INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana University and the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute are creating a joint center of excellence that will use innovative technology, engineering and research to advance personalized treatments for some of the world's most prevalent and challenging diseases. The Joint Center of Excellence for Point of Care Precision Medicine will transform the health care system and improve patient outcomes.
Building on the research and clinical strength of the Indiana University School of Medicine and the translational expertise of the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, the center will advance innovation and treatments in four disease areas: diabetes and metabolism, pediatric rare diseases, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. The center will develop new and leverage existing technologies to enhance disease diagnostic accuracy and improve treatment outcomes targeted to each unique patient at their point of care, ultimately leading to a more efficient health care system that puts patients at the forefront.
"Indiana University researchers are making major advancements in life sciences and health care that are addressing pressing health care challenges by uncovering new therapies and treatments," IU President Pamela Whitten said. "Converging with strategic partners like the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute elevates our ability to push boundaries and translate research into solutions that improve lives."
The center of excellence seeks to:
- Work across disciplines to discover and develop new technologies, therapies, diagnostics, manufacturing processes at the point of care, predictive data systems and clinical research.
- Become a one-stop shop for partnership with pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical devices companies.
- Train the next generation of innovators and leaders in point-of-care precision medicine.
- Be the genesis for many startup ventures to grow the life sciences economy of Indiana.
This collaboration aims to build on Indiana's leadership in life sciences by connecting the budding industry to the significant investments in biomanufacturing infrastructure at the point of care for each patient, further distinguishing Indiana as a national catalyst in point-of-care precision medicine.
For decades, the IU School of Medicine has advanced research in health sciences and medicine, including Alzheimer's disease and cancer. Through a broad range of federally funded research programs, IU is now poised to convert new disease insights into potential therapeutics and diagnostics that will transform patient care.
The center brings together IU and the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute to benefit the health of Hoosiers. Photo courtesy of 16 Tech
"Our partnership with IU builds on several years of exciting collaboration and progress," said Alan Palkowitz, president and CEO of the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute. "With the establishment of the new center of excellence, we aim to enhance our strategic efforts in advancing scientific research, patient care and the life sciences economy. This initiative will not only generate new enterprises and attract investments but also develop high-caliber scientific and entrepreneurial talent, further distinguishing Indiana as an innovation powerhouse."
The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, the IU School of Medicine, and IU Indianapolis' Convergent Bioscience and Technology Institute, Institute for Human Health and Wellbeing and Integrated Nanosystems Development Institute will serve as founding members of this new center of excellence. The center will operate as an inter-institutional consortium with agreed provisions for the co-development and management of intellectual property. The consortium could add new members as it grows.
"Point-of-care precision medicine raises exciting possibilities for human health, and in the way that we innovate and train the next generation to lead to improved patient outcomes," said Russell J. Mumper, IU vice president for research. "The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute has been a longtime collaborator and partner in a shared research vision, and together, we will use our combined expertise to change the landscape of health care, with Indianapolis and 16 Tech at the epicenter."
What they are saying
Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg: "Indiana is an established leader in life sciences thanks to the commitment and collaboration across our ecosystem of academia and industry. This new partnership between Indiana University and the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute will establish a world-class center of excellence to advance new solutions, talent development and innovation in precision medicine, solidifying the central role of Hoosiers in creating the life-changing medicines and technologies of the future."
Dr. David Ingram, chief medical officer at Indiana University Health: "The formation of the Joint Center of Excellence for Point of Care Precision Medicine is a milestone achievement that we anticipate will transform the health care landscape. By utilizing the combined strengths of consortium partners, they are creating a future where personalized medicine is the norm rather than the exception. With the goal of improving patient outcomes by developing precise, individualized treatments for challenging diseases our patients face today like diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer's, this initiative reinforces our leadership in this area and commitment to advancing health science research and innovative solutions that enhance the lives of our patients."
Emily Krueger, president and CEO of 16 Tech Community Corp.: "The partnership between IU and IBRI is a transformative step toward personalized health care, where cutting-edge technology meets patient-specific treatments. It marks another addition to the capabilities and expertise in the 16 Tech Innovation District that will drive Indiana's future economy."
Latha Ramchand, IU Indianapolis chancellor: "Tackling society's biggest challenges calls for multidisciplinary and multi-institutional collaborations. The collaboration between Indiana University and the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute is critical to transforming the health care system and improving patient care. I am pleased to see the university and the community working together on the Joint Center of Excellence for Point of Care Precision Medicine, which is set to make a significant positive impact on central Indiana's life sciences community."
Dr. Jay L. Hess, dean of the IU School of Medicine and executive vice president of clinical affairs at IU: "The Joint Center of Excellence for Point of Care Precision Medicine is a continuation of the leading-edge research and team-based science taking place at the IU School of Medicine. This center will speed the translation of research to benefit patients in Indiana."
