DATE: June 13, 2007
CONTACT:
Chris Przirembel, (864) 656-7701
cprzmbl@clemson.edu
WRITER:
Susan Polowczuk, (864) 656-2063
spolowc@clemson.edu
EXPERT: Christian E.G. Przirembel
Clemson Translational Bioengineering Research Center funding approved
CLEMSON—The State Budget and Control Board has approved $3.5 million in funding from the Research University Infrastructure Act for a Clemson University bioengineering facility in Greenville to develop medical technology that will help people live longer and more comfortably. The approval was the last step needed following earlier approvals from the State Joint Bond Review Committee and the Clemson board of trustees.
The Translational Bioengineering Research Center will be located in a building under construction at the Greenville Hospital System’s Patewood Campus. As many as 50 Clemson scientists and engineers will work with GHS doctors and nurses, and other medical researchers at the center to develop new medical technology.
Clemson Bioengineering Department Chair Martine LaBerge calls the approval a victory for research, healthcare and the patient.
“With this approval, we will now be able to do research that is clinically applicable and has the potential to reach patients in a more timely manner. It will impact how conditions and illnesses are ultimately diagnosed and treated,” said LaBerge.
Clemson, the Greenville Hospital System and the Orthopaedic Research Foundation of the Carolinas, representing the Steadman-Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas, are the core partners in the center. Several corporate partners have initially invested more than $5 million in the project. They are Smith and Nephew, a United Kingdom company; Ziehm Imaging, a German-based company; Agfa Healthcare of Greenville; and Virturad of Phoenix, Ariz.
The university will lease space for 15 years at the center to develop orthopaedic and cardiovascular devices, enhance methods of rehabilitation and performance and analyze trauma data. The center also will house incubator space for spin-off companies.