INDIANAPOLIS, (Nov. 19, 2020) — BioCrossroads today released a new report, Tech Transfer in Indiana: An Overview for the Life Sciences Industry, a comprehensive resource highlighting the technology transfer processes and approaches used by Indiana University, Purdue University and the University of Notre Dame to facilitate commercialization of research-driven discoveries and innovations. The report also discusses the role of incubators and graduation facilities at research universities, which are increasing in number and importance.
“With our three research institutions and thousands of research faculty, Indiana has critical assets necessary to drive innovation. University labs and facilities are especially important for life sciences R&D that require unique space and equipment required to perform complex research,” said Patricia Martin, president and CEO, BioCrossroads.
In addition to developing breakthroughs in medical treatments and therapies, Indiana’s three R11 research institutions also generate a substantial amount of economic activity much higher than the state’s population would indicate. The state’s much larger (by population) neighbors in Ohio and Michigan also have three R1 universities, while Illinois, with a population nearly double that of Indiana, is home to four such institutions.
“Indiana universities or companies have played a vital role in tech transfer processes leading to the commercialization of insulin, treatment of prostate cancer, and reduction of cancer caused by the human papillomavirus among many others. It’s critical that we continue to foster these programs to ensure the long-term competitiveness of Indiana’s life sciences sector,” continued Martin.
Tech transfer highlights from the universities included in the report:
Since 1997, IU research has led to more than 4,800 global patent applications, generating more than $145 million in licensing and royalty income.
Over the last five years Purdue researchers have filed nearly 3,000 domestic and international patents, licensed more than 1,100 technologies, launched 112 companies, and generated nearly $36 million in royalty income.
Since 2017, Notre Dame has started 64 companies. In 2019, these 64 companies offered 99 full-time jobs paying an average salary of $72,000 (22% more than the average Indiana salary). They also raised an aggregate of $6.6 million in investment and are generating $10.9 million in revenue.
[1] Research universities in the United States are classified via the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. R1 universities award doctoral degrees while carrying out “very high research activity” as measured by research expenditures. Carnegie Classifications: https://carnegieclassifications.iu.edu/index.php.
INDIANAPOLIS, (April 12, 2021) — In 2020, Indiana’s life sciences companies accessed over $9 billion in capital to grow and support innovation. The funding comes from a variety of sources including Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards, venture capital, initial public offerings and related public offerings, and mergers and acquisitions. BioCrossroads today issued their annual report, Indiana Life Sciences Capital 2020, which provides details on the funding events throughout the year.
The $9 billion includes:
$12.6 million SBIR awarded to 21 companies.
$262 million in venture capital invested in 44 companies.
$141.8 million accessed through public markets by three companies.
$8.6 billion+ spent to acquire innovation, representing nine transactions.
The market capitalization for Indiana’s public life sciences companies as of Dec. 31, 2020 was $297.6 billion and includes Eli Lilly and Company, Anthem, Zimmer Biomet, Elanco, Acacia Pharma, Brickell Biotech, Orthopediatrics, Acura Pharmaceuticals, Assembly Biosciences, Hill-Rom Holdings, Nanosonic and Bioanalytical Systems. In all, these 12 companies achieved a 17 percent gain in value over 2019.
“Indiana’s deep and diverse life sciences research and industrial bases are important drivers for Indiana’s overall economic health,” said Patty Martin, President and CEO of BioCrossroads. “The continuing vitality of this sector depends on innovation from diverse research settings — universities, nonprofit research institutes, and industry – which, in turn, are highly dependent on these sources of funding.”
Even excluding the significant funding represented by mergers and acquisitions, Indiana’s life sciences companies raised over $400 million in capital in 2020. This funding supports the discovery and development of therapies and devices, adding to the state’s life sciences entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem.
“Indiana’s life sciences start-ups had their best year ever for raising venture capital – and eight of these companies raised over $5 million,” said Aaron Gillum, senior vice president of 50 South Capital. “We continue to see our innovations getting attention from the capital markets and investors from across the country.”
