TD2 wins AZBio's Fast Lane award for economic development of Arizona biosciences

TGen-s Scottsdale subsidiary helps pharmaceutical firms benefit patients

TGen Drug Development (TD2) won a Fast Lane award from the Arizona BioIndustry Association (AZBio) for promoting the economic development of Arizona biosciences.

TD2, a subsidiary of the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), provides world-class clinical and regulatory expertise to biopharmaceutical companies using cutting-edge technology to minimize the risks in cancer drug development. TD2 works to shorten the development cycles for anti-cancer agents and improve their success rates.

"TD2 is at the forefront of helping pharmaceutical companies navigate the regulatory system to get the safest, most effective compounds as quickly as possible to the patients who need them," said Dr. Stephen Gately, President and Chief Scientific Officer of TD2. "This award not only recognizes the good work of TD2, but is reflective of all the advancements of TGen, and of our collaborators."

Another recipient of a Fast Lane award is Flagship Biosciences, which provides tissue analysis services. Earlier this year, the Flagstaff company forged a strategic alliance with TD2 to help speed new drugs safely into human testing, where they can quickly benefit cancer patients.

Since 2002, according to Battelle: jobs in Arizona's bioscience industry grew 32 percent; the number of bioscience and related firms including research, manufacturing, testing, medical labs, and healthcare delivery systems grew 28 percent; and research partnerships with the National Institutes of Heath (NIH) increased 65 percent. Arizona bioscience organizations now generate $21 billion in annual revenues and $765 million in state and local taxes.

"These are measurable results from a community committed to working together to build a world-class research base, support commercialization efforts, and migrate the latest discoveries from the bench to the bedside in a manner that is both translational and transformational, " said Joan Koerber-Walker, President and CEO of AZBio. "Organizations like TD2 and their partners ensure that we keep advancing healthcare at an ever increasing rate."

In announcing the Fast Lane awards, the association noted that almost every news article about economic recovery points to two key driving factors, innovation and jobs. "Combining both in a way that is delivering measurable results is Arizona's bioscience sector. Thanks to a coordinated plan developed in 2002 and supported by leaders from Arizona's healthcare industry, corporations, government and universities, Arizona is moving forward faster in economic development, job creation and bioscience research."

TD2 officials will join Arizona scientists and biosciences organizations and businesses at the Arizona BioIndustry Association's AZBio Expo awards gala Oct. 13 at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Ariz.