Technical Difficulties Biotech Could Give Region More Impact On Technology Map

With Boise sailing into the high-tech world bolstered by Micron and Hewlett-Packard, Spokane has struggled to keep pace

Spokane and North Idaho’s economy may find its sweet spot in biotechnology, area economists and business leaders predict.

While Seattle hums along with software firms, and Boise bustles on chip manufacturing and laser printers, the Inland Northwest tech economy has relied on hardware companies and call centers.

That’s going to change, as companies like Lifestream Technologies in Post Falls, and Hollister-Stier in Spokane become stronger players, said several business analysts.

“We’re on our way to seeing some potentially exponential growth in biotech here,” said Tony Bonanzino, president and CEO of Hollister-Stier, Spokane’s only FDA-approved drug-manufacturing facility.

He and others say the area has the right blend of young companies, strong higher education support and a network of venture capitalists needed to forge a successful biotech sector.

Spokane already has a strong medical community. Several area biotech firms, including Biogenetic Ventures, have started partnerships with medical researchers to push new biomedical products.

Hollister-Stier is the biotech godfather in the area. In addition to making allergen products, the 270-person firm is a contract manufacturer of high-grade products for other companies.

Other biotech companies making a mark in the area include:

Lifestream in Post Falls. The 6-year-old Idaho company is producing handheld cholesterol test devices, along with software tools for physicians. It employs 34.

GenPrime. Started by four Eastern Washington University faculty members, GenPrime now has eight employees. It is producing a number of two-chemical test systems for use by the food-processing and brewing industries.

Biomedex. Started in 1999 by former Hollister-Stier manager George Coleman and three other partners, Biomedex has 18 employees.

It is now producing two products - a sterile-alcohol disinfectant and an allergen test kit.

Biomedex plans to move to new offices in Airway Heights next year. Coleman said that biotech center will be large enough to serve as a production center for small biotech companies in California and Seattle.

Advanced Reproductive Technologies. Started by Washington State University at Spokane faculty members Sylvia Oliver and Joanna Ellington, ART is developing several medical products for use by doctors treating human fertility problems. The company is also developing products to be used by veterinarians and ranchers.

Biogenetic Ventures, a spin-off from Spokane venture firm Allison Johnson Ventures, is working with ART to help commercialize its products.

Said Coleman of Biomedex: “I’ve never seen as many people talking about the biotech prospects. Not just talking, but willing to make it happen.”

Graphic: High-tech takes over