Category: News

Alabama Drug Discovery Alliance Receives $2 Million Gift

Posted on February 23, 2015

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – February 23, 2015 – Tokyo, Japan-based Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited, and Birmingham-based Protective Life Corporation announced today a $2 million gift to the Alabama Drug Discovery Alliance (ADDA) – a collaboration between Southern Research and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) – that funds, tests, and develops new drugs to combat diseases.

“This generous gift from Dai-ichi and Protective Life will strengthen a longtime, productive partnership between our university and Southern Research,” said UAB President Ray L. Watts. “We have about 18 new disease-changing therapies with tremendous commercial potential in the ADDA pipeline, and we are pushing hard to bring them to market as rapidly as possible. This gift will help us accelerate that process for these new treatments that promise such an incredible impact on patient care and our economy.”

Among the treatments in the ADDA discovery pipeline are therapies for diabetes, kidney disease, myeloma dysplastic syndrome, multiple myeloma, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, many types of cancers and more. The pledged funds from Dai-ichi and Protective Life will be used to assist efforts across all stages of the ADDA’s drug discovery process, from testing to clinical trials.

“We are thrilled to be part of the generosity that Dai-ichi and Protective Life announced today, which will allow us to accelerate the search for new drugs,” said Southern Research President and CEO Art Tipton, Ph.D. “At Southern Research, we have developed seven anti-cancer drugs that are currently on the market, and using the deep science and development tools that we used at Southern Research to develop those drugs, we have been working with UAB to jointly develop life-changing drugs in a range of disease indications. The Dai-ichi mission of ‘By your side, for life’ exemplifies what we and UAB are pursuing in our quest for new cures.”

The ADDA network aligns scientists with necessary chemists, pharmacologists, clinicians, and intellectual property professionals to develop new disease treatments. The ADDA facilitates drug discovery and development in utilizing the resources that exist at both Southern Research and UAB, funding pilot projects at different stages of the drug discovery and development process.

From discovery to clinical trials, Southern Research contributes to the search for new and better drugs and vaccines through a comprehensive continuum of capabilities including medicinal chemistry, preclinical drug development, and clinical trial support. One of Southern Research’s key assets is its state of the art High Throughput Screening Center, which allows researchers to quickly conduct millions of chemical, genetic, or pharmacological tests. UAB’s School of Medicine, the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, and the Comprehensive Cancer Center are all crucial collaborators with Southern Research as part of the ADDA.

The ADDA, the University of Alabama, and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens each received substantial gifts from Dai-ichi and Protective Life, whose formal merger was effective Feb. 1. The three groups are the recipients of the company’s initial $4.1 million of a total $23 million, five-year commitment in community gifts.

“We worked diligently and in tandem with Protective leadership to identify recipients that align with our company’s mission of ‘By your side, for life,’” said Koichiro Watanabe, Dai-ichi president and representative director, and Shinichi Aizawa, managing executive officer. “Each recipient in some way reinforces our company values, our culture, and our commitment to improving the lives of the people and communities we serve.”

“Through Dai-ichi’s tremendous generosity, Protective is able to enhance its level of corporate giving and provide extended assets to these and other entities over the next five years,” said John D. Johns, Protective chairman, president and CEO. “These pledgees reinforce the Protective Life Foundation’s commitment to the community and to the spirit of volunteerism, which will remain at the core of our daily operations.”

“We are incredibly grateful to Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company and Protective Life Insurance for investing in UAB, our city and our state,” said Shirley Salloway Kahn, UAB senior vice president of Development, Alumni and External Relations. “Both companies’ visionary philanthropy will help UAB through our collaboration with Southern Research and the ADDA to continue to pursue groundbreaking research to ultimately create new treatments and potential cures for cancer and other devastating diseases. This gift will play a vital role in enhancing UAB and Southern Research’s reputation as leaders in research and development and help boost economic development in our city and state.”

About Southern Research
Founded in 1941 in Birmingham, Alabama, Southern Research is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) scientific and engineering research organization that conducts preclinical drug discovery and development, advanced engineering research in materials, systems development, and energy and environment research. Approximately 500 team members support clients and partners in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, defense, aerospace, environmental, and energy industries in facilities in Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas.

