Journal-News.com

The local branch of a national pharmaceutical company is not complete, but it is already garnering awards for its contribution to the community. Amylin Pharmaceuticals was one of 12 recipients of the 2007 Growth Award, presented by the Cincinnati USA Partnership, an economic development initiative directed by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber.

The 10-year-old Growth Awards are given out to recognize companies whose growth has benefited the area, said chamber spokesperson Nate Moster.

"They were chosen because of their economic contributions," he said of the 12 recipients, adding that Amylin was an easy pick for the award.

"Clearly, given the number of jobs created and amount of money they are investing, they were near the top of the list," he said.

Amylin Pharmaceuticals announced last year it intends to invest roughly $430 million in its manufacturing facility on Trade Port Drive in West Chester Twp. The facility is expected to produce Exenatide, a diabetes treatment drug.

"We're very pleased with the award, and are very pleased with the opportunities Ohio has given us there,"' said Alice Izzo, Amylin's executive director for corporate affairs.

She added that, though the company does not expect Exenatide to receive final FDA approval until later this year, the West Chester Twp. facility has already hired 160 of the 500 employees it expects to have at the facility.

"It's all going well," Izzo said of the developing facility. "It's going according to plan."

Moster said the companies recognized by the Growth Award often have an impact on the local economy that goes beyond jobs created or investment.

"When you speak to companies (considering the area) and can speak to the list of companies here, it's almost as if it's a direct testimonial we can show to other companies: 'Here are the companies you work with that are doing fantastic here.' "

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5127 or mcunningham@coxohio.com.

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