich history, diverse culture and coastal recreational opportunities - the region offers an outstanding business climate with generous incentives, employee training programs and a talented workforce. In fact, Inc. magazine has named the region as one of America's top 10 small metros to start and grow a busine

Aiken County, South Carolina

Resources of SRS Give Aiken Some Very Unique Biotech Advantages

Aiken County is rapidly moving into new technology arenas based on several unique capabilities of its local industry and work force. The technological revolution began in the early 1950's and has grown significantly since that time. The construction of the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site (SRS) brought in the brightest scientists and engineers from all over the United States. For many years, the work at the site was classified and little, if any, of the new technology found its way into the open market. With the demise of the Soviet Union and a reduced national threat, many technologies began to be recognized as having value in the private sector. Over the years, with that technology in place and a work force accustomed to performing at the highest technical levels, Aiken County began to attract private sector manufacturing and soon found the likes of GlaxoSmithKline, Kimberly-Clark, and Owens Corning located in the community. Industries like these created a foundation on which the most advanced technologies could be built.

In the late 1980's, Deloitte and Touche conducted a study that examined the potential for high-growth, technology-related industries. From that study came a recommendation for Aiken County to focus on biotechnology and medical-related industries. The area's abundance of medical facilities associated with the Medical College of Georgia and local hospitals provided a basis around which to build the new technology center. The Savannah River Site, the world's leader in environmental restoration, hydrogen technology, and nuclear physics added to the potential for success. The Economic Development Partnership began to pick up on several of the new technologies and soon found there was great potential for private sector development of promising technologies such as accelerator-based production of medical isotopes and hydrogen technology for fuel cells. Those projects are currently underway and show great promise.

In the mid 1990's, Aiken County saw the potential for spin-off technologies to be located next to the SRS and established the Savannah River Research Park. The park is furnished with an advanced infrastructure and is dedicated to technology companies interested in technology transfer. Today, the park is home to several technology-oriented companies including the newest non-medical biotech office and laboratory.

Westinghouse Savannah River Company and its Savannah River Technology Center (SRTC) are in the process of constructing a new 21,000 sq. ft. biotech lab. The lab is scheduled for completion by November 16 and will initially employ 50 scientist and technicians.

In addition to the environmental tech lab initiative, Aiken County announced on November 5, 2000 that it would be constructing new offices, a laboratory, a pilot plant and a manufacturing plant for UCB-Bioproducts, Inc. Pioneering the development of the first synthetic, non-proprietary peptides approved in the U.S., UCB-Bioproducts is the leading manufacturer for peptide-based products among global pharmaceutical biotechnology companies. Through its Aiken County plant, UCB-Bioproducts will build on 30 years of experience in contract manufacturing to serve the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry. The Aiken facility will manufacture peptides and peptidomimetrics as ingredients for drugs. The lab will not only provide support for the manufacturing plant, but will also work with researchers and pharmaceutical companies to develop new proprietary drugs.

One of the few places left where polo is still played on Sunday afternoons, Aiken has managed to effectively combine technology with tradition to achieve success.

For more information, call 803-648-3362, CIRCLE NO. 125 ON READER SERVICE CARD or visit Aiken County's website at www.edpsc.org.

TENNESSEE

Memphis, Tennessee

Strategically Positioned to be One of the Hottest Biotech Cities in the U.S.

The city of Memphis is strategically positioned to be one of the hottest biotech cities in the U.S. As home to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the University of Tennessee Heath Science Center, and the Medical Education Research Institute, Memphis is one of the country's up-and-coming sites for biomedical technology initiatives. Not only does Memphis have bragging rights to medical companies including Smith-Nephew, Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Schering Plough, Wright Medical, Orthomatrix and GTx, but the Memphis Biotech Foundation has also announced the development of a Biomedical Technology Research Park for Memphis' medical district.

The population in Memphis represents diversity in age, race and socioeconomic backgrounds, proving to be a hotspot for researchers. As the center point for the mid-south region, Memphis offers the vital infrastructure needed for agricultural biotechnology research with proximity to neighboring research universities and rural communities.

