Halifax life sciences firm expands to larger facility, eyes increased global exports
News release
Solid State Pharma Inc. to add new equipment, create intellectual property for pharmaceutical, natural health companies
May 21, 2019 – Halifax, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Cutting-edge ideas in life sciences help Atlantic Canadian businesses take advantage of emerging opportunities in the pharmaceutical and natural health products sectors, successfully compete in world markets and grow the local economy. Committed to improving drug effectiveness, Solid State Pharma Inc. is helping companies around the world provide faster and more effective drug treatments to patients.
In just five years, the pharmaceutical research company has outgrown its current space and is moving to a new downtown Halifax location, more than tripling its footprint. Solid State Pharma is purchasing state-of-the-art equipment to outfit the laboratory where it will conduct innovative research to produce new intellectual property. Pharmaceutical and natural health care companies will use this research to patent new drugs, extend the patent life of existing drugs, and lower required dosages. Solid State Pharma will decrease costs for its clients, develop new intellectual property to improve the company’s sustainability, add jobs and grow exports around the globe.
Today, Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Halifax, announced a $700,000 Government of Canada contribution to Solid State Pharma Inc. to support its expansion. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
Economic growth and the creation of good jobs for Atlantic Canadians require innovation and diversification. Support for this project is one way the Government of Canada is working to help businesses scale-up, increase productivity and participate in the innovation economy. Projects like this also contribute to the Atlantic Growth Strategy outcome of long-term economic prosperity in the region.
Quotes
“In a time of rapid technological change and global interconnectedness, we have an opportunity to leverage our healthcare innovations to achieve even greater impact through advances in pharmaceutical research. Companies like Solid State Pharma are world leaders in this field. These firms are helping Atlantic Canada provide better healthcare to Canadians and people around the world, while generating regional economic wealth and creating highly skilled jobs.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, supports investments in research and initiatives that grow the economy and encourage the commercialization of breakthrough ideas. From its new facility, Solid State Pharma Inc. will continue to conduct cutting-edge research to help optimize drug effectiveness for patients around the world.”
- Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Halifax
“Bringing value to the patients, to our community and to our team is the primary driving force at Solid State Pharma. We have had four requests for acquisition by European and Chinese companies but we showed no interest because we want to stay and grow here in Atlantic Canada for many years to come. The ACOA contribution helps us meet our long-term vision, create more highly-paid jobs and increase our export revenue.”
- Dr. Mahmoud Mirmehrabi, Founder and President, Solid State Pharma Inc.
Quick facts
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Solid State Pharma Inc. is an early-stage life sciences company that specializes in pharmaceutical research and crystal engineering.
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The company partners with many global pharmaceutical companies and earns nearly all of its revenue from out-of-country exports.
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When it incorporated in 2014, Solid State Pharma had one employee, founder Dr. Mahmoud Mirmehrabi. The company currently employs 13 full-time staff, two interns and five consultants. It plans to add 25 highly skilled jobs and 15-20 new intern positions over the next five years.
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Solid State Pharma is receiving a $700,000 repayable contribution through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.
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The Business Scale-up and Productivity stream of the REGI program supports businesses at various stages of development, including high-growth firms, to accelerate their growth, help them scale-up and enhance their productivity and competitiveness in both domestic and global markets.
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The REGI program continues to build on the objectives of the Government of Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan.
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
chris.brooks@canada.ca
Dr. Mahmoud Mirmehrabi
President
Solid State Pharma Inc.
902-442-4012 ext 1
Mahmoud@solidstatepharma.com
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