KU to lease out vacant lab space for local expansion by Deciphera Pharmaceuticals

Laboratory space temporarily vacant at the University of Kansas will soon be put to good use in a new and innovative way. Effective November 1, 2008, it will be leased for an initial 18 months to a growing, Kansas-based, biosciences company in need of space to expand its operations.

Under terms of the agreement, Deciphera Pharmaceuticals of Lawrence will lease 7,700 square feet in the Life Sciences Research Laboratory (LSRL) at Wakarusa and Bob Billings Parkway. The vacant space has been occupied by KU’s High-Throughput Screening Laboratory and Center of Excellence in Chemical Methodologies and Library Design. Both units vacated the LSRL in June and relocated to Phase III of the Structural Biology Center on KU’s West Campus.

“This is a great opportunity for KU to help a new and expanding company stay and prosper in Kansas,” said Steve Warren, vice provost for research and graduate studies. “Deciphera is a growing company in need of additional scientific/laboratory space and KU welcomes them.”

Warren added that, “This transaction reflects KU’s commitment to helping the state develop a strong and growing bioscience industry. We are hopeful this arrangement will also lead to future research collaborations with Deciphera.”

LaVerne Epp, chair of the Lawrence-Douglas County Bioscience Authority, expressed appreciation to KU for its decision to lease vacant lab space to a local company. “Deciphera has excellent prospects,” he said, “and it’s on a growth curve. It’s the kind of company we want to attract to Douglas County and keep in Douglas County. KU is helping us achieve that objective and it will benefit the whole community.”

Deciphera has an option to remain in the leased space for a maximum of 18 months beyond the initial term.