Massachusetts' Thick Skin

Organogenesis Inc. announced plans to build a new headquarters and factory in Massachusetts, adding over 300 high-skilled jobs. The company, which makes artificial skin called Apligraph, plans to build a new 250,000-square-foot complex within 15 miles of its current Canton, MA headquarters.

Organogenesis had been planing to expand its operations outside of Massachusetts, but was lured by the state's incentives and Life Sciences Initiative. Massachusetts will provide $12.9 million in grants and infrastructure support, as well as $5 million in low interest loans, to the company. The Boston Globe reported today that "with biotech companies and other life-science businesses riding a wave of job growth and financial success, Massachusetts is competing with other states to lure and keep companies." Governor Deval Patrick announced that the company's decision to remain in MA was the first victory since the announcement of Massachusetts's $1 billion life-sciences strategy last month.

The artificial skin that Organogenesis produces is made from live human cells (apparently from infant foreskin) and cow collagen. Doctors place the grafts on diabetic ulcers and other wounds.

Sources: The Boston Globe, Organogenesis, Metropolis