BIO-XCELL GETS THREE MINI-ANCHORS

From Leslean Arshad

CHICAGO, May 5 (Bernama) -- The global launch of Malaysia's Bio-Xcell
initiative at the BIO International Convention (BIO Chicago 2010) here on
Tuesday, got off to a fine headstart.

Three international biotechnology companies, have indicated they are coming
on board as mini-anchors for the biotechnology ecosystem in Iskandar Malaysia,
Johor.

The three companies are Glycos Biotechnology Inc of the United States,
Switzerland's MGM Ingredients AG and a India-based pharmaceutical company.

"The companies would collectively bring about a RM300 million investment
into the ecosystem," said Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation (BiotechCorp)
Chief Executive Officer, Iskandar Mizal Mahmood.

The exchange of Memorandum of Applications between Bio-Xcell and the
repective companies was held at the Bio-Xcell global launch by Science,
Technology and Innovation Minister Dr Maximus Ongkili.

The event was held at Malaysia's Pavilion at Chicago's McCommick Place, the
venue of BIO Chicago 2010.

"The participation of the companies across the industrial, pharmaceutical
and agriculture sectors sets a good start for the ecosystem. Their business
activities support our commitment to promote environmental, food and health
sustainability," Iskandar said.

A premier biotechnology ecosystem, Bio-Xcell, is being developed on a 60:40
joint-venture basis between BiotechCorp and UEM Land Bhd.

Bio-XCell will comprise the development of a supportive biotechnology
ecosystem around targeted strategic anchor tenants, to undertake operations
geared towards expediting the industry's growth.

Iskandar, who is also Bio-Xcell Chairman, said plans are underway to secure
three top-tier biotechnology companies to invest in the project as
platinum-status anchors.

"We are working hard to close the deals with the three top companies before
year-end," he added.

According to Iskandar, the three platinum-status companies are targeted to
start their operations, the latest, by 2013.

He said the development of about 70-acres for the project is on track to
welcome the anchors into the ecoystem.

Iskandar said the each mini-anchor outfit would occupy between two and three
acres in the ecosystem and the platinum-status anchors, 10 acres.

At the global launch too, Bio-Xcell and General Electric International Inc
(GE) entered into a Memorandum of Collaboration for the provision of the
strategic infrastructure for the ecosystem, particularly the development of
centralised utility facilities within the park.

Iskandar said the collaboration with GE might also include the provision of
life sciences and industrial manufacturing equipment and potential investment
in biotech related innovation.

At the function, BiotechCorp also launched Malaysia's first Biotechnology
country report in collaboration with Ernst & Young.

He said the objective of the country report is to provide an overview
of the Malaysian biotechnology industry's development since 2005 and set
priority actions in moving into the commercialisation phase of the country's
biotechnology policy.

"More importantly, it allows for benchmarking and tracking of the industry's
initiatives and development. It allows us to identify key actions which must be
put in place in ensuring the success of initiatives towards commercialisation,"
Iskandar explained.

--BERNAMA