 

Southern Research Names New Director of Alabama Energy and Environment

Posted on February 11, 2015

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — February 11, 2015 – Southern Research has named Corey Tyree, Ph.D., its Director of Energy and Environment for Alabama operations. In this role, Tyree will lead teams of engineers and technicians focused on ground-breaking technical solutions for industrial and government clients in a variety of industries including water, analytical services, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalysts, mercury control, coal combustion, carbon capture, and carbon sequestration.

“Dr. Tyree brings to Southern Research a wealth of knowledge in engineering, technology development, and complex project management,” said Michael D. Johns, vice president of engineering for Southern Research. “In addition, his solid leadership background and extensive experience in the utility industry will be valuable assets to our organization.”

Tyree comes to Southern Research from Georgia Power, where he was engineering manager at Plant Bowen near Cartersville, Georgia. Prior to that role, he was engineering manager at Georgia Power’s Plant Wansley in Heard County, Georgia. Tyree also worked as principal engineer with Southern Company, where he was responsible for emission control technology development.

Tyree earned a bachelor’s of chemical engineering from the University of Kentucky and a doctorate in chemical engineering from Arizona State University.

About Southern Research
Founded in 1941 in Birmingham, Alabama, Southern Research is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) scientific and engineering research organization that conducts preclinical drug discovery and development, advanced engineering research in materials, systems development, and energy and environment research. Approximately 500 team members support clients and partners in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, defense, aerospace, environmental, and energy industries in facilities in Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas.

Southern Research Launches New Branding Initiative and Video

Posted on February 3, 2015

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – February 3, 2015 – Southern Research has introduced a new branding initiative for the 74-year old scientific and engineering research organization that includes a new design and logo, position statement, a website redesign (ongoing), and a new three-minute video that summarizes the key purpose of Southern Research.

“The video captures the significance of what our organization strives to do, each day, for the betterment of mankind,” said Southern Research President & CEO Art Tipton, Ph.D.

Southern Research ­­— which was called Southern Research Institute (SRI) for years –– dropped the word “Institute” from its name to make it simpler, and to further differentiate it from other organizations with similar acronyms.

The branding initiative also brings greater unity to Southern Research’s four divisions:

  • Drug discovery
  • Drug development
  • Engineering
  • Energy and environment

“Brand identity is a critical component of any organization,” said Tipton. “Throughout the course of our 74-year history, we have advanced science and technology in a number of different areas, ranging from the discovery of seven FDA-approved cancer drugs, to developing materials and imaging monitoring for safe space travel. This branding initiative continues the legacy of our people, and our accomplishments, and further defines Southern Research as an organization that is truly dedicated to solving the world’s hardest problems.”

Southern Research is evolving, as it becomes a more diversified research organization.

Last year, Southern Research launched:

 

  • The Alliance for Innovative Medical Technology (AIMTech) in partnership with the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Southern Research and UAB researchers are working together to create medical devices in cardiology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, rehabilitation engineering and trauma.
  • The Southern Biologics Network (SBN), in partnership with four other biopharmaceutical research organizations in Birmingham, Baton Rouge, Raleigh, and Research Triangle Park. SBN would create biologics, which are genetically engineered proteins from plant, animal and human cells, faster and less expensively than traditional methods. The biologics would be used to create therapeutics, vaccines, diagnostics and drug targets to treat and prevent diseases, assist in drug discovery, and improve the lives of tens of thousands of patients across the United States.
  • The Southeastern Solar Research Center (SSRC), to create the optimal design of solar photovoltaic systems for utility companies.

 

Southern Research has 500 employees in Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina and Georgia.

Southern Research Announces Two New Board of Directors Appointments

Posted on January 8, 2015

Price-and-Crosswhite-WebBIRMINGHAM, Ala. – January 8, 2015 – Southern Research welcomes to its board of directors retired U.S. Army Major General N. Lee S. Price and Alabama Power Chairman, President and CEO Mark Crosswhite. Their appointments were effective January 1, 2015.

