This week we’ll be attending Life Science Innovation Northwest (LSINW), a virtual two-day meeting of investors, public and private life science organizations, research institutions, scientists, entrepreneurs devoted to the life science ecosystem in the upper left corner of the US. Seattle is a hotbed of activity, but it’s not the only place to be. Check out three of the rapidly growing life science hubs creating a robust life science innovation ecosystem across the region.
Seattle isn’t the only city in Washington with a robustly expanding bioscience ecosystem. Much of the biotechnology expansion in the greater Seattle area is outside of the city limits in Bothell, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Lynnwood, and Vancouver. Exciting developments include next-generation sequencing tools for liquid biopsies from Resolution Biosciences, oncology immunotherapies from Sound Biologics or Aminex Therapeutics, and the biologics discovery and development platform of AbSci. The capacity exists to discover, develop and manufacture new drugs within the state, with drug substance production at companies like AGC Biologics and sterile drug product manufacturing at Jubilant HollisterStier (celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2021) and startup Selkirk Pharma. Incubator hub sp3nw in Spokane combines the expertise of two medical schools (ESFCOM and UW/Gonzaga), the strength of WSU science and engineering schools, and interstate collaborations with MonTECH and the NIC Venture Center to power new startups and innovations in medicines and medical devices. All of this activity, coupled with a strong base in software and digital tech, creates enormous engagement within the investor community, with sponsored events like the Flywheel Investment Conference and LSINW’s FastPitch Showdown providing exposure and funds for startup companies.
Next door, Oregon also abounds in drug discovery, development, manufacturing expertise. Significant examples include vaccine developer Najit Technologies in Beaverton, drug development problem-solvers Lonza or Seran in Bend and manufacturing for drug innovator Genentech. Biotech services and supplies are also robust, led by molecular tools and consumables manufacturer Grace Bio-Labs, clinical trial software innovator Suvoda, and computational modelingcompany Schrodinger. Companies representing a good cross-section of medical device development are also active. For example, Biomed Diagnostics offers diagnostic products and services focused on microbial cultures and Acumed develops and manufactures devices for multiple orthopedic applications. We are also not surprised that a state with extensive computer software and hardware companies has companies devoted to medical microelectronics design, integration, and manufacturing like MST.
Just across the Canadian border, British Columbia is our third center of bioscience activity. Companies in BC discover new drugs and medical devices, create diagnostics, provide services, and manufacture life science equipment. Microbion develops treatments for infections caused by bacteria that form biofilms, colonies protected by a matrix that makes them difficult to treat. Symvivo developed a novel bacteria-based platform for gene therapies and is in Phase 1 clinical trials with a COVID-19 vaccine using the platform. The LifeScan company provides glucose meters, supplies, and software for diabetes care and management and has done so for thirty-five years. Augurex develops and validates clinical biomarkers for rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic diseases. Danaher company Cytiva provides a range of technologies and services for drug discovery and development. IFOWONCO and Zymeworks focus on technology for rapidly identifying new therapeutic small molecules and biologics. Cross-border engagement only strengthens the opportunities across the region.
The Northwest is an exciting place for biotechnology and bioscience discovery and development. LSINW this week presents just a fraction of the opportunities to engage and work in this field. We’ve shared just a few more in this post. It’s also a great place to live if you love food, wine, beer, arts, sports, and the outdoors. Join us in creating the next big thing!
Reach out to me if you want to know more or discuss your medical product development or business challenges.
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Text Copyright © 2021 Katrina Rogers
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