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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 69 Fact Book / Doing Business in Maine I N N OVAT I O N / R & D spin-off of the other, the Foundation for Blood Research. Both Ventrex, a diagnostic test- ing company in Portland, which was acquired in the 1990s, and the Foundation for Blood Research, a diagnostics research lab that closed in 2016, began in the 1970s and are con- sidered the beginning of Maine's life sciences industry. "ese two companies led to the creation of more than 20 companies that served as the core of the industry in the state for some time," says Carpenter. While they continue to carry influence, new companies are starting up, mov- ing to Maine or merging with others to make the sector an even stronger economic driver. Covetrus, which provides software, services and products to veterinarians, is one such example. When Portland- based Vets First Choice, founded by former IDEXX executive Benjamin Shaw, merged with New York's Henry Schein Animal Health in 2019, the new company became Covetrus. While Covetrus is headquartered in Portland, the company employees 5,500 people with facilities in 19 different countries. Along with Covetrus, IDEXX Laboratories, another Ventrex spin- off, leads the charge in the business of animal health, a major sub-sector of Maine's biotech industry. IDEXX, which was founded in 1983 and employ- ees almost 3,000 Mainer's along with thousands of others across the globe, is Maine's second largest public company based on revenue. Human diagnostics, Maine's other major sub-sector, has recently taken on even more importance by play- ing a significant global role during the pandemic through manufactur- ing and services related to COVID testing. Scarborough's Abbott Human Diagnostics helped to develop anti- body tests. Maine Molecular Quality Control Inc. in Saco developed and produces tests for the virus, LGC Maine Standards, BBI Solutions and Virostat also contributed to fighting the pan- demic. IDEXX, which works in both human and animal health, made pet and human COVID tests, partnered with the State of Maine to operate a dedi- cated COVID-19 lab and launched a test to detect the virus in wastewater. Tech turns blue Not surprising for the coastal state, Maine biotech has also found a niche in aquaculture products and At Acadia Insurance, our service starts with an in-depth knowledge of your business and the local market in Maine. That perspective comes from an understanding of your operation and its unique exposures, working in partnership with your insurance agent. The insight we share together is the key to what we deliver: coverage closer to the needs of your business – and to you. A personalized perspective for your Closer Coverage SM We insure businesses large and small: CONSTRUCTION • FARMERS • FINANCE & REAL ESTATE HOSPITALITY • INSTITUTIONS • MANUFACTURING PROFESSIONAL OFFICE • RETAILERS • SERVICE TRANSPORTATION • WHOLESALERS • WOOD PRODUCTS MAINE | CONNECTICUT | MASSACHUSETTS NEW HAMPSHIRE | NEW YORK RHODE ISLAND | VERMONT C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F A M A N DA H OW L A N D Amanda Howland is the co-founder of ElleVet, which produces CBD products for pets. Maine's life sciences industry supports between 9,000 and 10,000 jobs.

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