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S.C. urged to expand its focus to biotech

Submitted by: John Warner on Mar 14, 2003 at 6:00 am Tagged with: General Archives Source:

Swamp Fox

S.C. urged to expand its focus

Biotech firms hold conference in Charleston

BY JONATHAN MAZE
Of The Post and Courier Staff
Stop tracking only the "big elephants." Start growing "baby elephants."
That's the advice given Thursday by Don Herriott, CEO of Roche Carolina in
Florence at the Palmetto Biotech Initiative Conference at the Francis Marion
Hotel.
If the state is going to build a cluster of biotechnology companies, its
economic development strategy should focus on more than just big companies.
"The state can still go elephant hunting," Herriott said. "But it must also
grow baby elephants."
Still, while the state does have challenges in its efforts to develop a biotech
industry, it also has advantages, said Herriott and others speaking at the
first day of the two-day conference. The South Carolina Biotechnology
Incubation Program and the state Commerce Department are sponsoring the event.
The purpose is to develop an understanding of the industry and its requirements
and highlight ideas developed in the state.
If attendance is any indication, there's definitely interest in the subject.
Organizers initially planned for about 100 to 150 people, but the conference
has sold out, and Thursday evening's opening was full, with more than 200
attendees -- despite little press.
Karl Kelly, chief executive of the S.C. Biotechnology Incubation Program, said
South Carolina is in position to be successful in attracting companies to the
state while also developing companies within its own borders.
One company that decided to build here is Biopure, a Massachusetts-based
biotech that plans to build a $120 million manufacturing facility in Sumter.
The company uses cow blood to develop a blood substitute that it believes is
more effective in getting oxygen to the tissues than human blood.
CEO Thomas Moore, who calls his company an "18-year-old startup" said he chose
South Carolina to build the plant over many otherlocations first because of the
state's commitment and its attitude. Moore also cited the "team effort" among
local, state and federal governments, and he cited the experiences of companies
like Roche, a pharmaceutical maker. South Carolina "is a breath of fresh air
compared to other parts of the country," he said.
Herriott, who is on the board of directors of the Palmetto Institute and chairs
the state's Chamber of Commerce, said the state should look at its incentive
packages so they are not just based on capital investment. He said incentives
should also help startups.
In addition, Herriott said the state's research universities -- the Medical
University of South Carolina, the University of South Carolina and Clemson --
should be catalysts for the knowledge-based economy.
But Herriott also said there's been a greater focus in the past couple of years
on shoring up the state's weaknesses and strengthening the economy with
high-tech jobs -- he noted efforts to promote research and boost venture
capital.
Herriott also said that the top 10 percent of high school students are
competitive with other states, meaning South Carolina can field a skilled work
force.
And, of course, Herriott said the state has its strengths, namely the
pro-business climate and quality of life.
Jonathan Maze covers health care and technology. Reach him at
jmaze@postandcourier.com or 937-5719.