A few weeks ago, I attended the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco. It’s the largest annual event of its kind that draws more than 10,000 people from across healthcare and the life sciences. The event attracts investors, senior government officials, industry leaders, Fortune 100 companies, and private startups alike.
The conference is a haven for deal making, but leaders also gather for crucial conversations about market trends, medical innovation, and how to grow the life sciences. Two key takeaways were apparent to me: continued interest in what Indiana can offer, and a potential for improved access to capital for life sciences companies in 2024.
On day one, BioCrossroads teamed up with three leading organizations from the Hoosier state, Barnes & Thornburg, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and Elevate Ventures, to host an Indiana life sciences lunch and learn at the Cavalier restaurant. It was an excellent venue for organizations from both inside and outside Indiana to network and connect, giving us a chance to elevate Indiana’s heritage, strengths, and opportunities for those with an interest in doing business here.
The event included a panel discussion with life sciences leaders from Indiana, including Derek Small, founder of Luson Bioventures, and Scott Byrd, CEO of Sudo Biosciences. They shared their perspectives on starting and growing biopharmaceutical companies in the state, each highlighting the therapeutic focus of their organizations. They both also touched on the critical topics of access to talent and capital, along with other advantages that make Indiana a good home.
The event was well received, with 40 leaders from both inside and outside Indiana on hand, including venture capital investors and startup accelerators with an interest in the Hoosier state.
More broadly, the investor sentiment and discussions were characterized by cautious optimism for the sector, which may forecast a better market for raising capital and conducting mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities in 2024. Metabolic and weight loss drugs, therapies for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, and advances in oncology, like radiopharmaceuticals were among the hotter topics, and these are distinct areas of strength for Indiana and may become helpful tailwinds for us. There also were discussions about the future of AI and LLM, and how these advances can be integrated into the sector.
The collaboration and mutual support that make Indiana successful were on display in San Francisco, reinforcing our position as a pivotal player in the global life sciences industry. Barnes & Thornburg, IEDC, Elevate Ventures, and a contingent of Indiana companies partnered with BioCrossroads to make these conversations and connections possible. Together, we must continue to drive awareness of the strengths we possess to accelerate the growth of this important sector in Indiana.
BioCrossroads is excited to announce FrameWORX: Innovating Across Indiana: The Strengths of Our Regional Life Sciences Hubs on Wednesday, May 8 at the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute.
This event will bring together key experts representing regional innovation hubs across Indiana, showcasing the groundbreaking achievements and future potential of our state’s innovation hubs. They will share insights into the innovation, collaboration, and advancements happening across Indiana’s life sciences ecosystem, thanks to these collective and focused regional efforts.
Speakers will include:
Vincent Jo Davisson, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Amplified Sciences
John Fernandez, Senior Vice President, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships, The Mill Bloomington
Jim Lancaster, President, Global Reconstruction Business, Zimmer Biomet
Ben Larson, Director of Manufacturing, Evonik
Eric Munson, Head of Industrial and Molecular Pharmaceuticals, Purdue University
Rahul Shrivastav, Executive Vice President and Provost, Indiana University Bloomington
Bob Vitoux, President and CEO, OrthoWorx
FrameWORX: Innovating Across Indiana: The Strengths of Our Regional Life Sciences Hubs
Wednesday, May 8
3:30-5:30 p.m.
Indiana Biosciences Research Institute
In a pivotal moment for Indiana’s life sciences sector, Vince will play a crucial role in championing the newly released life sciences industry strategy.
INDIANAPOLIS, [January 31, 2024] — Following a thorough national search, BioCrossroads, a catalyst for Indiana’s life sciences sector, today announced the appointment of Vince Wong as its new president and CEO. An esteemed leader with a rich background in healthcare and life sciences, Vince takes the helm at BioCrossroads ready to harness his vast expertise to elevate the organization’s impact on Indiana’s life sciences ecosystem.
Vince most recently served as chief commercial officer at Geneoscopy, a venture-backed company focused on developing RNA-based gastrointestinal diagnostics. At Geneoscopy, Vince oversaw business development, governmental affairs, market access, marketing, sales, and communications, and helped secure over $100M in venture financing. Prior to that role, he had an impressive 18-year tenure at Roche Diagnostics, serving in senior leadership roles—most recently as vice president of sales, point of care diagnostics. Vince also serves as Executive in Residence at IU Ventures and a board director of both public and private life science companies.
