Biotech Ritter's push could pull sector along

With Gov. Bill Ritter paying more attention to the state's bioscience sector, 2008 may be a good year for the industry.

The governor, in cooperation with the Colorado BioScience Association, is poised to propose legislation that would set aside $3.5 million annually to aid technology transfer efforts and product commercialization.

There will also be a continued focus on education. The sector would like to see more college graduates working at local biotech companies. Yet, it is also looking for ways to encourage interest in science and math at the primary- and secondary-education levels.

Mature medical device companies, such as Gambro BCT, are poised for growth, venturing into new technologies to make the world's blood supply safer.

Merger-and-acquisition activity in the biotechnology sector is increasing as big companies look to smaller ones that have made significant headway on drug development. The $2.9 billion sale of Boulder-based Pharmion Corp. to New Jersey-based biopharmaceutical giant Celgene in November is one example, and that trend is expected to continue.

- Kimberly S. Johnson