Dubai: 27 January, 2008 - Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), a member of TECOM Investments, today announced its state-of-the-art laboratory buildings - the AED289 million Nucleotide Complex - will be operational in September this year.

As the region's first dedicated modern laboratory compound, the Nucleotide Complex will offer flexible laboratory space for research. Consisting of 'A, C, T and G' wings, the facility has been named after the four basic building blocks of nucleic acids, the main components of genetic material. The four-storey complex has been designed by CUH2A, a recognised leader in designing facilities for science and technology institutions.

Dr. Abdulqader Alkhayat, Executive Director, DuBiotech, said: "The Nucleotide Complex demonstrates DuBiotech's serious commitment to developing sustainable buildings that accommodate leading clinical research institutions. In conformity with TECOM's overall strategy, the complex is already classified as a LEED certified 'green' building, reflecting our social and environmental responsibility objectives.

"In addition to its modern amenities, the Nucleotide Complex will house the region's first pre-clinical vivarium, a laboratory for animal testing, spread over 10,000 sq feet. This is the first time companies engaged in animal testing will have a facility dedicated to this type of research." 

The Nucleotide Complex will allow companies to carry out laboratory-based research and analysis without the need to build their own dedicated facilities.

All DuBiotech subsidiary laboratories located at the facility are required to follow GLP and ISO 17025 standards, while all laboratory activities will be strictly regulated by the DuBiotech Regulatory Affairs department.

In addition, on the second day of Arab Health 2008, the Middle East's largest healthcare exhibition to be held from 28-31 January in Dubai, DuBiotech will launch a pioneering research subsidiary. The announcement will be made in the presence of senior Government officials.

DuBiotech offers the complete value chain to help companies set up their operations. In addition to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, it aims to provide the necessary infrastructure for all entities involved in the life sciences industry, including the agricultural, environmental, and marine biotechnology sectors.

At present, 28 companies licensed by DuBiotech are fully operational at the free zone.  The park is working closely with the UAE Ministry of Health, the Dubai Health Authority, and other relevant regulatory bodies to further develop the life sciences industry in the country.

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About DuBiotech
Announced in February 2005, the Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech) is a science and business park dedicated to the biotechnology industry, set within a 'free zone'. DuBiotech has two arms.  The first is the Foundation for Research and Innovation (FRI) that will initially focus on government-funded R&D in medicine and genetics, plant biotechnology encompassing food and agricultural biotech, environmental biotech and equine-related biotechnology.  Other areas include drug discovery, stem cell research, infectious diseases and forensic research.  The second arm of DuBiotech aims to set up a biotechnology industry cluster with cutting-edge infrastructure, facilities and services for incubators, R&D labs, biotech-related educational institutions, suppliers, biotech-related manufacturing companies and organizations from other sectors in the industry.  DuBiotech is advised by an independent steering committee on scientific, business and ethical matters. In cooperation with global research leader, RTI International, DuBiotech is developing comprehensive regulations that address all aspects of biotech activity. Being in a 'free zone' means biotechnology firms in the park have 100 % exemption from any form of taxation for 50 years, 100 % business ownership and 100 % repatriation of capital.

For further information, please call:
Zeba Ahmad
JiWiN
The Exclusive Middle East Affiliate of Burson-Marsteller
Tel: +9714 361 3590 (direct)
+9714 361 3333 (switchboard)
Fax: +9714 388 8001
e-mail: Zeba.Ahmad@jiwin.ae  

© Press Release 2008