Eurogentec finds a home in Philadelphia

Belgian biotech firm Eurogentec has dropped anchor at Philadelphias University City Science Center.

Eurogentec, the Liège-based company, which is Europes second-largest maker of specialized oligonucleotides for the genomic research industry, and the first supplier in Europe for custom peptide antibody production, has opened its first U.S. office, and has decided to locate it in the Science Center-Greater Philadelphias premiere high-tech business accelerator and developer of entrepreneurial communities.

We looked across the U.S. for a location for our first office here," said Eurogentecs President and CEO, Jean-Pierre Delwart. Because of its proximity to the major markets of the East Coast, as well as the high level of biotech work being done in Philadelphia itself, we decided this is where we should be."

Since 1985, Eurogentec has grown into Europes leading producer of specialty oligonucleotides and products for the life-science community, including reagents and services for Real-Time PCR technology, peptide and antibody services, as well as DNA and protein array products.
Within the United States and Canada, Eurogentec products and services will be distributed via VWR International (www.vwr.com).

Pennsylvania Governor Mark Schweiker welcomed the arrival of Eurogentec into the region. "Pennsylvania scores another big win with Eurogentec's decision to locate its first U.S. office in Philadelphia," Gov. Schweiker said. "As an industry leader in genetic research, Eurogentec recognizes Pennsylvania's strength as a biotech leader. More importantly, biotech companies are discovering that Pennsylvania is the ideal spot for life-sciences businesses to grow and prosper."

Soares said Eurogentec was attracted to the Science Center because of the ease by which he could set up shop. This is a completely plug and play environment, which has allowed us to quickly move in and begin operations."

The Science Center is one of the oldest and largest urban research parks in the world, and helped launch over 250 high-tech companies over its 39-year history. Jill Felix, President/CEO of the Science Center, said Eurogentecs arrival demonstrates that Philadelphia is becoming known as a global hub for the biotech industry.

For further information, please contact:
Antonio Soares
General Manager
Eurogentec North America, Inc.
3701 Market Street, 4th floor
Philadelphia, Pa 19104 - USA
Tel +1-215-966-6135
Fax +1-215-966-6001
Mobile +1-267-679-0474
a.soares@eurogentec.com
web: www.eurogentec.com