“We are pleased to welcome Lee and Mark to the Southern Research Board of Directors,” said Southern Research President and CEO Art Tipton, Ph.D. “Both of these individuals have tremendous experience that will help guide our organization in the years to come. With our strategic focus on defense, intelligence, and energy and environment, in addition to our life science disciplines, their expertise and involvement will be a significant asset as we map our future direction.”

Price has years of experience leading military and government organizations and is currently president and CEO of Price Solutions, LLC. She has been presented with numerous military awards including the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and the Combat Action Badge.

Prior to starting her consulting firm Price Solutions in 2014, Price built a 38-year career in the U.S. Army. She served as Major General from 2012 to 2014; Program Executive Officer, Command, Control, Communications – Tactical from 2009 to 2013; Deputy Program Manager, Integration from 2008 to 2009; Deputy Acquisition Executive for U.S. Special Operations Command from 2005 to 2008; and Project Manager, Defense Communications and Army Transmission Systems from 2002 to 2005.

Price holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Master of Science in Management Information Systems from the University of Arizona, and Master of Science in National Strategy and Resource Management from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

Price is a member of the boards of MTN Government, Thayer Leader Development Group at West Point, Alabama Military Hall of Honor, and Red Gate Group.

Before Crosswhite stepped into his current role at Alabama Power in 2014, he served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Southern Company, Alabama Power’s parent company, and he served as president and CEO of Gulf Power, also a Southern Company subsidiary. Crosswhite worked for Alabama Power from 2008 to 2011 as executive vice president for external affairs and from 2006 to 2008 as senior vice president and counsel. He joined Southern Company in 2004 as senior vice president and general counsel for Southern Company Generation. Prior to Crosswhite’s 10-year career at Southern Company, he was a partner in the law firm of Balch & Bingham LLP in Birmingham, where he practiced in the energy section for 17 years.

Crosswhite received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and a J.D. degree from the University of Alabama School of Law.

Crosswhite is chairman of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama and chairman of the board of the Birmingham Business Alliance. He serves on several corporate, civic and nonprofit boards including Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Inc., the University of Alabama Law School Foundation, and the Virginia Samford Theatre.

“This is great news for Southern Research and Birmingham,” said University of Alabama at Birmingham President Ray L. Watts, who is chair of the Southern Research Board of Directors. “It is exciting to know that the best and brightest in our city value Southern Research and the contributions it continues to make from discovery and economic development standpoints. Lee’s and Mark’s perspectives and talents are sure to make invaluable contributions to the Board.”

Southern Research Announces New Hires in Development and Contracts

Posted on December 15, 2014

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – December 15, 2014 – Southern Research recently welcomed John Sweeney, development director, and Catherine Cozart, director of contracts and proposals, to the Southern Research team. Both Sweeney and Cozart are based in Southern Research’s Birmingham headquarters.

In a new role for Southern Research, Sweeney becomes its first development director. He comes to the organization from Birmingham-Southern College, where he was director of development. Sweeney’s career tenure in development also includes roles as regional director for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Arthritis Foundation and donor recruitment manager for the American Red Cross. At Southern Research, he will be responsible for the cultivation of philanthropic giving and corporate and foundation relations under the direction of Watson Donald, director of government affairs. Sweeney earned a bachelor’s of history from Millsaps College and a master’s of divinity from Duke University. He was recognized as the 2007 Presidential Scholar for the Association of Donor Recruitment Professionals.

Cozart has an extensive background in contract administration with more than 20 years building and leading contract management organizations to support profitable, sustainable growth for small, mid-size, and large enterprises including Deloitte, Booz Allen, and Harris Corporation. At Southern Research, Cozart will manage and oversee the organization’s contracts and proposal functions under the leadership of M. Allison Taylor, vice president and general counsel.

Cozart earned a bachelor’s in business administration and accounting and an MBA in finance from Johns Hopkins University. She is an active member of Women in Technology (WIT), National Contract Management Association (NCMA), and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

About Southern Research
Founded in 1941 in Birmingham, Alabama, Southern Research is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) scientific and engineering research organization that conducts preclinical drug discovery and development, advanced engineering research in materials, systems development, and environment and energy research. Approximately 500 team members support clients and partners in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, defense, aerospace, environmental, and energy industries in facilities in Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas.

