SSTI Digest

The average cost of bringing a Food and Drug Administration-approved drug to market could be cut by 25 percent to 48 percent by making targeted investments in the national biopharmaceutical R&D technology infrastructure, according to a recent report from the National Institutes of Standards and Technology. Economic Analysis of the Technological Infrastructure Needs of the U.S. Biopharmaceutical Industry cites current costs as averaging $560 million per drug, but could drop to between $289 million and $421 million. Furthermore, these improvements can reduce the time from drug identification to clinical trial completion from a current average of 11 years to sometime between 8-10 years.   The report describes the growing complexity of biopharmaceutical drug discovery, as a transition is underway from the standard trial-and-error research process geared towards the treatment of symptoms, to using computer modeling and knowledge of the body’s biochemistry to create drugs that target the functionality of cellular processes. To increase the efficiency and quality of new drug production, infrastructure such as new equipment, software and technology…

As you begin to fill in your 2008 calendar, remember to mark Oct. 14-16, 2008, to attend SSTI's 12th annual conference in Cleveland! Past attendees know SSTI's conference is the premiere professional development event for the TBED community. And 2008 will be no exception. Back by popular demand, we will be offering an array of pre-conference workshops on Oct. 14. The InterContinental Hotel Cleveland, site of this year's conference, is built with state-of-the-art conference technology, including an automated response system to maximize the interaction between the audience and speakers. The hotel is located in the heart of the Cleveland Clinic, which is ranked among America's top three hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Keeping with years past, the conference agenda will be set by SSTI members to ensure the most timely and relevant topics for transforming regional economies. Look for more information on SSTI's conference website soon. Please contact Noelle Sheets, director of membership services, at sheets @ ssti.org for sponsorship opportunities and if you have any questions. 

Complete descriptions of these opportunities and others are available at http://www.ssti.org/posting.htm. The BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota, a nonprofit organization that represents Minnesota companies, academia and government, is seeking a bio-network specialist. This position will report to the BioBusiness Alliance CEO but will work in close partnership with the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation and other statewide constituents to support the growth of biobusiness in greater Minnesota. A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s or Ph.D. degree is preferred. The University of Missouri-Columbia (MU) is seeking an innovative, energetic and experienced individual to serve as director of its Office of Technology Management and Industry Relations. The director will report to the vice chancellor for research at MU and will be responsible for stimulating the development and commercialization of advanced technology, protecting university intellectual property, and transforming technology into successful enterprises. The university is looking for an individual with a Ph.D. in science or engineering or a master’s degree…

Bill Bradley is the new executive director of the Jay County Development Corp. Bradley fills the vacancy left by the late Bob Quadrozzi. Traci Hancock was named executive director of BioNebraska. Peter Hermann was selected as the N.C. Technology Association's new CEO. Hermann replaces Joan Myers, who took a position with a software company. John McIver is serving as interim vice president for research and economic development at the University of New Mexico while the school searches for a permanent replacement to Terry Yates, who passed away in December. Gary Margules was appointed vice president for research and technology transfer at Nova Southeastern University. New Carolina, South Carolina's Council on Competitiveness, has formed the South Carolina Engineering Cluster. Lee Stogner will lead the cluster and its steering committee, which represents government, economic develoment, academia, engineering companies and professional societies aiming to promote engineering in South Carolina. Dr…

Bill Bradley is the new executive director of the Jay County Development Corp. Bradley fills the vacancy left by the late Bob Quadrozzi.

Traci Hancock was named executive director of BioNebraska.

Peter Hermann was selected as the N.C. Technology Association's new CEO. Hermann replaces Joan Myers, who took a position with a software company.

John McIver is serving as interim vice president for research and economic development at the University of New Mexico while the school searches for a permanent replacement to Terry Yates, who passed away in December.

Gary Margules was appointed vice president for research and technology transfer at Nova Southeastern University.

New Carolina, South Carolina's Council on Competitiveness, has formed the South Carolina Engineering Cluster. Lee Stogner will lead the cluster and its steering committee, which represents government, economic develoment, academia, engineering companies and professional societies aiming to promote engineering in South Carolina.

Dr. James Weyhenmeyer will become senior vice president for the State University of New York (SUNY) Research Foundation and SUNY senior vice provost for research, effective March 3, 2008.

Facing a projected budget deficit of more than $600 million, Gov. Tim Kaine told lawmakers the state must invest more money in research and commercialization efforts to accelerate Virginia’s progress in key areas.   Anticipating the state’s investments in R&D will pay off in the future, Gov. Kaine unveiled a $1.65 billion bond package for higher education needs that includes support for researchers and research facilities aimed at R&D and commercialization. The governor’s fiscal year 2009-10 budget includes an additional $44.3 million for colleges and universities and continued funding for research across the state’s higher education institutes. The bond package targets 75 projects for new construction and renovation focusing on developing a 21st century workforce in emerging fields such as science, engineering, education and health care. Upgrades are needed to provide researchers with the equipment to develop cutting-edge technologies, Gov. Kaine said in a press release. The proposed General Obligation Bond, which would be provided through the Virginia College Building Authority, must receive support from the General…