“The life sciences sector is a vital, growing cornerstone of Indiana’s economy and the opportunity to lead BioCrossroads is an incredible honor,” Vince said. “I am eager to collaborate with our team, our partners, and the wider life sciences community to enhance our ability to develop and manufacture innovative treatments and interventions for people not just in Indiana, but on a global scale.”
A proud native Hoosier, Vince has been an active community leader, having served on numerous boards of directors, including the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, Dance Kaleidoscope, Asian American Alliance, Inc., the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Vince was one of the Indianapolis Business Journal’s 2001 Forty Under 40 honorees.
Vince earned his BA from the University of Notre Dame, his law degree from Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington, and MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
“Vince embodies the leadership qualities and extensive life sciences experience that are quintessential for the role of CEO at BioCrossroads,” said Dan Peterson, chair of the BioCrossroads Board of Directors. “His commitment to leveraging innovation for the greater good aligns seamlessly with our objectives and strategy and we are enthusiastic about his ability to lead our life sciences sector.”
Indiana is home to more than 2,700 life sciences firms that employ 64,000 workers. The sector produces $77 billion annually in economic impact, and Indiana ranks third in the U.S. in life sciences exports with $13 billion in 2022 alone. As Vince steps into his new role, he is poised to leverage Indiana’s robust life sciences ecosystem to help guide the industry’s strategic vision.
“Building upon the state’s life sciences landscape, BioCrossroads remains committed to supporting the sector’s continued growth and innovation, resulting in products, businesses, and collaborations that directly enhance the quality of health and well-being across Indiana,” said Melina Kennedy, CEO, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership. “With Vince’s leadership, BioCrossroads will extend its track record of fostering a vibrant ecosystem centered on groundbreaking research and development, enhanced manufacturing capabilities, and expanded workforce opportunities.”
BioCrossroads’ work will be especially focused in areas where Indiana possesses unique strengths, like metabolic disorders, diabetes, radiopharmaceuticals, orthopedics, oncology, and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s.
“We’re poised to strengthen Indiana’s position in the life sciences sector significantly,” Vince said. “By bolstering our state’s innovation assets, supply chain, reshoring manufacturing capabilities, and leveraging our competitive environment and incentives, we aim to attract and retain top talent. It’s about creating a cohesive ecosystem where innovation, research, and community well-being are interlinked and mutually reinforcing.”
Vince officially joined BioCrossroads today, January 31, becoming the fourth leader in the organization’s history.
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About BioCrossroads
Established as a catalyst to advance, grow and invest in Indiana’s life sciences sector, BioCrossroads is an initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP). It supports the region’s existing enterprises and encourages new business development. The initiative fosters public-private collaboration by uniting a diverse range of academic, industry, and philanthropic stakeholders, all collectively focused on advancing Indiana’s life sciences sector. Committed to supporting the growth of capital investments and talent development, BioCrossroads provides support to both existing and new life sciences enterprises, including the Indiana Health Information Exchange, OrthoWorx, and the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute. BioCrossroads champions the advancement of cutting-edge research and development, plays a crucial role in building and nurturing a robust talent pipeline, and is dedicated to establishing Indiana as a thriving hub for life sciences manufacturing. To learn more about BioCrossroads, visit https://crossroadshealthventures.com/.
