State targets biotech

In an effort to lure more biotech companies to New Hampshire, state business recruiters will be attending the May 6-9 Bio2007 World Conference in Boston.

The New Hampshire Business Resource Center, in coordination with its trade show partners, Public Service of New Hampshire, Centrix Bank and the New Hampshire Biotech Council, will be taking part in the event, which is expected to attract some 20,000 attendees and exhibitors.

“We understand that the biotech industry is flourishing. That’s why we’ve made the commitment to participate in this event for the past six years,” said Michael Vlacich, director of the state Division of Economic Development. “Given New Hampshire’s favorable business climate, skilled workforce and proximity to research and development hubs, we hope to entice a few companies to consider New Hampshire as a prime location to expand or relocate their business.”

The biotechnology industry in New Hampshire, led by Lonza Biologics’ Portsmouth plant and Stryker Biotech’s West Lebanon acility, has been flourishing. In addition, the New Hampshire Biotechnology Education and Training Center at the New Hampshire Community Technical College in Portsmouth recently created the innovative Biomanufacturing Suite, which resembles a biomanufacturing company in its tools, processes and regulatory structure. – JEFF FEINGOLD