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January 2010 |
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New Investments Aim to Accelerate Drug Development
The importance of developing and commercializing new drugs in Kansas was highlighted again in November with the KBA board of directors’ approval of nearly $4 million in investments that will result in millions more in research funding and commercialization opportunities.
Matching funds of $50,000 from the KBA have helped Nanoscale of Manhattan win a $150,000 National Science Foundation Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer grant to research the synthesis and delivery of nanoparticles. The research is intended to allow earlier detection of cancer and potentially offer a targeted tumor treatment option that would reduce harm to healthy tissue surrounding tumors.
Kansas State University will receive $500,000 for a Collaborative Cancer Research Initiative project involving a researcher from the University of Texas’ M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. The research is intended to improve the treatment of pancreatic cancer using a new gene therapy based on umbilical cord stem cells.
The University of Kansas will receive $2.49 million over five years for an eminent scholar recruited to the School of Pharmacy to direct and expand the Laboratory for Macromolecule and Vaccine Stabilization. The scholar is a nationally prominent pharmaceutical scientist and research and development manager with 20 years of experience in formulation development and analytical characterization of biopharmaceuticals and vaccines.
The University of Kansas will receive $500,000 over three years upon the successful attraction of a rising star scholar who will offer expertise in the biochemistry of proteins involved in polycystic kidney disease and investigate the genetics of the disease. The scholar would bring external funding of $775,000 and a substantial record of publication.
CritiTech of Lawrence will receive $50,000 for research on the ovarian cancer market that will advance the company’s commercialization goals.
Matching funds of $375,000 from the KBA also have helped Nanoscale attract a $1.5 million Department of Defense Phase II Small Business Innovation Research award for the development of substances that can neutralize biological warfare agents, particularly in enhanced contaminated human remains pouches.
KBA president Tom Thornton said the investments demonstrate strong momentum in the state’s drug development sector, particularly in the area of cancer drugs.
“As we attract prominent researchers, collaborate with other nationally renowned institutions, and bring significant research grants to Kansas, we are addressing national bioscience challenges and building the Kansas innovation economy,” Thornton said. “That’s great news for people facing down diseases such as cancer, and it will bring cutting-edge treatments to Kansans closer to home.”
