Biotechnology is the latest, the newest and the next predicted Huntsville boom. Ever since the day Huntsville became known as the "rocket city," the influx of science, engineering, research, mathematicians, and computer scientists into the area has made the town a magnet for leaders and developers in all things technological.
Today, Cummings Research Park is second only to the Silicon Valley as a world-class research center and it keeps growing. There are currently over 90 biotechnology firms in the state, and at least a dozen of those are in the North Alabama area.
Huntsville's growing biotechnology community includes:
Applied Genomics -- develops targeted diagnostics to improve treatment for cancer patients.
Expression Genetics -- EGEN, Inc., is an Alabama-based specialty biopharmaceutical company developing safe and efficient synthetic biocompatible delivery systems to be used to create products for treatment of human diseases.
HudsonAlpha -- Jim Hudson opened the doors to HudsonAlpha in 2008. Today, HudsonAlpha is a biotechnological cornerstone. A not-for-profit genomics-based research organization, its directive combines academic research, education, and incubation for applied research companies.
Nektar Therapeutics -- a leading biopharmaceutical company, Nektar has developed a robust pipeline of novel therapeutics based on an advanced polymer conjugate chemistry technology platform.
New Century Pharmaceuticals -- founded in 1996 as a “spin out” of research conducted at NASA, New Century’s mission is "to develop and commercialize technologies and products derived from crystallography research on the biophysical and biochemical mechanisms relating to the binding of ligands to serum proteins, including human serum albumin (HSA) for purposes including the development of safer and more efficacious pharmaceuticals."
Open Biosystems -- Building on the rapid sharing model that is at the core of the Human Genome Project, Open Biosystems collaborates with some of the most innovative life science investigators working today. Their products span Genomics, RNAi and Antibodies.
Operon Biotechnologies, Inc. -- the new global leader for oligos and sequencing, three companies from the Eurofins Scientific Group (MWG Biotech, Operon Biotechnologies, and Medigenomix) have merged to become Eurofins MWG Operon.
Partnership for Biotechnology Research -- an alliance of industrial, academic and government organizations dedicated to creating a productive research and entrepreneurial environment for area biotechnology endeavors through education, consolidated business resources and networking opportunities.
SourceCF -- a specialty pharmaceutical and medical company dedicated to cystic fibrosis, the healthcare providers committed to treating the disease, and the research organizations who are developing new and innovative treatments.
UAH, which has a much respected biotechnology program.
Also see:
- Biotechnology Association of Alabama -- BAA is a statewide organization for bio related industries, research scientists, clinicians and business professionals.
- The Human Genome Project
Comments
Wow. Didn't realize the area was second to the Silicon Valley. Pretty interesting.
Woderfull and the UTUBE clarified a lot. This is really exciting times for this old mountain man; but i hope they don't throw the baby or nature out with the bath waters. Never assume engineers making a profit has a conscience.
Yet, this is the future and Obama's Green economy at work now!
I agree. The video was great help
Great to see the economy on the rebound anywhere. Exciting times for Huntsville!
I just heard about biotech about 10 years ago in a college class for teachers, and I was utterly amazed at what it could potentially do.
Excellent info we all need to know. Great video, as well.
Great information!! I didn't know Alabama had so many of these.
Wow who knew
Make sure you stay away from government contracts. You don't want to have another NASA pullout happen to you.
This is a great article.
great article,
Quite a growing industry. Too bad Huntsville is not closer to Phoenix, or I'd look to move there!
Thanks for shedding light on something I wouldn't have otherwise been exposed to, most likely.
Great story! I work in External Affairs at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and there is so much exciting and important research going on there, and in Huntsville's biotech world overall. Thank you for sharing!
A great economic boost for the city I'm sure!
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