BIOPSY SCIENCES BUILDS ON BIOTECH SUCCESS IN PINELLAS

November 24, 2008

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GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
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TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today announced that Biopsy Sciences will move operations from Tucson, Arizona, to Pinellas County. The relocation of the growing biomedical research and device company includes new, high-wage jobs paying 200 percent of the county’s average annual wage, which adds to the region’s growing life sciences industry.

“Biopsy Sciences’ move to Florida is indicative of the state’s focus on a future rich in science, research and innovation,” said Governor Crist. “I welcome the company to the state and look forward to its continued growth in Pinellas County.”

Biopsy Sciences develops new and innovative products for the medical market, including the HydroMARK, a breast biopsy site marker that helps patients by replacing lengthy mammogram-guided wire localization procedures with quick, accurate ultrasound-guided localization procedures that are more comfortable for patients.

The company took advantage of Florida’s Qualified Targeted Industry (QTI) program to assist with the financial implications of relocating. Through a partnership between the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development (OTTED), Enterprise Florida, Pinellas County, and the City of Pinellas Park, the QTI allows employers in targeted, high-growth industries to receive tax refunds for every new, high-paying job created.

Dr. John Fisher, CEO of Biopsy Sciences, explains the company’s decision to locate in Pinellas County: “Through my work with the medical community here in Pinellas, I knew the area had the right combination of medical component manufacturers and health care industry professionals to support the HydroMARK product. This relocation allows us to not only create high-value jobs in research and development applications, but will allocate clean room space to manufacture these products for the first time in-house.”

Adds Calvin D. Harris, Chairman of Pinellas County’s Board of County Commissioners, “This is a great win for our community, and I welcome Biopsy Sciences to Pinellas County’s expanding biotechnology and research sector. They will join Draper Laboratories and SRI International in creating high wage career opportunities for Pinellas’ citizens.”

Learn more about Biopsy Sciences at www.biopsysciences.com.