Of course, there is plenty of biotech fervor outside the GTA as well.
      In Mississauga, GlaxoSmithKline President and CEO Paul Lucas was recently recognized by the Mississauga Board of Trade as its 2001 Business Person of the Year. The honor came in part because of his company's visionary success, not to mention its annual investment of more than $64 million in R&D in the province. He oversaw the creation of GlaxoSmithKline's $160 million Technical Center there as well, now staffed by 500 professionals.
      "Mississauga has done a great deal to create a supportive business environment, one that not only fosters innovation but supports a positive community lifestyle for our employees," said Lucas in accepting the award.
      In Ottawa, Adherex Technologies is among the leaders in development of therapeutic technologies based on cell adhesion. The company's lead product is called Exherin, which works to destroy the blood vessels that feed a cancerous tumor. The firm is also pursuing projects involving dermal applications of hair-growing drug Minoxidil.
      The firm recently made its IPO, and CEO John Brooks is looking for a pharmaceutical partner as well.
      "Ottawa is developing a cluster of biotech firms, due to research found at the University of Ottawa, the National Research Council and Health Canada," says Brooks. "Limitations remain with respect to management, human resources and funding."
      Other successful innovators include Bioniche in Belleville, a relative ancient in biotech terms, having started up in 1979 to develop technologies to replace antibiotics in livestock. Now it also develops anti-cancer therapies based on mycobacterial cell wall technologies. The firm recently received $11 million from the federal Technology Partnerships Canada for research to develop a bovine vaccine against E. coli and a treatment for bladder and prostate cancers in humans.
      "I am pleased with the growth of biotech in Ontario and look forward to much greater expansion as we reach critical mass," says Adherex's Brooks with a scientist's inherent optimism. "The research base is thriving to support the industry."
      Says Chabursky with a bit less reservation, "No doubt this is going to be one of the hotbeds of life sciences."