Life Sciences
The Shenandoah Valley has a history of partnerships that inspire innovation. Combine this collaborative spirit with the region’s proximity to the Baltimore/Washington biotech cluster, the brainpower of our eleven colleges and universities and you have the atmosphere to foster life science development.
Companies engaged in Life Sciences research, development and manufacturing include:
Merck & Company, Elkton
Since 2005, Merck & Company has invested over $290 million in expansions at its Stonewall Plant in Elkton to prepare the facility for vaccine purification and production. James Madison University and Blue Ridge Community College assist Merck by providing biomanufacturing certification and degree curricula to support the company’s long-term workforce training needs.
“This announcement not only increases Merck’s investment in Virginia, it provides a vital vaccine for women’s health,” said Virginia Governor Kaine. “Implementing this new process at the Elkton plant shows the confidence Merck has in Virginia’s positive business climate and dedicated workforce.”
SRI Shenandoah Valley, Rockingham County
SRI International is locating on a 25-acre campus in the Rockingham Center for Research and Technology. A nonprofit research institute, SRI will establish its new Center for Advanced Drug and Research (CADRE) on this campus. The CADRE facility is under construction with occupancy slated for early third-quarter 2009. The SRI Shenandoah Valley campus will include a state-of-the-art research facility for conducting systems biology research in the areas of biodefense and neglected diseases. Future research programs may include other high-technology areas such as homeland security, engineering, nanotechnology, information technology and energy.
“SRI is growing strategically by locating near its clients and talented professionals,” said Curtis Carlson, Ph.D., president and CEO of SRI International. “The Shenandoah Valley offers SRI operational support, collaboration with academic institutions, proximity to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and a high quality of life.
Cadence, Inc., Staunton, VA
Cadence Companies design and manufactured the world's best cutting and piercing instruments and components for industrial cutting applications, life science and research studies, and medical device development. Cadence companies include Cadence Science, Specialty Blades and IncisionTech.
Atlantic Research Group, Staunton, VA
Atlantic Research Group provides small and mid—size biotech and pharmaceutical firms with high—quality clinical trial management services. ARG’s therapeutic focus includes oncology, immunology, cardiovascular, ophthalmology, metabolic disease, and nephrology.