That tally puts Biocitech in third place for patent filings in the life sciences sector in France. The "campus effect" has also resulted in more than 30 partnerships among Biocitech companies

Biocitech, 21 April 2008 - Biocitech, the Paris life science technology park, today announces that the companies in the park filed more than 30 patent applications in 2007. That figure puts Biocitech in third place for the number of filings in the life sciences sector in France, behind the CNRS and sanofi-aventis, and among the top 50 nationwide for the number of patents published last year. These results are a clear illustration of how the synergies created among companies on the campus stimulate progress in scientific research.

Among the other scientific achievements reported by these companies in 2007 were the establishment of proof-of-concept for seven new compounds, the start of clinical trials for three others and 14 other major scientific advances.

Furthermore, more than 70 collaboration agreements were signed last year, 33 between companies on the campus and 38 with outside firms. The total amount of funding raised by companies on the campus, including Oséo-Anvar type public research grants, amounted to nearly 90 million euros in 2007, increasing the cumulative total since the creation of Biocitech to some 300 million euros.

"For us, the vitality of scientific research on the Biocitech campus is a sign of the good economic health of the companies housed here," said the Director of Biocitech, Jacques Lhomel. "The conclusion of 30 or so partnerships among companies at Biocitech also confirms the strength of the 'campus effect'. We are delighted to see the development of these companies' intellectual property, - proof of the vigor of their research and a promise of future applications at the French, European and international levels."

Source: INPI (National Intellectual Property Institute). Figures are for the period from January 1 to December 31, 2007.

About Biocitech
The Biocitech technology park for life sciences offers a world-class environment and services for the development of biotechnology, biopharmaceutical and fine chemical companies.

Biocitech is on the outskirts of Paris, only 20 minutes from the city center and Charles de Gaulle airport. It is privately-owned and provides secure premises and comprehensive facilities based on the latest technology. It has received regulatory approval for conformity to environmental protection standards. Companies can use one or many of the services offered. These include offices, laboratories and a range of technical and scientific services - all designed to let entrepreneurs concentrate their time and resources on their core business.

Companies already established at Biocitech represent a wide variety of complementary disciplines and many are working on collaborative projects.

Along with other organizations in the Ile-de-France region around Paris, Biocitech plays a key role in the Medicen Paris Region network. This is a healthcare and new therapy cluster designated by the French government as internationally competitive and hence qualified for special privileges.

For further information: http://www.biocitech.com

For further information, please contact:
Andrew Lloyd & Associates
Andrew Lloyd / Neil Hunter
Tel: +44 1273 675100
allo@ala.com  / neil@ala.com