The biotech companies themselves have led to the creation of new service industry. One such company is Puresyn, Inc., started in 1993. Founded by former Rorer Pharmaceuticals executive Mickey Flynn, Puresyn purifies biotech and pharmaceutical products for other companies. While the biotech industry continues to grow, the availability of investment capital has slowed over the past couple of years. The tightening capital market came partly as a result of several biotech products failing to gain FDA approval.
People now realize the difficulty in getting a drug to market.
The tougher financial environment has been leading to an increase in partnering. Centocor is partnering with Indianapolis based Eli Lilly to market its anti-clotting drug, ReoPro. Cephalon and SmithKline Beecham are collaborating on stroke research. This collaborative spirit is expected to lead to major breakthroughs over the next few years. Jeff Davidson, of the Pennsylvania Biotech Association, is optimistic.