Another primary asset for Memphis' biomedical technology industry is North America's largest time-specific, critical shipment carrier, Federal Express. Headquartered in Memphis, FedEx provides 24-hour, year-round "custom critical" pickup and delivery services for time-sensitive products, such as the transportation of live cells or time-critical medical devices.

For more information, call 901-543-3517, CIRCLE NO. 51 ON READER SERVICE CARD or visit www.memphischamber.com

Northeast Tennessee Valley

NE Tennessee has Developed an Impressive Biotech Cluster

The greater Tri-Cities, Tennessee region is becoming a hotbed for biotech companies. The region's economy is diversified and includes medical technologies, a broad range of manufacturers, corporate headquarters and distribution centers.

Examples of the variety of successful biotech companies operating in the area include: GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceutical, which develops and manufacturers medicines for animals; King Pharmaceutical, which develops and manufacturers medicines for humans; Eastman Chemical Company, which conducts research on microbiological environmental solutions; and Argobast Pharmaceutical, which develops blood tests to screen women for preeclampsia.

The region boasts a work force of more than 300,000 with a proven work ethic. Offering an exceptional program to train these workers, Tennessee's Industrial Training Service (ITS) consistently ranks in the top 10 in the nation. Great electric rates, an abundance of natural gas, advanced digital and fiber-optic networks, and all other amenities associated with developed industrial sites are also available.

Statewide, Tennessee has built a reputation for supporting medical and biotech ventures. The Tennessee Biotechnology Association (TBA) is a state association of leading scientists, researchers, academicians, clinicians, legislators and business leaders organized to foster, develop, and support the Biotechnology industry in Tennessee.
Located in the Tennessee Technology Corridor, the Tri-Cities is able to take advantage of the region's technological resources including its numerous technology associations and universities such as Quillen College of Medicine and East Tennessee State University.

For more information, call 423-323-1203, CIRCLE NO. 151 ON READER SERVICE CARD or visit Northeast Tennessee's website at www.netvaly.org.

Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Home to Some of the Most Highly Sophisticated Science Facilities in the World

Oak Ridge, Tennessee, lies in the heart of the Tennessee Technology Corridor, an active high-tech area spanning from northern Alabama to the southwestern border of Virginia. The city is privileged to offer some of the most highly sophisticated science facilities in the world.

Its signature facility, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), is a multi-program lab that conducts research in energy production and end-use technologies; biological and environmental science and technology; advanced materials synthesis; and the physical sciences. It has won more than 107 awards for Top 100 R&D labs.

Other unique facilities include the Tennessee Mouse Genome Consortium, which houses a colony of 70,000 live mice; The University of Tennessee-Battelle, which has announced plans for a $30 million investment in new lab facilities; and the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) project. The U.S. Dept. of Energy has designated $290 million for the world's best SNS, which among other things, will "make movies of molecules in action."

The University of Tennessee (UT) also supports Oak Ridge through its Environmental Biotechnology Center. In collaboration with the Tennessee Technology Development Corporation, UT has created a Technopreneurial Leadership program, in which participants can "come for a degree and leave with a company."

Many biotech companies have found that Oak Ridge offers the technology, facilities and intellectual power they need. A small sampling of these companies includes: Allmeds, Atom Sciences, Genomix Corporation, Identichem, and Theragenics Corporation.

Tom Whitaker, President of Atom Sciences, said, "One key to running a successful biotech company is having world-class resources available when you need them…we have found Oak Ridge to be a gold mine when it comes to both human and technical resources."

A superior telecommunications infrastructure and state-of-the-art research parks with fiber optics are readily available in Oak Ridge. In addition, the Joint Institute for Biological Sciences provides interim lab space for growing companies, enabling researchers to work side by side with experts in their fields.

Oak Ridge supplies an impressive work force with more than 45,000 IT professionals, 9,000 students majoring in sciences and 2,300 Ph.D.s. Other resources available to entrepreneurs include the Business Incubation Program and the TennesSeed Venture Capital Fund.