 

Southern Research Broadens Preclinical Services in Drug Development with CytoPatch™

Posted on December 9, 2014

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – December 9, 2014 – Southern Research is broadening its preclinical service offerings in drug development with the addition of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)-compliant in vitro safety pharmacology testing. Safety pharmacology testing relates to the study of potentially undesirable pharmacodynamic effects of a new product in both the in vitro and in vivo settings. Current methodologies include measuring ionic currents in cells over-expressing individual ion channels. In its GLP-compliant laboratories, Southern Research recently implemented an in vitro screening program on CytoPatch™ – the automated patch clamp platform – and successfully demonstrated in vitro hERG ion channel blocking by drug candidates.

This type of work has traditionally been conducted at room temperature, but with the CytoPatch™ system, Southern Research is able to operate at a physiologically relevant 37 degrees Celsius. Administering these studies at this temperature resulted in generally higher currents, leading to differences in the activity of the tested compounds. Work is ongoing to expand this service to other relevant ion channels, specifically, Kir 2.1, early and late Nav and Kv7.1mink. By using an automated system to perform these assays, the throughput of compounds and the reproducibility of data both increase.

Southern Research has a rich history of supporting preclinical drug discovery and development programs for a broad array of clients and has significant experience in generating study data that can be used to support regulatory submissions. The changing regulatory landscape, with respect to cardiac arrhythmia risk assessment, is of particular importance in drug development. There is a crucial need for systems that can effectively provide reliable data to make these assessments.

“We see a real need for service providers that can present clients with solutions to changing regulatory requirements and provide robust datasets to drive compound selection and development in the most cost effective and timely manner possible,” said Andrew D. Penman, Ph.D., vice president of drug development at Southern Research. “We firmly believe that there is a need for more relevant and robust systems that can be used to address the current preclinical testing paradigm, and Southern Research is currently focusing on investment in these areas.”

About Southern Research

Founded in 1941 in Birmingham, Alabama, Southern Research is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) scientific and engineering research organization that conducts preclinical drug discovery and development, advanced engineering research in materials, systems development, and environment and energy research. Approximately 500 team members support clients and partners in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, defense, aerospace, environmental, and energy industries in facilities in Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas.

Southern Biologics Network Established to Create Biologics Faster and Less Expensively

Posted on December 8, 2014

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BIRMINGHAM, BATON ROUGE, RALEIGH and RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – December 8, 2014 – Five biopharmaceutical research organizations with operations in Birmingham, Baton Rouge, Raleigh and Research Triangle Park have formed a new public-private partnership called the Southern Biologics Network (SBN) to create biologics faster and less expensively.

The five research organizations will work together to create advanced biologics for biopharmaceutical companies of all sizes.

Biologics are genetically engineered proteins from plant, animal and human cells. They’ll be used to create therapeutics, vaccines, diagnostics and drug targets to treat and prevent diseases, assist in drug discovery, and improve the lives of tens of thousands of patients across the United States.

The five research organizations are:

  • Birmingham-based Southern Research Institute, which has created seven FDA-approved cancer drugs. Scientists there are discovering and developing treatments in multiple disease areas including oncology, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and infectious diseases.
  • Pennington Biomedical Research Center at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge is at the forefront of medical discovery on understanding and combating obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, dementia, and other chronic diseases with the goal of improving human health across the lifespan.
  • The Center for Structural Biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is a leading structural biology research center providing scientists with biophysical and structural information on protein and protein/drug complexes.
  • ProteoVec, Inc., in Baton Rouge, Raleigh and RTP. PV’s scientists develop and scale biologics production processes earlier in development, and more cost effectively, than previously possible.
  • Soluble Therapeutics, Inc., in Birmingham, can determine optimized formulations that maximize solubility and stability for protein-based therapeutics in less than 60 days.

Biologics have revolutionized the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis and different types of cancers. Development of new biosimilar versions of existing breakthrough biologics are key to making healthcare more affordable and improving outcomes.

