(The Center Square) – Erie will soon see growth in its life sciences sector thanks to a $1.7 million investment from the state toward a new laboratory at Gannon University for cancer research company, First Ascent Biomedical.
The investment is part of a $6.5 million collaboration between Gannon, First Ascent, and Saint Vincent Hospital through the school’s Institute for Health and Cyber Knowledge. Additional funding for the project will come from the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, ERCGP, and the Lutheran Foundation for Long-Term Living.
“This project is a big win for Pennsylvania and could not have happened without the public, private, and non-profit sectors working together to invest in our future – collaboration that proves that our Commonwealth is working together to support our life sciences industry,” said Governor Josh Shapiro.
Shapiro has earmarked $30 million in his proposed budget toward life sciences. The state only pulls 3% of the venture capital going into the sector despite ranking fourth for research and development spending at its major universities. He sees a major opportunity to claim the space left open beyond the major hubs of Boston and the California Bay Area.
“Life sciences is a key sector of Pennsylvania’s economy and investments in innovation like this will ensure the Commonwealth remains a national leader in biotech, while also doing critical, life-saving work in the fight against cancer,” said Shapiro.
First Ascent’s work includes individualized analysis of a patient’s cancer. After studying the specific genetic code of the disease, the lab tests hundreds of medication options and provides patients, and their doctors, with custom treatment plans. The 5,000 square foot lab will host robotic technology capable of processing thousands of samples per year.
First Ascent promises to create 38 jobs in the short-term, which Gannon says will pay between $60,000 and $150,000 each. They hope to grow that number to at least 100 in the next five years, offering a chance to bring new life and appeal to the area.
“Gannon University is proud to support initiatives that improve the well-being of our community while contributing to the region’s economic vitality and expanding educational opportunities for our students,” said Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D., President of Gannon University. “This investment not only strengthens Erie’s position as a hub for healthcare innovation but also creates high-paying career opportunities that encourage our graduates to stay and thrive in the region.
St. Vincent will use space to expand their existing medical laboratory science program.
“By training the next generation of highly skilled medical technologists, we’re ensuring a robust healthcare workforce, including for underserved areas,” said Dr. Chris Clark, DO, MHA, president of Saint Vincent Hospital. “Furthermore, the hospital and our team of healthcare providers at the AHN Cancer Institute on our campus are extremely excited and hopeful about the possibilities the cancer research program Gannon and First Ascent will create for the future.”
The investment comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Gannon University will receive $1.5 million toward construction while First Ascent will receive $220,000 toward their expansion.