Nestled between the foothills of the Cumberland and Smoky Mountains, Oak Ridge is a premier location for businesses on the leading edge of science and technology.

For more information, call 865-483-132, CIRCLE NO. 62 ON READER SERVICE CARD or visit Oak Ridge's website at www.orcc.org.

TEXAS

Houston, Texas

Woodlands/Houston's solid infrastructure positions the city at the forefront of biotechnology growth. Its unparalleled research centers and medical facilities, technology transfer programs, abundant capital and visionary leadership are shaping the foundation for its growing reputation in the field.

The city is home to the world's largest medical complex, Texas Medical Center, which has received an astounding $2 billion-plus in research grants in the past five years. Other leading research organizations include Baylor College of Medicine, which made history in 2000 for its role in mapping the human genome, and the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, where more anti-cancer drugs are evaluated than at any other institution in the country.

Investors recognize that Houston's biotechnology is ripe with opportunity. Five of the twelve venture capital deals closed in third quarter 2001 were in the field of life sciences. One venture, the $11 million LifeSciences Opportunity Fund, will focus investments on small, early-stage biotechnology and life science companies doing work in genomics, proteomics, and drug design and delivery systems. Another project, BioHouston, will collaborate on life science commercialization with the Houston Technology Center, the region's primary technology accelerator. This emphasis on transitioning research to commercialization is also the focus of the Houston Advanced Research Center, a university-linked organization fostering scientific research and technology development.

San Antonio

San Antonio Emerging as a Biotech Powerhouse

Congress has called on Dr. Frederick Hausheer to testify on Capitol Hill about information technology for the 21st century. Hausheer's company is internationally recognized for its patents. And he is world renowned for his groundbreaking work integrating medicine, quantum physics, synthetic chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences and supercomputing in the development of cancer drugs.

With credentials like that, Hausheer could have located his company, BioNumerik Pharmaceuticals, just about anywhere he wanted. In fact, cities like Baltimore, San Diego and Seattle were eagerly pursuing the startup firm when Hausheer opened BioNumerik's doors in San Antonio back in 1992.

Hausheer had read hundreds of articles and prospectuses about successful companies in many fields and found some common threads. For one, a great number of today's industrial behemoths started in areas that were off the beaten path at the time. For another, quite a few seriously successful company founders had said quality of life was a major factor in their decision to locate their firms where they did. Low local costs were another big attraction.

All those factors, Hausheer says, pointed him directly at San Antonio. Looks like it was a good call because today BioNumerik has three drugs in human trials, including its top candidate, a treatment to prevent nerve and kidney damage as a side effect of other drugs given to cancer patients.

Companies like BioNumerik are working closely with the rest of San Antonio's vibrant biomedical community to create an economic powerhouse. Biotech research had a $682 million economic impact on the city in 2000, almost double the 1990 figure. And San Antonio's already formidable cancer research capabilities received a huge boost in 1999 when the state funded the Children's Cancer Research Center, which broke ground in August 2001, with a $200 million endowment.

Moreover, the biomedical field is now the largest industry segment in San Antonio, providing almost 100,000 jobs and a total economic impact of $8.1 billion a year.

It's an impact built on decades of foundation work involving both public and private institutions. The highly regarded University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, the Texas Research Park, the Cancer Therapy and Research Center and the Texas Transplant Institute are among the key players. So are the numerous companies doing breakthrough research and development work on everything from umbilical cord stem cells to cancer treatments.

San Antonio's biotech brain trust is proving it can go beyond research and bring the fruits of that research to market - a capability very few biotech firms can claim.

Ilex Oncology, Inc., for example, launched in 1994 by researchers at San Antonio's Cancer Therapy and Research Center, this year received approval to market a new cancer drug called Campath. That places ILEX among a select group of some 40 biotechnology companies with marketed products out of more than 1,000 biotech companies overall. Worldwide sales of Campath have reached $16.5 million in the first four months after its launch.

