MedMira Laboratories Inc. today announced plans to produce its ground-breaking, fast-action HIV and hepatitis C test kits at a new production facility in Nova Scotia.
The facility, currently under construction in Bayers Lake Park in Halifax, will also be the site for the company's continuing research and development activities. MedMira's investment in the Nova Scotia operation and its product development has been $3.5 million to date.
The research and development operation will create between 70 and 100 jobs in its first year and up to 200 jobs in its second year. MedMira's current research and development laboratory employs about 20 people.
Stephen Sham, MedMira president and CEO, said the company's investment is a testimony to its future in the province. "We are committed to growing our company here in Nova Scotia and in capitalizing on the quality workforce that's available here," he said. "We will grow together."
The Province of Nova Scotia will contribute $600,000 for construction of a laboratory. An additional $360,000 will be provided to assist in the hiring and training of employees.
The investment will be non-repayable if the company meets and maintains employment targets. The province will fully recoup its investment in two years through tax revenues and spinoff activities. The province's contribution was announced by Premier Russell MacLellan during a news conference today at InNOVAcorp.
"MedMira revolutionary technology was developed right here in Nova Scotia and made ready for world markets here," said Premier MacLellan. "And now, thanks to our new partnership, the product will be produced in Nova Scotia. This investment will not only grow Nova Scotia's knowledge workforce, but it will bring international attention to the province's research and development capabilities."
In addition to the facility, MedMira also announced fellowships of $50,000 each for Dalhousie and Acadia universities. The fellowships will be used for post-doctoral research in cancer and hepatitis C.
"MedMira is very pleased to be partnering with these world-class institutions," said Hermes Chan, company vice-president. "Our partnerships will not only further the extraordinary research work under way, they will provide tremendous opportunities to share knowledge and identify new avenues of pursuit."
MedMira is one of a growing number of companies in Nova Scotia's life sciences industry. Earlier this month, the province announced formation of the Life Sciences Industry Partnership, a $1.6-million initiative to stimulate research and the growth of Nova Scotia companies in this burgeoning industry.
NOTE: The following is intended for use by broadcast media.
The manufacturer of a fast-action H-I-V test kit has announced plans to produce the kits at a new plant in Nova Scotia.
MedMira Laboratories is building the facility in Halifax's Bayers Lake Park.
It expects the research and development component of the operation will create between 70 and 100 jobs in first year and up to 200 in the second year.
MedMira's current R-and-D lab employs about 20 people.
The Nova Scotia government is investing 600-thousand for a new lab, and another 360-thousand to help in hiring and training. The investment is non-repayable if job targets are met and maintained.
The company's investment in the new operation and in product development has totalled 3.5-million dollars to date.
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