The commonwealth of Pennsylvania has fostered an atmosphere that encourages biotechnology and life sciences companies to invest enormous resources and millions of dollars into research and development.

Pennsylvania is home to a continuum of the biosciences —basic research, emerging companies, mature industry, global pharmaceuticals and support organizations that help transition companies through the various growth stages.

Two universities — the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and the University of Pittsburgh — rank in the top 10 nationally for National Institutes for Health funding.

Eighty percent of the world’s global pharmaceutical companies are within a 50-mile radius of the Philadelphia metro, providing access to a deep talent pool and partners for biotechnology companies.

Isolagen Inc., a United Kingdom-based company, has expanded its U.S. operations by relocating its headquarters and R&D operations from Texas to its existing facility in Exton in the Philadelphia metro.

The company, which specializes in the development and commercialization of cellular therapies for soft and hard tissue regeneration, will create at least 140 jobs within three years.

“Obtaining this facility represents a major step toward commercialization of [product] in North America,” said Robert J. Bitterman, president and CEO of Isolagen. “We are delighted to have secured a facility in the talent-rich Mid-Atlantic pharmaceutical corridor.”

The company’s technology process has potential applications in cosmetic dermatology, cosmetic surgery, periodontal disease, reconstructive dentistry and other therapies. Isolagen has five secured patents and five additional patents pending.

As a result of the expansion, Isolagen will receive $1.7 million in financial incentives from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), including a $500,000 loan from the Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund (MELF), a $400,000 Opportunity Grant, $100,000 in work force training funds and $700,000 in tax credits for job creation.

Also in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Charles River Laboratories plans to relocate to a new 60,000 to 80,000 square foot facility in the region after outgrowing its current facility in Exton. A location has not yet been determined.

The company, a provider of solutions that advance the drug discovery and development process, will create nearly 40 jobs within three years and retain 92 employees.

DCED offered the company a financial package that includes $450,000 from MELF, $300,000 in Opportunity Grant, $150,000 in work force training assistance and $180,000 in tax credits for job creation.

Agentase Expands in Pittsburgh Metro

Perhaps no other region in the nation has reinvented itself more thoroughly or more dramatically than the Pittsburgh metro area has during the past two decades.

A region that was once solely dependent on heavy manufacturing and steel production has been transformed into an economically diverse center combining a tradition of innovation with emerging industries, such as life sciences and biotechnology.

Companies like Agentase LLC, a manufacturer of anti-chemical warfare/terrorism sensors and pesticide remediation, are expanding in the metro. Agentase is relocating within the metro to a new facility in Harmar Township. The chemical engineering company completed the research and development (R&D) phase for its new products and needs to relocate to a facility with wet chemistry lab space.

At least 54 jobs will be created within three years and 22 existing employees will be retained.

DCED offered the company a $328,300 funding package that includes a $200,000 Small Business First loan, a $50,000 Opportunity Grant, $24,300 in work force training funds, and $54,000 in tax credits for job creation.

A relationship with a professor at the University of Pittsburgh is one of the reasons why NanoDynamics is developing a life sciences division in the metro. NanoDynamics has licensed certain technologies developed by the professor, said Keith Blakely, CEO of the Buffalo, N.Y.,-based company.

The new division, ND Life, will be located in the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse.

The unit will explore the uses of NanoDynamics’ nanotechnology and nanomaterials in the life sciences area for applications such as antimicrobial or biocidal surfaces.

NanoDynamics currently has about 60 employees in four existing locations in the Pittsburgh metro focusing on nanometal powders, fuel cell technology and other research. Plans call for adding another 20 to 25 employees by the end of the year, Blakely said.

DCED offered NanoDynamics a $500,000 loan through MELF, a $200,000 Small Business First loan, a $200,000 Opportunity Grant, $100,000 in work force training funds and $150,000 in job creation tax credits.