Vince Wong Biography
Vince Wong brings significant valuable multi-national and start-up company experience to BioCrossroads. Vince, who became CEO on January 31, 2024, most recently was chief commercial officer at Geneoscopy, a venture-backed start-up company focused on developing gastrointestinal diagnostics. His responsibilities included business development, government affairs, market access, sales, marketing, and communications. He also helped raise over $100M in venture capital. Vince serves as a director on the board of Bionano Genomics (Nasdaq: BNGO) and Executive in Residence with IU Ventures. Prior to Geneoscopy, Vince enjoyed an 18-year career at Roche Diagnostics, where he held senior leadership roles in several functions across various disease areas. A native Hoosier, Vince has deep Indiana roots and served on the boards of numerous civic and arts organizations, including the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, Dance Kaleidoscope, the Indy Chamber, Asian American Alliance, and the Indianapolis Museum of Art and was recognized as 40 Under Forty by the Indianapolis Business Journal. He earned a BA in economics and government from the University of Notre Dame, a JD from Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law, and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Vince Wong on LinkedIn
Indiana has been a leading life sciences manufacturer for many years. Today, we rank third in U.S. exports – and when it comes to pharmaceuticals, no one exports more than the Hoosier State. During the day-long Indiana Life Sciences Manufacturing Summit on March 7, we learned more about what’s going well – and our potential to succeed in this evolving space.
We partnered with Purdue University, a life sciences champion, to host the event. We heard from big and small organizations alike, and the takeaways were clear:
We are on the right track.
There is nothing more important than developing talent.
We have terrific opportunities ahead of us.
Enhancing Indiana’s manufacturing ecosystem is one of the four pillars in the life sciences strategy for Indiana and we’re seeing evidence that Indiana’s leadership is diverse. Eli Lilly and Company, with more than a century of manufacturing experience, is investing $3.7 billion in the LEAP District in Boone County, Indiana, producing 700 new jobs to support the company’s growing portfolio of products. This is above and beyond its 21 sites around the world and 55 contract manufacturers, including some here in Indiana.
And our radiopharmaceuticals sector is booming. We saw $200 million in facility investments in Indiana in 2023 and $7 billion in acquisitions. Kevin Haehl, chief development officer at Nucleus RadioPharm, put it best: Indiana is positioned to advance from a “leader” to a “center of excellence” thanks to our centralized location and logistics know-how, our medical infrastructure, our workforce, and our leading universities – notably Purdue with the largest nuclear pharmacy program in the nation.
We also heard from FDA and industry experts about meaningful advances, such as continuous manufacturing of biologics, and digital twin/AI technology to improve production capabilities.
With those technologies representing the future of manufacturing, how does Indiana move to the next level? Advanced technology requires well-trained, highly skilled workers, and wheels are in motion: Lilly has significant investments in scholar programs with both Purdue and Ivy Tech, and BioTrain – coming from our designation as a Tech Hub – is planned at 16 Tech, providing infrastructure and learning opportunities for those pursuing careers in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The life sciences industry will always be hyper-competitive. There is no such thing as a finish line when it comes to this work, but we have the tools to lead the race.
Jane Dunigan-Smith, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, BioCrossroads
In today’s rapidly advancing world, Indiana stands at the forefront of innovation and economic development in the life sciences sector.
Contributing $77 billion in economic impact statewide and employing 64,000 Hoosiers who have made incredible achievements, the sector’s performance is a testament to the collaborative efforts that have established Indiana as a global leader in life sciences. The state now leads the nation in pharmaceutical exports and ranks third nationally in overall life sciences exports, totaling $13 billion in 2022 alone.
As technology continues to revolutionize the industry, we have taken significant steps to reassess Indiana’s life sciences sector strategies. This involves understanding the needs of our research institutions, industry enterprises, and other stakeholders. Our responsibility is to adapt and align our focus to meet these evolving demands, through four key areas:
Fostering research and development and innovation
Enhancing the state’s life sciences manufacturing ecosystem
Boosting Indiana’s life sciences talent and workforce
Supporting connections and outreach across the sector
Understanding Growth Dynamics:
Indiana is not just participating in the global life sciences landscape; we are setting the pace. Our sector, substantial and well-established, is evolving into a powerhouse that defines industry standards and shapes the future of global healthcare and biotechnology. It’s our continuous pursuit of excellence and innovation that propels us beyond traditional growth, transforming every challenge into a strategic opportunity to showcase our leadership. Our focus is to continue cultivating a thriving ecosystem by enhancing our solid sector foundations and embracing forward-thinking strategies that place us at the forefront of a dynamic and ever-expanding industry.
