Business NC Features Sandy Costa on State’s Growing Biomanufacturing Sector

Business North Carolina magazine featured Smith Anderson attorney Sandy Costa in a special section about the state’s booming biotech industry, particularly the biomanufacturing sector, with Sandy saying that as the industry grows it will further cement the state’s ability to attract world-class talent.

The magazine featured a roundtable discussion with biotech experts who spoke at length on biomanufacturing’s past, present and future. As part of the special section, BNC interviewed Sandy regarding his thoughts on biotechnology’s role in the state’s economy.

“At Smith Anderson, we work with many life sciences industry leaders and have seen firsthand how biomanufacturing puts our state at the forefront of an industry that generates innovation on a global scale,” Sandy said.

Sandy is no stranger to the pharmaceutical, health care and life science industries – his experience includes over 40 years in executive and senior operating management positions and board advisory roles. Current chair of N.C. Biotech’s Board of Directors, Sandy told BNC that the state has done an excellent job in positioning itself to grow the life sciences industry.

“One of the greatest challenges we have is attracting young people to pursue careers in life sciences,” Sandy says. “The demand for technically educated and trained individuals will only increase … Fortunately, we have world-class universities and other institutions that will help meet this challenge.”

In addition to his legal practice, Sandy's experience includes serving as president, chief operating officer and vice chairman of Quintiles Transnational Corp. where during his tenure he had responsibility for all operating divisions and worldwide business development. Other executive level experience includes senior vice president-administration, general counsel and director of Glaxo Inc. and U.S. area counsel for Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals.

Check out the entire special section here.

Business North Carolina is a monthly magazine that focuses on the people, events and trends that shape business in North Carolina. Since it began publication in 1981, it has won more than 100 national awards for its writing, reporting and design.