Startup companies in the life sciences industry are reporting increased difficulty in accessing turnkey wet lab space, which allows them to develop their work through early studies. Without data, companies are unable to attract investors who provide research and development funding.
This means that early life sciences companies are having to put their research and development on hold, possibly for years, until new laboratory spaces get built.
“It’s a bit of a catch-22, because you need the data to be able to attract the investment to be able to build your own facilities. But, you need your own facilities to be able to generate the data,” said Lana Janes, co-founder and senior vice-president of operations and innovations at Abdera Therapeutics Inc., a Vancouver biopharmaceutical startup that specializes in the treatment of cancer with radioisotopes.
Janes described access to wet lab space as a “critical part of the life sciences ecosystem” and a necessary step for any company that is looking for financing and future growth opportunities.
The design elements of wet lab space allow companies to safely handle chemicals and contaminants. These elements include higher ceilings, stronger floor load capabilities, backup power generator capacity, efficient riser locations for ducting, an oversized loading dock and wider pathways.
Source : BIV