Investment

Can anybody spare a dime for science? With the usual funding avenues blocked development-stage companies are turning to research charities.

Helsinn Holding SA, a privately-owned pharmaceutical company, is to establish a centre of excellence in R&D of oral solid dosage at its existing site in Dublin.

The Internet search engine giant Google is setting up a venture capital arm, Google Ventures, with $100 million to invest in the first year.

Intel is to invest over €50 million in a major expansion at its Research and Development facility in County Clare, Ireland, creating up to 134 new jobs.

The pipeline of drugs in development in French biotechs saw a significant increase in 2008, but the funding climate may undermine this advance, says France Biotech.