University of Miami

UM blueprints sprawling new biotech complex

John Carroll — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:57:12 -0400

The University of Miami medical school says that a new, 1.4 million square foot laboratory complex will help propel development of a new biotech cluster in the region. The complex will provide lab and office space to companies commercializing the research work being done at the university. And UM is buying 7.2 acres to make it happen.

''This is a really big project for Miami and for the University of Miami,'' said the dean of UM's medical school, Dr. Pascal Goldschmidt. "It's way beyond the University of Miami, to tell you the truth. There's an opportunity to develop an area of the economy we have not been particularly strong at, but could be strong at.''

- read the article from the Miami Herald

Novocell reports breakthrough in diabetes cure

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 06:59:57 -0500

Researchers at Novocell report a key breakthrough in their program to find a cure for diabetes. The company reports that the researchers were able to turn embryonic stem cells into insulin-producing cells in mice. And after the mice's insulin-producing cells had been destroyed, the new cells kept their blood sugar levels in check.

"For those who say there is not much evidence that embryonic stem cells can cure diabetes, there you go," Dr. Camillo Ricordi, director of the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami told The New York Times. Dr. Ricordi was not involved in the research program. The research did raise red flags, though. Some of the mice in the study developed tumors and there were questions raised whether the cells were characterized well enough for use in humans. Human trials are still several years away.

- read the article in The New York Times

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U of Miami plots huge life science campus

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 06:59:54 -0500

The University of Miami is drawing up plans for a sprawling life science campus to house biotech start-ups, research institutes, private developers and more on 7.2 acres being acquired from the state. The idea is to bring scientists and developers together into one area, where they can help each other translate research to a viable product. Architects are being brought in now to blueprint work that should get underway in two to three years. Dr. Pascal Goldschmidt, dean of the Miller School of Medicine, told Miami Today that he envisions the emergence of a Pan-American life sciences industry that will bring together researchers in countries like Argentina with university scientists and biotech companies in Florida.

- read the report from Miami Today

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