And San Antonio firms continue to attract substantial research grants for the development of other promising technologies. Biomedical Development Corp., for example, recently received two National Institutes of Health grants totaling $875,000 to further develop a thin polymer film product with potential as a wound treatment and for drug delivery. The NIH is also funding San Antonio's INCELL Corp. as it continues to investigate the world's first human stem cell lines from small intestinal tissue.

For more information about San Antonio's burgeoning life sciences industry, contact Mario Hernandez, President of the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, at 210-226-1394, via email at marioh@dcci.com or CIRCLE NO. 225 ON READER SERVICE CARD.

Denton, Texas

New biotechnology companies are already producing significant economic growth in Texas. Denton is poised to accommodate new biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device endeavors. With two biotechnology companies already having a presence in Denton, this task should prove even easier. Seattle-based NeoRx is currently operating a radiopharmaceutical facility, while California-based Imagyn Medical Technologies is producing brachytherapy seeds. Brachytherapy seeds are most commonly utilized during radiation treatment of prostate cancer. Further, Denton also is home to several companies who manufacturer various medical devices. These companies could function as a supplier to a biotechnology company or simply serve as a stable secondary market for Denton.

Because many radioactive products have a half-life of 24 hours, proximity to an airport is integral to the success of a company. The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is located 22 miles from downtown Denton. Alliance Airport, the world's first airport specifically designed for industrial and corporate use, is 17 miles southwest of Denton along I35 W. Denton Municipal Airport is an FAA-designated "reliever airport" to both D/FW and Love Field. Therefore, cargo can be shipped as quickly and efficiently through this facility as it would a larger airport.

Denton is home to two universities and a community college. Both the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University are renowned research institutions. In the field of biotechnology, UNT has partnered with a pharmaceutical company to purchase a linear accelerator for research and production of biomedical products. UT Southwestern and UT Dallas, located 35 minutes away from Denton, are both among the leading research and development institutions in the biomedical field.

Galveston, Texas

Galveston Island, Texas, presents the ideal profile for the development of an energetic biotech industry. The island attracts many high-powered researchers with its proximity to the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), access to $1 billion in venture capital sited in the Houston region, and unique beachfront atmosphere.

As home to UTMB, Galveston is the site of a substantial body of research related to human health issues. It is also home to Texas A&M University at Galveston, whose corps of researchers focuses on marine research. Many analysts believe that the intersection of these human and marine research programs will provide significant opportunities in the future.

The academic and research institutions in the Galveston area cooperate on many research programs and technology transfer initiatives. Collaborations often include M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Rice University, the University of Houston, the UT Health Science Center and the UT Medical Branch.

An example of a technology transfer collaboration currently underway includes a skin cancer project between UTMB and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. The two are working together to create a skin cancer treatment that can be applied before or after sun exposure, which will actually repair damaged DNA. Another collaborative initiative is the creation of a consortium between seven institutions to study molecular biology.

Gary Breit, Assistant Vice President for the Technology Management Office at UTMB, said he chose to come to Galveston because it was a great opportunity. He said he was not only attracted to the institution, but also to Galveston's distinctive environment. Since 1999, Breit has seen revenues grow nearly 240 percent per year. Patents and licenses have also increased 10-fold. Currently, UTMB is constructing a "virtual incubator" to nurture new ventures and to assist with capital formation.

Blessed by nature with a mild climate, miles of sandy beaches and an abundance of birds and marine life, Galveston is bound to have a vibrant future in biotechnology.

Austin, Texas

There are so many advantages for biotech companies in Austin, it's hard to list them all. Of course, there's the highly acclaimed quality of life that has been greatly publicized over the past several years, but that's just the beginning.
The city is home to the University of Texas at Austin, the largest university in the country. With $295 million in research and development expenditures in fiscal 2000, UT Austin facilitates biotechnology research and development through a multitude of research centers, colleges and departments. The city is focused on four areas of bioscience based on UT's strengths and the region's high-tech industry base including: bioinformatics, nanotechnology, biomedical devices, and pharmaceutical research, development and manufacturing.

As expected, the university provides Austin with a wealth of highly educated workers. Additionally, Austin Community College, one of the most active community college systems in the country, is home to Bio-Link, which has made a pledge to tailor its curriculums to fit the needs of any large employer moving to the Austin region.

