Life Science Services

Clinical research organisations and contract manufacturing organisations
Both domestic and international clinical research organisations (CROs) are represented in Medicon Valley. The CROs are well established and renowned for their high standards of quality. They offer a variety of services and are capable of conducting complete clinical projects from start to finish, naturally run in accordance with European Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. A number of contractmanufacturing organisations (CMO) are also present, offering efficient manufacturing in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. Manufacturing of large molecules such as proteins is a particular strength of Medicon Valley.

Science parks
A number of science parks are located in Medicon Valley. The science parks typically offer office and laboratory facilities and are situated in close proximity to universities and other high-tech environments. They are an important element in stimulating co-operation between researchers, industry and venture capital providers. The science parks in Medicon Valley offer a wide range of services, including:

• Administrative services (bookkeeping, accounts, secretarial services etc.)
• Access to service providers in IT, patenting, design counselling etc.
• Financial services from pre-project capital to venture capital
• Legal advice
• Counselling in relation to establishment, networking, patent applications, marketing, licenses, capital input etc.
• Conference facilities

The main science parks in the region are:

• CAT Science Park - runs three Danish science parks from the campuses of Risø National Laboratory (CAT/Risø), Roskilde University (CAT/RUC) and the Technical University of Denmark (CAT/DTU)
• Ideon Science Park - based in Lund, Sweden
• Krinova Science Park - based in Kristianstad, Sweden
• Medeon Science Park - based in Malmö, Sweden
• Malmö Incubator (MINC) - based in Malmö, Sweden
• Scion-DTU - based in Hørsholm and Lyngby north of Copenhagen, Denmark
• Symbion Science Park - based in Copenhagen, Denmark

New R&D support initiatives
A new cutting-edge biotech research unit has recently been established in Copenhagen: the Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC). BRIC seeks to establish research collaborations between public research institutions and the biotech industry. When fully operational, BRIC is expected to employ about 150 academics and technicians. The Copenhagen BioCenter will host some key players within the Medicon Valley research community and will contain state-of-the-art laboratories, animal facilities and offices.

At Lund University in Sweden, the Center for Stem Cell Biology and Cell Therapy was established in January 2003. With nine strong research groups and almost 130 employees, the centre is already one of the largest in the field.

Other services
Medicon Valley is also home to peripheral competencies that are nonetheless relevant to the life science industry. These competencies include construction of buildings suitable for life science companies and provision of legal and financial advice related to this specific industry.