There are over 90 biotechnology and pharmaceutical laboratories located within the Cambridge city limits. With such a high concentration of labs, the city has stringent regulations to contain exposure risks and ensure that the community is safe. In this session, the Department of Public Health will discuss lab safety in the city. Join us to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Massachusetts and Cambridge regulations to ensure you are running a safe and compliant lab.

1. H o w l a b o r a t o r y i n c u b a t o r s a r e c h a n g i n g m a n a g e m e n t
p r a c t i c e s i n m u l t i - t e n a n t f a c i l i t i e s
S A M L I P S O N
D I R E C T O R O F E N V I R O N M E N T A L H E A L T H
C A M B R I D G E P U B L I C H E A L T H D E P A R T M E N T
Biosafety in Cambridge

2. Ecosystem of Biotech Evolves
Early Biotech Companies in Cambridge (1980s-90s)
• Emerging out of academia
• Migrating from Europe
Big Pharma Comes to Town (2000 forward)
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Biotech niche companies survive
Micro-startups and Incubators (2010 forward)

3. Incubators lower cost of entry
Lab Start-up costs often prohibitive
• Leases on stand-alone lab spaces in Cambridge are
highly competitive, lead to long leases
• Purchase of equipment, modification of lab space
• Consultants, reagents, permits, personnel costs
• Opportunity cost of seeking VC support

4. Incubators also create special
oversight challenges
No single model, burden of compliance
• Local incubators have different business models
o No-Frills, Concierge, Strategic partnerships
• Range of incentives, but City requires accountability
• IBCs and training continue to be key to compliance
• Some tools have made it easier to start incubators
o Modular training
o BARs and other SOPS and templates
o Screening for risk level, compatability

5. Incubators as models for good
governance, safety practices
Regulations should create internal accountability
• rDNA Ordinance requires documentation of training,
review of new/amended protocols
• As small companies grow from 1-2 scientists they
work from a strong admin, training, & safety model
• Start-ups usually led by scientists w/ no mgt training
• Start-ups benefit from cross-pollination, networks
• Remaining flexible but clear about oversight goals

6. Questions?