Wisconsin's biotech industry recognized by national publication

Perhaps the gap between Wisconsin’s biotechnology sector and other well-established biotech regions is closing. A March 1 article in Genetic Engineering News featuring Wisconsin’s biotech sector as “America’s Third Coast,” gives credit where it’s due, say technology leaders.

The East and West Coasts are often regarded as America’s biotechnology centers, and while they continue to flourish, some believe Wisconsin is catching up. According to the article, Wisconsin’s 150-plus biotech companies and various university-affiliated organizations are lending credibility to Wisconsin’s biotechnology sector.

“When you take inventory of the biotech companies located [in Wisconsin], you can see how much is going on. It’s amazing what a lot of hard work, creativity and a supportive environment will do,” said Ralph Kauten, president and chief operating officer of Quintessence Biosciences, Inc.“Even though we don’t have the resources you find on the East and West Coasts, it is happening here. We can expect to see much more biotech development and success here in Wisconsin.”

Wisconsin companies like Promega, Epicentre, Third Wave Technologies, Gala Biotech and Scilog were profiled in the article as key biotech players. These businesses and their capabilities are pushing Wisconsin to the biotechnology forefront, according to James Leonhart, vice president of the Wisconsin Biotechnology Association.

“We are on the verge of a biotechnology explosion in Wisconsin. More investors are recognizing that the great discoveries that are emanating from our university system and from within our companies are worthy of their attention. ‘America’s Third Coast’ has a quality of life and an equipped workforce that are second to none in the nation,” Leonhart said. Other companies highlighted by the article include Platypus Technologies, Mirus Technologies and OpGen.

“Slowly but surely, the exciting story of Wisconsin’s emerging life sciences sector is being heard. The Genetic Engineering News story captures the diversity of Wisconsin’s biotech community, which includes strong research institutions--an enviable tech transfer process and vibrant companies with products that range from diagnostics to therapeutics. Wisconsin’s biotech sector is truly claiming a spot on the national map,” said Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council.