According to PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Austin is ranked second in the country in venture capital investments compared to other high-tech centers. Not surprising when you consider close to a half billion dollars was given through venture capital financing during second quarter 2001.

Although Austin's accolades in 2001 are too numerous to recount, a few rankings stand out. Austin received the highest percentage of most desirable attributes in a poll of top Fortune 500 executives on factors weighing most heavily in their decisions of where to locate their companies; received a #2 ranking in Forbes' 2001 Best Places for Business and Career; and received a #2 ranking among the country's top metro areas when measured for New Economy attributes such as knowledge jobs, globalization, economic dynamism, transformation to a digital economy, and technological innovation capacity.

Bastrop, Texas

A Picture Perfect Setting in Which to Position a New or Existing Biotech Company.

In addition to its scenic beauty and historic charm, Bastrop, Texas boasts a growing biotech cluster. Only 30 miles from Austin, it offers many of the same advantages of the capital city without the traffic. Don't be fooled by this small town though. Bastrop is fortunate to have four quality organizations making up its biotech core.

These organizations include the MD Anderson Cancer Research Center, which studies the molecular structure of cancer cells; the University of Texas Veterinary Science Park, which works with animals to develop cures for all types of cancer; the BioCrest/Stratagene Company, which conducts DNA research; and the Coghlan Group, which performs all types of drug and medical device testing.

Low-cost land makes Bastrop unique. In fact, the Bastrop Economic Development Council offers free land to eligible companies. Its new industrial park has modern amenities, underground utilities and communication links for its tenants. Tax abatements, as well as loans and grant assistance, are available based on the amount of the capital investment and the number of jobs created.

Quality of life is decidedly an advantage for residents of Bastrop. The community has three 18-hole golf courses a riverwalk on the Colorado River, a recreational lake and a popular state park featuring the "Lost Pines." The historic city also offers a multitude of charming antique shops, quaint B&Bs and hiking, biking and equestrian trails.

Eight colleges of higher learning in the area including the University of Texas at Austin and Austin Community College, create a skilled and readily available work force. With opportunities for animal, environmental, human and plant-related biotech efforts, Bastrop provides an inexpensive and picture perfect setting in which to position a new or existing biotech company.

For more information, call 512-303-9700, CIRCLE NO. 45 ON READER SERVICE CARD or visit Bastrop's website at www.bastropedc.org.

Temple, Texas

Temple, Texas, is hot, hot, hot. Okay, partly because of that Texas sun, but mostly because of its unique location within Texas that allows it to create vital research partnerships. With five major centers devoted to human health and agri-bioscience research, it's a prime target for future biotechnology development.

Temple has enough diversity that any type of biotech venture would most likely succeed in the community. The mixed entities in Temple include the Cardiovascular Research Institute (CRI), Central Texas Veteran's Health Care Center (VA), Scott & White (S&W) Hospital, Texas A&M University's (TAMU) College of Medicine and TAMU's Blackland Research Center.

CRI is a perfect example of the collaborative efforts that have been taking place in Temple for more than 30 years. It's a public-private partnership between TAMU's College of Medicine, S&W and the VA. Its purpose is to research the causes and treatment of congestive heart failure. Currently, an $11 million, 35,000-square foot facility is under construction, which will house 10 research labs and other offices.

The VA center in Temple employs 2,800 healthcare professionals, and supports Cardiovascular and Neuropsychiatry research. Scott & White (S&W) is a world-renowned, multi-specialty hospital with an impressive research division that recently announced plans for a $10.9 million regional medical research library. The TAMU College of Medicine brings medical students from College Station to Temple to complete their clinical education in a unique partnership with local hospitals. In a joint venture with S&W, the college also recently opened a $12 million research facility. Finally, there's the agri-bioscience component, the Blackland Research Center, which partners with the USDA to research new technologies for improving regional water and soil quality. Like the human health entities, research programs from both of these agencies are closely linked and scientists are able to capitalize on each other's strengths by sharing resources.