Pharmaceutical Companies Will Bring More Life-Saving Treatments to Market by Using SBN’s Services

SBN is the first organization in the Southeastern United States to provide truly comprehensive biologic development services. Pharmaceutical companies will be able to save time and money because they’ll be able to select one organization, SBN, instead of trying to coordinate the work of several biopharmaceutical research firms for the manufacture, discovery, preclinical development, and early-stage clinical development of biologics.

“More affordable production and more mature early-stage process development will lead to a greater number of breakthroughs making it to market,” said ProteoVec CEO Michael Crapanzano, M.D. “Not only does that save time; that saves money, too.”

That’s a significant point of difference, considering the business risks and costs of drug development. According to the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, it can take up to15 years to create an FDA-approved drug. Research and development costs can exceed $1 billion, and only 20 percent of marketed drugs break even or turn a profit. Still, medicine can make a huge difference. Since 1980, 83 percent of life expectancy gains for cancer patients can be attributed to new treatments. The HIV/AIDS death rate has dropped more than 80 percent since the use of antiretroviral treatments in 1995.

“SBN combines some of the brightest minds in biologics, helps reduce the risk that pharmaceutical companies take at the earliest stages of biologics discovery and development, and allows our five entities to work together more efficiently with clients to do what we all do best — create biological therapeutics for our customers that will dramatically improve patients’ lives,” said Art Tipton, Ph.D., president and CEO of Southern Research Institute.

“We are excited to be part of this network, since we have many of the components necessary to quickly advance high value drug targets using our expertise in protein characterization, target validation, and the ability to optimize preclinical candidates for clients,” explained Dr. Larry DeLucas, director of the Center for Structural Biology at UAB.

About the Southern Biologics Network

Southern Biologics Network service offerings include: initial characterization of protein structures and protein-drug interactions; protein expression, purification and formulation; preclinical in-vitro/in-vivo IND enabling studies; and Phase I clinical studies. SBN’s customer service focus includes close consulting and assistance in the design and execution of all aspects of early-stage biologic development using cost effective, creative, and customized approaches. For more information, please visit http://www.proteovec.com/southern-biologics-network/.

Southern Research Continues 24 Years of HIV Work with New NIH Contract

Posted on December 1, 2014

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – December 1, 2014 – Southern Research has been awarded a $24 million, seven-year contract with the Division of AIDS, part of the National Institutes of Health, to provide drug discovery and development services to develop products that have the potential to become drugs for the treatment and prevention of HIV. The contract supports high throughput screening and preclinical studies to discover and develop novel antiretrovirals, with a focus on topical microbicides and unique or unexploited viral targets.

24 Years of HIV Research

For 24 years, Southern Research has been meeting the HIV drug discovery and development needs of the government and pharmaceutical industries, with more than 30 HIV assays and over 200 strains of HIV and SIV in production. This contract renews two previous contracts into one award.

“We received word on the award earlier this year, but we chose to make the announcement December 1 – World AIDS Day – to recognize this special day of awareness and to emphasize the work we have been doing, and continue to do, in the fight against this devastating disease,” said Art Tipton, Ph.D., Southern Research president and CEO.

The Facts on HIV

Currently, there is no cure for AIDS caused by HIV, and the virus continues to spread despite the increased global commitment to controlling the pandemic.

  • According to the World Health Organization, in 2013, globally, there were more than 35 million people living with HIV: 2.1 million people became newly infected and 1.5 million died.
  • In the U.S., there are more than 30 FDA approved HIV medicines.
  • A variety of interventional agents are used in combination to control virus replication and successfully manage the disease, resulting in a functional cure for millions and showing promise in prevention of new infections.
  • Millions are relying on antiretroviral therapy (ART) until a sterilizing cure can be identified, but according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vital Signs report, only 3 in 10 people living with HIV have achieved viral suppression.
  • Oral administration of ART, including Option B and Option B+, was approved worldwide to inhibit transmission in high risk populations and mother-to-child transmissions.
  • In 2013, approximately 12 million people received ART, but drug resistance is an ongoing issue.

