Bloomington, Ind. — Cook Medical is one of several Indiana life science companies, three research universities and the state government helping launch a unique, industry-led biosciences research center in Indiana. The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI), which was announced today at a news conference in Indianapolis, will be a home for Indiana’s best and brightest minds to discover, develop and deliver bioscience innovations.
The Indiana General Assembly, in an effort led by Governor Mike Pence, allocated $25 million to the institute. The IBRI will attract world-class scientific leaders and life science research funding to Indiana. Its mission will be to focus on human health solutions that could impact lives locally, nationally and globally.
When comparing the IBRI to similar research institutes in other states, Cook Group Chairman Steve Ferguson said that the support from a trifecta of sectors — Industry, academia and government – sets Indiana’s new institute distinctly apart.
“I believe that (Indiana’s) foundation is much stronger than others because of the combined intellectual power of our state universities. But I also think that one key to its success is that the institute has a different structure. Having the participation of Indiana’s bioscience industries, the universities and the state is a formula for success that the other institutes just can’t match,” he said.
The IBRI draws on a life sciences industry cluster in Indiana that is one of the largest and most diverse in the nation. Indiana-based global companies are already developing next-generation drugs and pharmaceuticals, diagnostic tests, medical devices, cell-based therapies, agricultural biotechnology, and animal health and production solutions. Medical technology accounts for $55 billion of Indiana’s economy annually, supporting more than 55,000 jobs, and creating one-third of the state’s exports.
The diverse capabilities of industry, university and state resources create opportunities for Indiana-based life sciences companies to work in collaboration — not competition — toward common scientific discoveries. The results of the IBRI research will be shared equally among all involved.
Ferguson credits state government leaders for paving the way and supporting this valuable resource, saying that it will enhance Indiana’s already esteemed national reputation in life sciences.
“That is really important. We shouldn’t forget the role of the government and the fact that the legislature and the governor have stepped forward to support Indiana’s life sciences and this institute,” he said.
Ferguson added that Cook Medical executives, along with other industry executives from Eli Lilly and Company, Dow AgroSciences, Roche Diagnostics, Indiana University Health and Biomet, came together with Governor Mike Pence to lay the groundwork for the IBRI. Indiana’s life sciences catalyst BioCrossroads and research institutions across the state including Indiana University, Purdue University and the University of Notre Dame, were also involved integrally in the development process.
“The point of the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute is to integrate Indiana’s major players and the best minds in bioscience so they can concentrate on the state’s future in this crucial field,” Ferguson said. “I believe that this is the foundation for the future of Indiana.”
More information about the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute can be found at www.indianabiosciences.com.
About Cook Medical
Since 1963 Cook Medical has worked closely with physicians to develop technologies that eliminate the need for open surgery. Today we combine medical devices, biologic materials and cellular therapies to help the world’s healthcare systems deliver better outcomes more efficiently. We have always remained family-owned so that we have the freedom to focus on what we care about: patients, our employees and our communities. Find out more at www.cookmedical.com, and for the latest news, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.