Lyon, France – Massachusetts Life Sciences Center President & CEO Susan Windham-Bannister, Ph.D., recently met with Life Sciences executives from the Lyon region of France to discuss what Massachusetts has to offer for growing companies in the life sciences industry. Massachusetts has become the leading destination for international life sciences companies that are looking to enter or expand their presence in the U.S. Market, including companies from France.
“Thanks to our growth strategy of investing in education, innovation and infrastructure, Massachusetts continues to lead the world in life sciences,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “Through this innovation partnership mission we are building new relationships that will result in life sciences growth in both France and Massachusetts. We’re excited to continue working with France and the companies we met with today to foster future collaboration.”
“Collaboration is critical to life sciences innovation, and it is great to see the information sharing that is enables by in these meetings,” said Susan Windham-Bannister, Ph.D., President & CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, and a participant on the trade mission. “Collaboration between Massachusetts and France will lead to improved technologies, better choices for patients, and strengthened business ties.”
In 2011 French life sciences giant Sanofi purchased Genzyme, Massachusetts’ largest life sciences employer. Since the acquisition Sanofi has expanded their presence in Massachusetts, including the establishment of a major Cambridge-based R&D facility. In 2013 French biotech company Hemarina announced plans to open their first US office in Massachusetts.
Today Windham-Bannister also attended an event with Lyonbiopole, an organization that supports and develops international partnerships. During the event, Lyonbiopole announced that they will now be scientifically certifying companies from their region that apply to the MLSC’s Universal Partnerships (UP) program. UP, MLSC’s newest international collaboration program, will provide grants to Massachusetts companies to support R&D collaborations with non-U.S. organizations (such as: a company, research institution, or university) from any region of the world.
“We are sharing the same mission with the Massachusetts Life Science Centre, to support innovation and we are willing to reach the same goals, to foster the development of new healthcare products for the benefit of patients,” said Florence AGOSTINO-ETCHETTO, General Director of Lyonbiopole. “Our organization has been designed to stimulate, set-up and support collaborative projects. This new collaboration will offer a unique opportunity to support our companies to strengthen their partnerships and their presence in the U.S. Market”.
