Scheduled for completion in late November, the newly remodeled 23,600 square foot, two-story facility is being dedicated in honor of state Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno, for his significant contributions to the revitalization of business, government and the communities of the Capital District and his leadership and contributions to economic development in New York State. Senator Bruno was instrumental in helping secure for the University at Albany Foundation the property at which the new biotechnology development center is located. The Center itself was constructed inside a vacant building that was last used in 1991 by Sterling Drug, Inc. to produce potential drug candidates. In addition to the new Biotechnology Development Center, Albany Molecular Research, Inc. has renovated 16 chemistry laboratories at the former Sterling site. Located in the C-Wing on the East Campus, the laboratories are currently home to 90 AMRI employees, including the company s combinatorial chemistry efforts.
Combinatorial chemistry is a cutting-edge technology used in drug research and discovery.
AMRI leases the C-Wing labs and the Biotechnology Development Center from the University Foundation. The East Campus facilities will ultimately provide employment for approximately 150 scientists and support personnel and full occupancy is anticipated by the end of 2001 or early 2002. AMRI currently employs 256 individuals locally. The Biotechnology Development Center will house more than 50 new AMRI employees. The company also plans to add more employees at its C-Wing and Corporate Circle locations.