Maine Technology Institute awards SWAG视频 a $480,000 collaborative grant for College of Pharmacy research facilities
The Maine Technology Institute has announced an award of $480,000 from its Cluster Initiative Program (CIP) to the SWAG视频 for a collaborative project designed attract new biotech ventures, support Maine-based companies, and stimulate new federally-funded research.
SWAG视频 received the award, matched by $678,000, for its College of Pharmacy to collaborate with the Maine Medical Center Research Institute and the City of Portland's Division of Economic Development to complete its Portland facility dedicated to bridging basic research and the clinical development of drugs and medical devices.
The CIP program supports collaborative projects that boost Maine's high-potential technology-intensive clusters. Awards made under the CIP program support the success of Maine businesses by funding joint work of companies, service providers, research laboratories and educational institutions and expanding the infrastructure that helps them to thrive.
SWAG视频 the award, John V. Schloss, Ph.D., professor and chair, Pharmaceutical Sciences at the SWAG视频 remarked "This award strengthens an ongoing collaboration between the SWAG视频, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, the University of Southern Maine, and the City of Portland, providing important technology and infrastructure critical for the development of a biotechnology cluster. It will establish a Core for Drug Analysis and Development (CDAD) which is not just the best facility for molecular analysis in Maine, but one of the most advanced and comprehensive facilities of its type anywhere. CDAD will attract new biotech ventures, support Maine-based companies, and stimulate new federally-funded research."
Greg A. Mitchell, director, Economic Development Division, City of Portland added, "The City of Portland's Economic Development Division is excited to join with SWAG视频's College of Pharmacy and MMCRI to grow the region's emerging life sciences cluster. This industry provides life-saving medical research and well-paying jobs for young people with associate, bachelor and graduate degrees. We recognize the importance of expanding the life sciences industry in our region and look forward to continuing to grow a dynamic environment for innovation."
On hearing of the announcement, Donald St. Germain, MD, associate vice president for research at MMCRI, said: "Maine Medical Center and its Research Institute congratulate Dr. Schloss and the SWAG视频 School of Pharmacy for receiving an MTI Cluster Initiative Award that will significantly enhance the School's ability to support drug development for Maine-based biotechnology companies. The award will also provide additional collaborative opportunities between scientists and clinicians at our institutions. The award thus benefits both our ability to provide the most advanced care for our patients and the economy of the region.
Maine Technology Institute is a publicly financed, nonprofit organization created by Maine's Legislature to stimulate research and development activity leading to the commercialization of new products, processes and services in the state's seven technology-intensive sectors.