“Southern Research has a well-equipped, integrated team of biologists and medicinal, combinatorial and bioanalytical chemists whose experience in drug discovery and development provide significant technical support for products being developed to treat HIV patients,” said Marintha Heil, contract PI and project leader in Southern Research’s drug development division.

About Southern Research

Founded in 1941 in Birmingham, Alabama, Southern Research is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) scientific and engineering research organization that conducts preclinical drug discovery and development, advanced engineering research in materials, systems development, and environment and energy research. Approximately 500 scientific and engineering team members support clients and partners in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, defense, aerospace, environmental, and energy industries in laboratories and facilities in Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas.

Birmingham-Area High School Students Visit Southern Research Institute for a Day of Experiments and Lively Discussions

Posted on November 20, 2014

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BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – November 20, 2014 – A total of 20 students from Hoover High School, Huffman High School, Holy Family Cristo Rey High School, and Ramsay High School visited Southern Research Institute headquarters today to participate in chemistry, biology and environmental engineering experiments as well as take part in educational roundtables with institute staff members. In the evening, students will attend a reception in the courtyard of Southern Research Institute’s Southside headquarters where they will meet with business, government, and non-profit executives from across Alabama.

It was all part of Southern Research Institute’s local community outreach initiative — Future Scientists & Engineers of Alabama — to further educate students interested in the fields of science and engineering before they enter college.

“This is part of our effort to spark interest, and create a local talent pool, for exciting, innovative, and top-paying science and engineering jobs where you can do the kind of work that can improve the lives of millions of people,” said Southern Research Institute President & CEO Art Tipton, Ph.D.

Southern Research Institute scientists and engineers instructed and supervised the junior and senior high school students as they conducted experiments within institute labs.

The Experiments
Synthesizing aspirin: Students synthesized aspirin, the first research-based pharmaceutical. Aspirin is an effective pain reliever and helps reduce the risk of heart attacks. Southern Research Institute Senior Medicinal Chemist Robert A. Galemmo, Jr., Ph.D., instructed and supervised students during this experiment.
Pinpointing specific proteins in cells: Students conducted a highly regarded “Western Blot” analysis of proteins in cells — an important step in the creation of vaccines because it can be used as a diagnostic tool that senses the slightest immunogenic response from a virus or bacteria in patient samples. Southern Research Institute’s Cancer Research Department Chairman Bo Xu, M.D., Ph.D., instructed and supervised students during this experiment.
Helping to make water safer: Students moved through various workstations to analyze water quality from local water sources. Rivers and streams feed our water supply and provide the habitat for fish and wildlife to thrive. Southern Research Institute’s Manager of Water Research Brian Mastin, Ph.D., instructed and supervised students during this experiment.
Since 1941, Southern Research Institute has been conducting innovative science and engineering work that helps make people’s lives better.

Here are just a few highlights of that work:
Developed seven FDA-approved cancer drugs, and is developing 18 other treatments for diseases as part of the Alabama Drug Discovery Alliance with the University of Alabama at Birmingham
Developing vaccines to combat infectious diseases around the world
Created the state of Alabama’s first solar research facility to study the effects of the Southeast’s unique atmospheric conditions on solar power systems
Helping to make water safer and provide healthier habitats for fish and wildlife
About Southern Research Institute
Southern Research Institute is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) scientific research organization, founded in 1941, that conducts preclinical drug discovery and development, advanced engineering research in materials, systems development, and environment and energy research. Approximately 500 scientific and engineering team members support clients and partners in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, defense, aerospace, environmental and energy industries. Southern Research is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. Additional laboratories and offices are located in Wilsonville and Huntsville, Alabama, as well as Frederick, Maryland, Durham, North Carolina, Cartersville, Georgia, and Houston.

 

Southern Research Institute and UAB Partner to Develop Life-Changing Medical Devices

Posted on November 4, 2014

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – November 4, 2014 – Southern Research Institute, developer of seven FDA-approved cancer drugs, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a leading research institution ranked 23rd nationally in NIH funding, have partnered to develop new medical devices to improve healthcare in the U.S. and around the globe.