Commitment to Continuous Growth:
Our goal is not just to sustain but to accelerate growth. The life sciences sector has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability, demonstrated by a 14% increase in job growth from 2018 to 2022. We aim to build upon this momentum, ensuring that our life sciences industries remain vital contributors to Indiana’s economic health.
Connecting the Dots:
Our assessment indicates that Indiana has all the necessary components for success. The focus on workforce development, highlighted in the Governor’s 2024 agenda, aims to create a skilled workforce vital for attracting new operations and improving our capabilities, benefiting our communities. By improving training and fostering education-industry partnerships, we can help cultivate careers to advance the sector.
The Road Ahead:
Embracing the changes brought about by evolving workforce demands and advancing technology, this strategy acts as a roadmap, guiding us toward achieving our ambitious goals. We believe in the power of collaboration and are committed to leveraging our strong partnerships and innovative tools to make these goals a reality.
Indiana’s life sciences sector is key to our economic success. The pharmaceutical industry, a leader in research, development, manufacturing, and distribution, boosts our economy and provides quality job opportunities. Currently second in U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturing as measured by GDP contribution per capita, Indiana aims to become number one, backed by our capabilities, innovative tools, and skilled workforce.
The medical devices sector, adding $3.8 billion, drives innovation and job creation, supporting startups and established companies. By establishing strategic manufacturing hubs, we aim to strengthen domestic manufacturing and create even more quality jobs.
As senior vice president and chief strategy officer at BioCrossroads, I’ve seen the significant impact of these industries on Indiana’s economy and health landscape. Indiana’s life sciences sector reflects our state’s innovation and resilience, and we can continue to lead in this vital field. This strategy was developed in partnership with a diverse range of industry stakeholders, and a continued, unified effort will be key to shaping a future where life sciences remain central to our state’s economic and social wellbeing.
INDIANAPOLIS (January 08, 2024) – Marking a significant milestone since Indiana’s designation as a federal Tech Hub in October 2023, BioCrossroads today unveils a groundbreaking strategic framework poised to catapult Indiana to the forefront of the global life sciences sector. This comprehensive industry strategy, crafted in collaboration with TEConomy Partners, is set to transform Indiana’s life sciences landscape, focusing on four pivotal areas:
Fostering research and development and innovation
Enhancing the state’s life sciences manufacturing ecosystem
Boosting Indiana’s life sciences talent and workforce
Supporting connections and outreach across the sector
This strategy is set to transform Indiana’s life sciences sector through the development of strategic manufacturing hubs and targeted investments that enhance the state’s domestic manufacturing capabilities. These efforts are designed to help position the state as both the national leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing and a top-five leader in medical device manufacturing.
Achieving these goals hinges on more than just infrastructure and investment; it requires the cultivation of a strong educational and talent pipeline. The development of skilled professionals is crucial for sustaining and advancing Indiana’s life sciences sector, and an intentional focus on education and talent development is key to ensuring that the sector not only meets but exceeds its objectives.
With a $77 billion economic impact and 64,000 Hoosiers contributing to its success, Indiana’s life sciences sector is a testament to the power of collaboration. The state is the national leader in pharmaceutical exports and ranks third in overall life sciences exports, with $13 billion in 2022 alone.
“Indiana’s life sciences sector has been instrumental in the state’s economic progress for more than two decades,” said Dan Peterson, chair of the BioCrossroads Board of Directors. “With this new enhanced strategy, we’re not just building on this solid foundation. We are setting a dynamic course for groundbreaking innovation and life-changing advancements in both existing and emerging areas of differentiated competencies.”
These efforts will enhance Indiana’s life sciences capabilities in key areas, such as neuroscience, leveraging the state’s significant progress in addressing Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. It will also capitalize on Indiana’s strengths in pharmaceuticals, particularly in biomanufacturing and burgeoning fields like radiopharmaceuticals, where the state is already achieving remarkable progress, as well as capitalize on cutting-edge orthopedic advances happening in Warsaw, Indiana, the Orthopedic Capital of the World.
