There is a science to site selection. But rarely do the specifics of science itself so directly impact a location choice.
In late April, one day apart, new protease inhibitor drugs developed by both Merck & Co. and by Vertex Pharmaceuticals to treat Hepatitis C in combination with other drugs were to be reviewed by a U.S. Food and Drug Administration panel. Both companies expect a final decision by the time school’s out for the summer. Hanging in the balance, contingent on the FDA decision, is Vertex’s non-binding letter of intent, signed in January with prominent Boston developer The Fallon Co., to relocate its headquarters to twin office towers in a new US$2-billion downtown Boston waterfront complex called Fan Pier. Backed by incentives from the state and the Boston Redevelopment Authority, the project has been in the works for well over two years, delayed in part by Fan Pier’s tenant and financing challenges resulting from the credit crunch. Fallon first broke ground on the overall development in 2007.
To read the full, original article click on this link: Life Science Centers: Big Science: The best biomedical hubs may be driven by, of all things, the science itself.
Author: ADAM BRUNS