A medical device is any medical instrument, as opposed to a drug, that is used to diagnose, prevent or treat a disease or medical condition. New diagnostic imaging, surgical tools and therapeutic implants are examples of what the U.S. Food & Drug Administration defines as medical devices.

Five Key Areas of Focus

The strategic partnership, which is called the Alliance for Innovative Medical Technology (AIMTech), combines the research and discovery expertise of Southern Research Institute scientists and engineers and UAB biomedical engineers and clinicians. They’ll take a patient-centric approach to medical technology development in five key areas:

  • Cardiology
  • Orthopedics
  • Ophthalmology
  • Rehabilitation Engineering
  • Trauma

Southern Research Institute and UAB researchers will work together to create medical devices across all five specializations. The goal is for the first group of AIMTech-created medical devices to hit the market by 2020. By comparison, it can take 10 years to create an FDA-approved drug.

Creating New Jobs

The idea for the new alliance arose from discussions between Art Tipton, Ph.D., president and CEO of Southern Research Institute, and Timothy Wick, Ph.D., chair of the UAB Department of Biomedical Engineering. Tipton holds 34 U.S. patents, helped lead the growth of three pharmaceutical/biotech companies, and launched four commercial products.

“Partnering with UAB on this initiative allows us to accelerate commercialization of medical technologies, improve healthcare delivery and outcomes, and generate economic development and growth,” said Tipton. “This is also an opportunity to develop a lucrative business unit that will potentially create a number of new companies and jobs within the rapidly-growing biomedical engineering industry.”

“Our partnership with Southern Research Institute in the Alabama Drug Discovery Alliance has already been a tremendous success,” said UAB President Ray L. Watts, M.D. “We have approximately 18 new disease-changing therapies in the ADDA pipeline. We’re pushing hard to bring them to market as new treatments as rapidly as possible, which could have incredible health care and economic development implications. We envision a similar impact with the AIMTech collaboration.”

Watts, who is both a physician and an engineer, understands the importance of design in the development of new medical devices.

Robert Hergenrother, Ph.D., Director of AIMTech

Tipton hired Robert Hergenrother, Ph.D., to lead the new alliance. Hergenrother has led the creation of 15 neurovascular, diagnostic, wound care, and orthopedic medical devices during his career. He ran research and development for the medical device business unit of Minnesota-based SurModics and led a team of engineers at California-based Target Therapeutics, now Stryker Neurovascular. Eighteen of his inventions have been patented in the U.S. Hergenrother has also been appointed professor in UAB’s biomedical engineering department.

How It Will Work

AIMTech will invent the new medical devices, help raise venture capital, establish small medical device companies, and manage the clinical trial and FDA approval processes. Major medical device companies will manufacture and sell the devices.

AIMTech will gain a return on investment through research grants, licensing, royalty fees and equity arrangements.

“We have all the ingredients here to create a powerhouse in the medical device industry,” said Hergenrother. “But what’s more exciting than that, is knowing that we’ll be creating the technology that will help patents live longer and more active lives.”

“The regional investment community is excited to see these two Birmingham powerhouses coming together to develop medical devices,” said Robert L. Crutchfield, general partner, Harbert Venture Partners. “Combining the research and innovation development resources at UAB with the commercialization expertise, experience, and capabilities at Southern Research Institute should create value by increasing the number of UAB commercial spin outs.”

Key Industry Facts

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. medical device industry is expected to grow nearly 21 percent to $133 billion by 2016. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 27 percent job growth in the industry between 2012 and 2022, with a median pay of about $87,000 a year.

  • The U.S. is the largest medical device market in the world.
  • There are more than 6,500 medical device companies in the U.S.
  • Eighty percent of medical device companies have fewer than 50 employees.
  • Most medical device companies are located in California, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Massachusetts, Illinois, Minnesota and Georgia.
  • Collaborations have led to recent advances in neuro-stimulators, stent technologies, biomarkers, robotic assistance, and electronic device implants.
  • U.S. exports of medical devices exceeded $44 billion in 2012 – a seven percent increase from 2011.

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