NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. (Oct. 26, 2011) – In the spirit of continuing efforts to grow the biotechnology cluster in the Hudson Valley region, Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. (HVEDC) has been busy touring the very facilities that make the Hudson Valley “Where Biotech Works.”
On Tuesday, Oct. 25, HVEDC took Empire State Development President/CEO Kenneth Adams and Hudson Valley economic development officials on a tour of ContraFect in Yonkers, Acorda in Hawthorne, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in Tarrytown and Pfizer in Pearl River. The tour helped garner support for ongoing NY BioHud Valley efforts, including participation in the 2012 BIO International Convention in Boston.
“To compete in the global economic market, New York must lead the way in innovation technology,” said Kenneth Adams, President, CEO & Commissioner of Empire State Development. “The facilities I have seen represent the type of cutting-edge technology that will help create long-term employment and investment opportunities for our workforce and business community. We will continue to work hard to support the growth of this industry to drive the present and future of New York’s economy.”
Officials also toured the impressive 120,000-square-foot Biotech Incubator at New York Medical College in Valhalla. The state-of-the-art facility will offer below-market rent and access to the college’s comprehensive network of educational resources. The program was given great praise from Sen. Charles Schumer earlier this year and is slated for opening in December 2012.
Mike Oates, President/CEO, Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp., said, “NY BioHud Valley is a collaborative public-private partnership that is crucial to facilitate the growth and prosperity of the biotechnology cluster in the Hudson Valley. We look forward to working with Empire State Development on different ways to market this product, create jobs and bring the Hudson Valley to the forefront of biotechnology.”
“Biotech is an integral element of our research program at New York Medical College,” said Dr. Robert Amler, Vice President for Government Affairs and Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Practice. “The Biotech Incubator will attract highly skilled researchers and high-quality jobs, as we integrate our biomedical talents with the growing intellectual capital of the Hudson Valley.”
Laurence Gottlieb, Westchester’s Director of Economic Development and BioHud Valley co-founder, added, “Westchester County is committed to growing NY BioHud Valley for the benefit of all New Yorkers. By working in close partnership with Ken Adams and his Empire State Development team, we will ensure this cluster remains competitive globally through cutting-edge research and development backed by New York’s economic leadership.”
Dr. Ron Cohen, CEO and President of Acorda Therapeutics, Inc., said: “The Hudson Valley has all of the resources necessary to launch and grow a start-up biotechnology company, including the largest concentration of elite biomedical research institutions in the country, access to the world’s financial center, and most importantly, the talent base needed to advance discoveries in our industry. We are pleased to join the other members of NY BioHud Valley to promote this area as the destination of choice for emerging and established biotechnology companies.”
Acorda and BioMed Realty Trust announced earlier this year Acorda is moving its operations to the 159,000-square-foot Ardsley Park campus that BioMed had just purchased for $18 million. Acorda will lease 138,000 square feet and potentially double its workforce in the next five years.
According to Bill Kane, Senior Director of East Coast Leasing and Development at BioMed Realty Trust, Inc., “The efforts of Empire State Development have supported the growth of two of our premier tenants in Westchester County – Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Acorda Therapeutics. We look forward to their continued support of the life science industry, including large biotech companies as well as incubator start-up firms, throughout Westchester County and the Hudson Valley.”
Dr. Robert Nowinski, founder of ContraFect, said, “The assistance of the Empire State Development and the Yonkers IDA played a deciding role in our decision to expand in New York State.”
Pfizer, another one of the stops on the tour, recently won the Prix Galien Award, the research and development industry’s highest accolade, for Best Pharmaceutical Agent for its Prevnar 13. Adams was able to see Pfizer’s global vaccine research team, located in Pearl River where Prevnar is currently manufactured, in part, at the site. Prevnar 13 is a pediatric vaccine that helps protect against 13 strains of pneumococcal bacteria.
John Sorrentino, Vice President, Pfizer Vaccine Research Operations & Strategy, said, “Since Pfizer was founded in New York in 1849, the company has operated continuously in New York and has remained dedicated to researching and developing new and better ways to prevent and treat disease, and to improving the health and well-being of people around the world. Pfizer proudly supports NY BioHud Valley and the Hudson Valley as New York’s epicenter for biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovation. We look forward to working with Empire State Development and the members of NY BioHud Valley to support life science innovation, economic growth, and access to innovative medicines for patients.”
Peter Dworkin, Vice President Corporate Communications at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., added, “This is an exciting time for biotechnology in the Hudson Valley, with a growing number of expanding companies, the NY BioHud Valley branding campaign, and a recognition by state and local public officials that biotech must be encouraged and nurtured to become an economic engine for the region.”
About Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC): HVEDC represents seven counties in Hudson Valley. This public-private partnership markets the region as a prime business location to corporate executives, site selection consultants and real estate brokers. HVEDC also helped start the branding and promotional effort for NY BioHud Valley. For more information on Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation or to review available business sites, visit www.hvedc.com or call CEO Mike Oates at 845-220-2244.