“The recent Tech Hub designation, combined with BioCrossroads’ enhanced strategy, is a pivotal moment for our state,” said Dave Roberts, CEO of Applied Research Institute (ARI). “This alignment of strategic vision and federal recognition will engage innovators across Hoosier communities and will be key to integrating advanced technologies.”
“BioCrossroads’ industry sector strategy now focuses on more than just advancing innovation; it’s about creating critical infrastructure for life sciences manufacturing and establishing a structured workforce pipeline,” Peterson said. “This comprehensive approach, developed with a diverse range of industry stakeholders, will require a unified effort between public and private partners across Indiana to ensure the sector’s continued success and for Indiana’s ongoing global leadership.”
Increasing strategic engagement and collaboration among the state’s research universities, early-stage entrepreneurs, and the broader industry is crucial to cultivating skilled talent to support the sector’s evolution. By strengthening connections between higher education institutions and the industry, Indiana will improve the talent-to-industry pipeline, boost local economies, and retain talent, which directly addresses the challenge of human capital flight, often referred to as “brain drain,” particularly in smaller Hoosier communities.
“Indiana stands at the threshold of a transformative era,” said Melina Kennedy, CEO of Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP). “Our state’s life sciences sector affects the lives of all Hoosiers and countless individuals globally. With our comprehensive strategic framework and impending new leadership at BioCrossroads, we are reinforcing our status as an innovation hub and ensuring our contributions have a lasting, positive impact.”
This comprehensive strategy marks a new chapter in Indiana’s journey toward becoming a global epicenter of life sciences innovation, providing a clear roadmap for integrating advanced research, a skilled workforce, and a robust manufacturing ecosystem. This long-term commitment will ensure continued support for sustainable statewide development—fostering an environment where research and manufacturing don’t just coexist but thrive.
Established as a catalyst to advance, grow and invest in Indiana’s life sciences sector, BioCrossroads is an initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP). It supports the region’s existing enterprises and encourages new business development. The initiative fosters public-private collaboration by uniting a diverse range of academic, industry, and philanthropic stakeholders, all collectively focused on advancing Indiana’s life sciences sector. Committed to supporting the growth of capital investments and talent development, BioCrossroads provides support to both existing and new life sciences enterprises, including the Indiana Health Information Exchange, OrthoWorx, and the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute. BioCrossroads champions the advancement of cutting-edge research and development, plays a crucial role in building and nurturing a robust talent pipeline, and is dedicated to establishing Indiana as a thriving hub for life sciences manufacturing. To learn more about BioCrossroads, visit https://crossroadshealthventures.com/.
About Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP)
The Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) was formed in 1999 to bring together the chief executives of the region’s prominent corporations, foundations and universities in a strategic and collaborative effort dedicated to Indiana’s continued prosperity and growth. To advance this mission, CICP sponsors five key talent and industry sector initiatives, AgriNovus Indiana, Ascend Indiana, BioCrossroads, Conexus Indiana and TechPoint, each of which addresses challenges and opportunities unique to its respective area: agbiosciences, talent and workforce development, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and logistics, and technology. To learn more about CICP, visit www.cicpindiana.com.
About TEConomy Partners, LLC
TEConomy Partners, LLC is a global leader in research, analysis and strategy for innovation-driven economic development. Today we’re helping nations, states, regions, universities and industries blueprint their future and translate knowledge into prosperity. The principals of TEConomy Partners include the authors of the biennial TEConomy/BIO State Bioscience Development reports, published since 2004. For further information, please visit www.teconomypartners.com.
INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 9, 2023) — The BioCrossroads Board of Directors today named Bruce T. Lamb, PhD, as the recipient of the 2023 August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year Award. Lamb is the executive director of the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute at Indiana University School of Medicine and co-director of the Neurosciences Institute, a partnership between Indiana University Health and IU School of Medicine.
The prestigious honor, named in tribute to BioCrossroads’ late Chairman August Watanabe, was given to Lamb at today’s Indiana Life Sciences Summit in recognition of his globally significant research into the causes of and potential treatments for Alzheimer’s disease as well as his many years of advocacy to increase research funding and raise awareness for challenges the disease brings to families and caregivers.
