Yale Bulletin and Calendar

April 12, 2002

Volume 30, Number 25

Biotechnology companies are thriving in
Connecticut with help from Yale science

Biotechnology companies -- most spawned from Yale research and scientific discoveries -- have helped Connecticut's bioscience research and development (R&D) grow to $3.6 billion in 2001, an 18% increase over 2000, according to the seventh annual Economic Report of Connecticut United for Research Excellence (CURE).

The report, titled "2001 Gains and Future Opportunities," highlights several economic indicators that demonstrate the sustained growth of the bioscience industry in Connecticut, including the following:

* The state's bioscience cluster total investments in research and development (R&D) have increased 139% since 1995, when the data first became available. The most significant growth was in the biotechnology sector.

* Companies in the biotechnology sector raised nearly $557 million in private and public capital last year despite a difficult financial environment nationally.

* Connecticut-based pharmaceutical R&D companies now account for more than 12% of all R&D dollars spent by the nation's pharmaceutical companies.

* Total employment in the state's bioscience cluster in 2001 increased 3% to nearly 16,500 persons, creating an additional 471 jobs.

* As R&D investments increased in 2001, so too did the need for space, with occupied laboratory space within the cluster growing by nearly 400,000 square feet or 8%, to a total of 5.6 million square feet. Two local examples of this phenomenon are the recently renovated facility at 300 George St., which has become home to New Haven's biotech cluster and is now occupied by several Yale-spawned companies, as well as the growth of Science Park.

* Investments in clinical studies increased 22% during 2001 to nearly $512 million, with the most significant growth occurring in the biotechnology sector.

"The bioscience cluster has an impressive reputation of growth and success. It is a key sector which continues to demonstrate that Connecticut's economy is technology-driven and well-positioned for continued future expansion," said Governor John G. Rowland, in reaction to the report. "Many of our Connecticut bioscience companies are developing truly leading-edge therapies, products and technologies that help treat people today, and undoubtedly will play a major part in improving medicine and quality of care in the future."

Bruce Alexander, vice president and director of Yale's Office of New Haven and State Affairs, added: "Connecticut is gaining a national reputation as a leader in the biotech industry, and Yale science is responsible. New Haven is now home to more than 15 biotech companies, leading to the creation of new jobs and tax revenues, both good for our community, as well as new cures for human diseases, ones which will benefit all of mankind."

Founded in 1990, CURE has in recent years become the organizational center of Connecticut's BioScience Cluster, in partnership with the state's Department of Economic and Community Development. CURE's membership includes the majority of the state's biotechnology companies, all five pharmaceutical companies with major facilities in the state, all of its academic and research universities and colleges (including Yale), many of its health care institutions and systems, supporting agencies, businesses and organizations and several of its voluntary health organizations.

-- By Thomas Violante

T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S

Zedillo named head of Center for Study of Globalization

Other International Initiatives at Yale University

SOM Institute to explore how corporations are regulated by world's governments

Journalists covering Latin America will discuss the region's 'global reach'

HUD secretary to visit as a Chubb Fellow

Visiting architect describes his creative process

In Focus: Yale Recycling

Exhibition features art by 'consummate storyteller'

Peabody receives grant for Machu Picchu exhibit

Difficult quest for black education explored in forum

Noted psychologist Neal E. Miller, pioneerin research on brain and behavior, dies

Study estimates the likelihood of stroke in elderly patients who have had heart attacks

Biotechnology companies are thriving in Connecticut with help from Yale science

Lecture to explore how biomaterials 'will change our lives'

Conference on 'God and the Ethics of Belief' pays tribute . . .

Event to explore latest research on mental illness

Gustav Ranis reappointed as Henry R. Luce Director of YCIAS

'Hot Flashes' explores world of womanhood after 50

Museum spearheading annual cleanup of New Haven Harbor

At the powwow

Transatlantic polo

Campus Notes