Biotech companies attracted byTGen -Twice as many firms query Arizona

The Arizona Department of Commerce is handling 41 leads on biotech companies interested in moving to the state, slightly more than double the number that expressed interest in all of 2002.

By Jodie Snyder
The Arizona Republic

Economic-development officials credit the creation of the Translational Genomics Research Institute, or TGen, http://www.asu.edu/asunews/research/igc_100102.htm a public-private genetics research program, for the increase.

The Greater Phoenix Economic Council also reports handling twice as many biotech calls as last year.

Jeanine Jerkovic, the council’s director of business development, said the council is talking with up to 14 companies about possible relocations.

"They are interested in partnerships, and who is in the market. For that reason IGC (International Genomics Consortium) and TGen are helping make the leap forward," Jerkovic said.

She said the firms talking with the council employ more than 20 people apiece.

Maria Laughner, bioindustry manager for the state Commerce Department, said about 20 of the potential companies employ more than 100 people.

Most of the leads are American operations interested in relocating, Laughner said. Others are European firms that may open satellite operations.

Laughner said most contacted the Commerce Department, instead of the agency having to call them.

Many have heard about TGen, but they want to know more about Arizona, she said.

"I had one call me yesterday and ask about facilities within 100 miles, and I told him ‘Oh, sit down and let me tell you.’ "

For example, most don’t realize the state has the University of Arizona’s Cancer Center in Tucson, the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale or extensive anthrax research at Flagstaff’s Northern Arizona University, she said.

Many firms looking to relocate are interested in state tax credits, job-training grants and enterprise zones. They also want to know how businesses can work with universities and possible real estate sites.

http://www.arizonarepublic.com/business/articles/0228biotech28.html