Hawai'i biotech shows promise

By John Duchemin
Advertiser Staff Writer

Biotechnology has emerged as one of the state's most promising new industries. Several medical and life-science research firms have received millions of dollars in venture-capital financing in recent years. Among them are Hoana Medical, which is developing bio-sensory monitoring pads for use on hospital beds, and Hawaii Biotech, which is researching a variety of vaccines and antidotes.

Experts say the University of Hawai'i's soon-to-be-redesigned medical school, with a new $150 million campus and research center under construction in Kaka'ako, could lead to a renaissance for the industry if the school can attract top researchers, and if nearby private landowners develop sufficient lab and office space for companies interested in commercializing UH research projects.