• The University of Oklahoma Biotech Core Facility – a new facility with state-of-the-art high-throughput, advanced bioprocessing equipment and services for instructors and researchers at OU, local nonprofit organizations like OMRF, and private companies like Wheeler Bio. • OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center Early Phase Clinical Trial Network – an initiative to double the size of the existing clinical trial program at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, commensurate with the demand for Phase I trials created through accompanying translational science investments and industry growth. • Biomanufacturing Workforce Training Center – a new program housed in the Oklahoma City Innovation District to meet the growing demand for skilled labor in the OBIC, which will enable the formation of inclusive, non-degreed career pathways into high-wage jobs. • Oklahoma Bioscience Cluster Initiative – an initiative to lead regular convenings of industry leadership, conduct needs assessments, encourage regional connectivity and spur policy advocacy. This level of engagement recognizes the importance of “connectivity” across research, commercialization, new venture and product development with cluster growth- spanning activities from technology development to clinical trials to manufacturing and distribution.
support (workforce, entrepreneurial start-ups and industry partnerships) to bolster the bioscience innovation ecosystem in the region. The coalition’s plan was developed to seize upon industry shifts that are increasingly advantaging cost-effective and streamlined development ecosystems, enabling life sciences innovators to move seamlessly from ideation to clinical trials and manufacturing, and eventually to market without leaving Oklahoma. “Many of the new drugs and therapies we need today are being developed in small, agile bioscience companies, which face significant challenges and financial hurdles,” said Christian Kanady, founding partner at Echo Investment Capital. “Oklahoma City has built-in cost advantages for business operation, and when you combine that with an infrastructure that supports the testing and development process, we become a great solution for growing bioscience companies needing access to clinical trial networks and to biomanufacturing, without relying on foreign providers.” The grant will fund six core investment projects: • OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center for Therapeutic – Translational Research Labs: development of 10 translational research labs dedicated to drug discovery. • Oklahoma Biotech Startup Program – supportive programming to build a vibrant regional biotech startup pipeline led by the University of Oklahoma. Current construction project in the OKC Innovation District.
Ten translational research labs dedicated to drug discovery will be developed within the Stephenson Cancer Center.
5
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online