“As we were planning our 2023 Life Sciences Summit, which focuses on Indiana’s globally significant work related to Alzheimer’s disease, one name kept coming up as the catalyst or force behind much of the progress being made: Dr. Bruce Lamb,” said Dan Peterson, chair of the BioCrossroads Board of Directors. “It was clear who had earned our annual Watanabe award.”
More than 6 million Americans 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease, and the number of Hoosiers with Alzheimer’s is expected to increase 18 percent between 2020 and 2025. Several Indiana researchers and thought leaders are on the forefront of the battle to find a cure for people living with Alzheimer’s, as well as to support those who care for them. The Summit brought dozens of leaders, including Lamb, together to discuss how work being done in Indiana is contributing significantly to progress in both areas.
Lamb, an IU Distinguished Professor, oversees Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, a collaborative team of more than 100 faculty investigators from IU with a collective $75 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in nine research interest groups—addiction, neurodegenerative disorders, neurodevelopment, advanced imaging, ocular neurobiology, pain, psychiatric disorders, spinal cord and brain injury, and stem cell research. In 2010, when funding for Alzheimer’s research was challenging, he and the Alzheimer’s Association recruited 60 Alzheimer’s researchers from across the country to participate in a relay-style bicycle ride spanning 4,500 miles from San Francisco to Capitol Hill. Along the way, they collected 110,000 signatures from Americans who wanted to see more research funding for Alzheimer’s disease. Since that time, federal funding for Alzheimer’s research has increased more than 700 percent.
Among Lamb’s achievements:
Overseeing the growth and development of the Alzheimer’s disease research program at the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute at Indiana University School of Medicine that since Lamb’s arrival in 2016 has grown from approximately $15 million to greater than $70 million today. In 2021, the school received the fourth most funding in the United States from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the largest branch for Alzheimer’s disease research within the NIH.
Leading the Model Organism Development and Evaluation for Late-onset Alzheimer’s Disease (MODEL-AD) Consortium, which received a five-year, $48.8 million grant renewal from the NIA to research treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. The latest funding is a renewal of the original grant program worth $35.8 million. This funding established a unique collaboration between the IU School of Medicine, Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine, the University of Pittsburgh and Sage Bionetworks to develop mouse models with genetic mutations similar to those responsible for Alzheimer’s disease in humans and to perform pre-clinical testing with promising therapeutics.
Collaborating with researchers from Purdue University to lead the Target Enablement to Accelerate Therapy Development for Alzheimer’s Disease (TREAT-AD) drug discovery center, which is funded by a five-year, $36 million grant from the NIA to discover new therapeutic targets and drugs for Alzheimer’s disease and accelerate development of new treatments.
Together with Alan Palkowitz and Tim Richardson of the TREAT-AD Center and Derek Small of Luson Bioventures, launched the Indiana biotechnology company Monument Biosciences, which seeks to leverage exciting discoveries from the TREAT-AD Center and the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute into new therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s disease.
Leading a recent groundbreaking, collaborative study that shed new light on the genetic underpinnings of Alzheimer’s disease. The study’s paramount importance explains the critical role of microglial immune responses and their potential to impact disease risk, positively or negatively. This discovery promises to reshape the understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and carve a path toward targeted therapeutics.
Lamb began his professional career at Case Western Reserve University and also served at the Cleveland Clinic. He joined IU School of Medicine as executive director of the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute in 2016. His laboratory works on basic and translational science of Alzheimer’s disease, with a focus on animal models of Alzheimer’s disease, discovery of new therapeutic targets, the role of immune pathways in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease, and the role of traumatic brain injury as an environmental modifier for the development of Alzheimer’s pathologies. In 2020, Lamb became co-director of the IU School of Medicine-IU Health Neuroscience Institute, which combines clinical care, research and education across all areas of neuroscience.
Lamb is actively involved in advocacy for increased research funding for the disease and has received multiple honors including the National Civic Award and the Zaven Khachaturian Lifetime Achievement Award from the Alzheimer’s Association. He is also a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He serves on the Alzheimer’s Association Board of Directors and chairs the organization’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Group, while also serving on the Indiana chapter board.
