Pfizer to Donate Lab Equipment

Detroit Free Press Inc. - September 7, 2006

By Alejandro Bodipo-Memba

Pfizer Inc. will donate lab equipment valued at more than $1 million to Michigan-based start-up companies focused on life-science research.

Two Ann Arbor-based industry trade groups, MichBio and Ann Arbor SPARK, are responsible for selecting the companies and administering the process. No companies have been selected.

"We're very conscious that it's a priority in this state," said David Canter, senior vice president and site director of Pfizer Michigan Laboratories. "I'm very sensitive and aware of what this state is trying to achieve, and we wanted to align our efforts with the priorities of
the state of Michigan."

Pfizer's surplus equipment consists of more than 200 devices, including a $327,000 mass spectrometer, which separates atoms and molecules while racing through a vacuum, and a $15,000 high-pressure liquid chromatography system, used to separate and purify various compounds.

Interested companies will have to go through an application process to get the equipment. There is no specific timetable as to when the trade groups will select firms for the equipment.

"Our goal is to have a careful, methodical review process in place that ensures this important equipment supports the most promising life-science ventures in Michigan," said Stephen Rapundalo, executive director of MichBio.

The goal of the program is to have as many as six midsize-to-large companies in Michigan sign on as regular equipment donors to ensure a plentiful supply of equipment in the future.

"I think this program is an indication of our willingness here in Ann Arbor to use our resources to the benefit of the entire state," said Michael Finney, president and chief executive of Ann Arbor SPARK.

For information on the program, visit www.michbio.org or www.annarborspark.org.