Biotech companies are sure to love this Texas hotspot.

VIRGINIA

Roanoke, Virginia

A Site Specifically Designed for Biotech Companies

With a biotech-friendly infrastructure that includes a biomedical research institute and a location between two top research universities, Virginia's Roanoke Valley is poised to become the newest global hotspot for the biotech industry.

The Carilion Biomedical Institute (CBI) was formed to accelerate university research into marketable health care products and procedures, as well as attract entrepreneurial biomedical companies to the region by providing business support, such as seed money, market analysis and prototype testing. It is a partnership between Carilion Health System, Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia, two of the nation's largest research universities

In early 2001, the institute spawned its first company, BioPhile Inc., which will make automated high-tech laboratory freezers that store and retrieve medical tissue, blood and DNA samples. The technology behind the freezer's automation was developed at the University of Virginia's Medical Automation Research Center, which CBI funds.

By 2004, CBI will become one of the first tenants in the Riverside Centre for Research and Technology, building its headquarters in the 110-acre business park near downtown Roanoke. The park is specifically designed for biotech companies. In addition, the Roanoke County Center for Research and Technology, under development just off Interstate 81, will offer ready-to-go sites within minutes of Virginia Tech. The park, which features a modern infrastructure and designation as a Planned Technology District, is ideal for research and development, as well as high-tech manufacturing.

To sustain its knowledge-based work force, Roanoke Valley has 19 colleges and universities within a 60-mile radius. The higher learning institutions produce 13,000 graduates per year, including Virginia Tech's highly sought-after engineering graduates.

Surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains, Roanoke Valley is a great place to be.

For more information, call 540-853-2715, CIRCLE NO. 186 ON READER SERVICE CARD or visit Roanoke Valley's website at www.roanoke.org.

Richmond Virginia

Tremendous Possibilities in Richmond for the Life Sciences

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is an essential part of the Richmond metropolitan area. VCU is a Carnegie research university, which had over $100 million in externally funded research in 1999. The University has two distinct campuses: the VCU Academic Campus and the Medical College of Virginia Campus. The Academic Campus is opening a new $28 million life sciences building this fall featuring 44 labs, as well as lecture and classroom space.

The Medical College of Virginia (MCV) offers 10 biomedical master's programs and 10+ doctoral programs. Its medical research provides solutions to worldwide issues and also transfers VCU's biotechnical discoveries into commercial applications that are appealing to a variety of industries. At MCV, a potential drug can enter the development process at any stage and take advantage of the highly interdisciplinary research expertise and advanced technologies necessary to become a pharmaceutical. VCU faculty have created some of the most advanced national drug design software in the world.

The Virginia Biotechnology Research Park houses scientists, engineers and technicians in 40 companies, research institutes and state agencies who are working together to generate commercial and scientific progress. It features six buildings with two more under construction, including a $15.5 million facility for the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). The park will facilitate technology transfer and business development, and provide operational support.

Richmond already has a well-established pharmaceutical and chemical base. Leading firms with major production, research and headquarters facilities in the Greater Richmond area include Whitehall-Robins Healthcare, Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Owens & Minor, Honeywell, DuPont, Ethyl Corp. and Boehringer Ingelheim.

Virginia Governor, Jim Gilmore, announced in August that Boehringer Ingelheim, a world leader in the pharmaceutical industry, will expand its Virginia operations for the second time since March 2000. "The Virginia Biotechnology Research Park will serve as an ideal location for the company's research and development activities," he said. A world leader in the pharmaceutical industry, Boehringer Ingelheim will build a research and development facility that will employ 16 researchers. The company will invest $2.5 million over the next five years in the synthesis lab.

Richmond, the capital of Virginia, bases its past on the historic James River, and its future on the flowing possibilities of the biotech industry.

For more information, call 804-643-3227, CIRCLE NO. 64 ON READER SERVICE CARD or visit Richmond's website at www.grpva.com or www.vabiotech.com.

