The state is investing more than $1.7 million through a new First Ascent Biomedical laboratory space at Gannon University in Erie to grow the life sciences industry in northwestern Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development is making the investment through incentives. Of the $1.7 million, $1.5 million will help Gannon University pay for the 5,000-square-foot lab’s construction. The remaining $220,000 will be used for First Ascent’s growth and expansion.
The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments certified laboratory will be capable of processing thousands of tissue samples annually.
“We are thrilled that the state of Pennsylvania is supportive of our mission to drive innovation in the cancer treatment process,” Jim Foote, First Ascent Biomedical CEO, said. “Gov. (Josh) Shapiro’s leadership on this issue is an important demonstration of the role that a state can play in radically improving outcomes, lowering treatment cost and improving patient, family and provider experience during the treatment journey.”
The company is investing $1.13 million, and Gannon University will lease First Ascent the laboratory and office space.
Erie County, businesses and non-profit organizations also are contributing financially to the lab.
First Ascent Biomedical uses a combination of functional drug testing and genetic analysis to support precision oncology.