Lamb received his bachelor’s degree from Swarthmore College and his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania prior to a post-doctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins University.
Read about previous August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year award winners here.
About BioCrossroads: BioCrossroads, is the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership’s (CICP) initiative to grow, advance and invest in the life sciences. It is a public-private collaboration that supports the region’s existing research and corporate strengths while encouraging new business development. BioCrossroads invests capital and provides support to life sciences businesses, launches new life sciences enterprises (including the Indiana Health Information Exchange, OrthoWorx and the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute,) expands collaboration and partnerships among Indiana’s life science institutions, promotes science education and markets Indiana’s life sciences industry.
INDIANAPOLIS (October 16, 2023) – BioCrossroads today announced the agenda for its 2023 Life Sciences Summit, which will focus on Indiana’s leadership role in research and medical advances related to Alzheimer’s disease as well as in helping people who live with Alzheimer’s and caregivers manage the disease that affects more than 6 million Americans – including about 110,000 Hoosiers.
“Our annual summits have always offered meaningful insights, but this year we are pleased to focus on how Indiana researchers and care-focused organizations are involved in globally significant advances that could provide life-altering change for so many people,” said Jane Dunigan-Smith, BioCrossroads’ senior vice president and chief strategy officer. “The hard work so many Hoosiers have put into the battle against Alzheimer’s disease is coming to realization, and we are proud to offer a forum that showcases it.”
Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indianapolis Chapter Executive Natalie Sutton said the summit is an opportunity to raise awareness of the many developments in Indiana that have been made and will soon be helping to improve thousands of lives.
“People with Alzheimer’s live with physical, social and financial challenges that upend their lives and introduce an element of fear and uncertainty that exacerbates the underlying diagnosis,” she said. “This gathering will underscore how the state’s life sciences community is making a true difference for Hoosiers and people around the world who live with this disease and for those who fear they may one day face it. I think they’ll leave with a measure of hope that solutions – or at least significant advances in care – are on the horizon.”
Among the accomplishments to be discussed at the summit:
The latest news regarding Alzheimer’s drug development from Eli Lilly and Company, Roche Diagnostics and other Indiana-based pharmaceutical companies.
How a care model developed in Indiana for families dealing with Alzheimer’s patients is spreading across the country and giving caregivers necessary support.
News reporters focused on Alzheimer’s disease and healthcare are encouraged to attend the day-long summit on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at the Mavris Event Center in Indianapolis. See the full agenda here.
The summit begins at 9:30 a.m. and closes around 4 p.m. after the announcement of the annual BioCrossroads Watanabe Award recipient. In between, participants will hear about promising research and medicines for people living with the disease, insights from a resident of Central Indiana who lives with Alzheimer’s disease, caregivers and advocates who provide important support systems. They include:
Bruce Lamb, executive director of the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute at the IU School of Medicine
Phyllis Ferrell global head Alzheimer’s external engagement at Eli Lilly and Company
Maria Carrillo, the chief science officer at the Alzheimer’s Association
Alan Palkowitz, M.D., president and CEO at the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute
Dawn Brooks, global business development leader for Alzheimer’s at Eli Lilly and Company
Tatiana Foroud, executive associate dean for research affairs at the IU School of Medicine
Cristian Lasagna-Reeves, PhD, director of Neurodegenerative Disorders Research Group at the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute
Russell Barton, chief operating officer, Acumen Pharmaceuticals
Natalie Sutton, chapter executive at the Alzheimer’s Association of Indiana
John Dwyer, president of the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Association
About BioCrossroads
BioCrossroads, is the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership’s (CICP) initiative to grow, advance and invest in the life sciences. It is a public-private collaboration that supports the region’s existing research and corporate strengths while encouraging new business development. BioCrossroads invests capital and provides support to life sciences businesses, launches new life sciences enterprises (including the Indiana Health Information Exchange, OrthoWorx and the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute,) expands collaboration and partnerships among Indiana’s life science institutions, promotes science education and markets Indiana’s life sciences industry.