Prince William, Virginia

One of the first "New World" sites explored by Captain John Smith when he traveled up the Potomac River in 1608, Prince William, Virginia, is not only steeped in history, but it also offers several advantages for businesses looking to locating or expand. Some of these benefits include a highly-educated work force, fast-track permitting and a prime location only 20 miles southwest of Washington D.C.

In the past four and a half years, 99 companies announced that they would locate or expand their operations, investing $1.38 billion in the county. According to the Greater Washington Initiative, the region hosts more high-tech firms than any other major U.S. tech center.

Prince William's population is also well educated. More than 70 percent of its residents have attained education beyond the high school level, and more than 40 percent have a college or graduate degree.

The county is home to the technology park, INNOVATION @Prince William. George Mason University, American Type Culture Collection and several other impressive companies anchor the park. As an incentive to biotech firms, the county offers companies a 30-day fast-track permitting process.

Prince William has 5 teaching hospitals within 90 minutes and is only 45 minutes from the FDA and other regulatory agencies. Its niche markets include bioinformatics and biotech manufacturing. George Mason offers masters and doctoral programs in biotechnology and bioinformatics, and James Madison University offers an undergraduate degree in biotech manufacturing.

Offering impressive talent, facilities, infrastructure and visibility, Prince William County is a vibrant center for biotech opportunities in Metropolitan Washington.

Charlottesville, Virginia

The University of Virginia Bolsters Charlotteville's Biotech Potential

Charlottesville is experiencing significant growth in the number of biotech companies that are taking up residence. One attracting factor for these companies is the Health Sciences Center at the University of Virginia (UVA). Rated as one of the best 100 hundred hospitals in the country, its research department is top notch. Most of the biotech activity relates to solving human health care problems, enhancing the practice of medicine, and assisting in the process of taking new drugs to the marketplace.

As the number of biotech companies locating in the Charlottesville area grows, so does the number of venture capital firms that continue to follow close behind. Other contributing factors include a restructured Patent Foundation, new research parks and diversity in Charlottesville and its surrounding counties.

Biotech companies in Charlottesville are making major contributions to the advancement of medicine. There are almost 30 companies in the region that account for 20 percent of the statewide biotech community. Adenosine Therapeutics, a drug discovery company with technology licensed from UVA, Penn State and the National Institutes of Health, works on discoveries that reduce inflammation associated with heart attacks, asthma, stroke, and organ transplantation. Biotage, created by the co-founders of Genzyme, was established to solve difficult drug and protein purification problems. Biotage invented a way to purify the millions of new drug molecules that pharmaceutical companies are discovering. Other notable companies calling Charlottesville home include Argonex, INDOOR Biotechnologies, Medical Automation Systems (MAS), and PRA International.

Charlottesville also benefits from its proximity to the Carilion Biomedical Institute. Teams of scientist from UVA and Virginia Tech partner with the Carilion Heath System to conduct biomedical research. One of the institute's focus areas is on medical automation. The Medical Automation Research Center (MARC), located in the Charlottesville Connected Community Center, explores robotic concepts for medical applications including blood testing.

Emerging as a center for biotechnology in Virginia, Charlottesville is well-positioned to support companies who are interested in enhancing health care products and services.

For more information, call 804-979-5610, CIRCLE NO. 35 ON READER SERVICE CARD or visit Charlottesville's website at www.tjped.com.

Loudoun County, Virginia

Loudoun County, Virginia, located just 25 miles west of Washington D.C., boasts a thriving commercial core. Home to Washington Dulles International Airport and a highly educated work force, Loudoun has the fastest growing population in Virginia and the third fastest in the U.S.

A prime location for bioscience growth, Loudoun County is already an established force in the technology world, primarily in the fields of Internet and telecommunications. Home to AOL/Time Warner's corporate headquarters and WorldCom's largest campus, Loudoun offers an extensive fiber optic network with redundant power sources that eliminate the risk of network downtime. This access to fiber and power is essential for the bioscience industry.

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute realized this advantage when they selected Loudoun as the future home of their state-of-the-art research campus. Other benefits that attracted Hughes to Loudoun include its proximity to an international airport, access to a proven work force, and a beautiful location with plenty of room to grow.