Bioscience
With more than $1 billion in funding and 775 bioscience entities in operation throughout the state, Ohio is establishing an international leadership role in the cutting-edge bioscience industry.
This complex field centers on research, development and marketing of pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, bioinformatics, medical devices, medical equipment and other health-related products. Bioscience companies represent not only the next wave for the global economy but also opportunity for dramatic advances in the human experience.
State efforts to establish Ohio as a preferred destination for bioscience academia and industry have attracted 50 new or relocated businesses in 2005 alone. Ohio's bioscience entities generate more than $5.2 billion in direct economic impact and employ more than 37,000 skilled workers.
Ohio understands the critical importance of funding access for this innovative industry and has launched an unprecedented investment making available substantial grant funding. More than 109 Ohio companies received bioscience funding in 2004, of which 30 received $1 million or more. More than $44 million in public funding also supports large-scale, world-class Ohio bioscience R&D through Wright Centers of Innovation in Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati.
Ohio's primary bioscience sectors apply technology and service to a variety of market needs:
- Pharmaceuticals and diagnostics – Cleveland's Auburn Pharmaceuticals is developing a novel anti-cancer drug that strives to make radiation and chemotherapy treatment more effective.
- Medical devices and equipment – Akron-based Theken Surgical is developing new spinal implant technology utilizing medical polymers and bionanotechnology.
- Imaging – Cleveland's Imalux Corporation has brought to market its Niris Imaging System creating superior imaging to ultrasound utilizing harmless near-infrared light.
- Contract research – At Columbus Children's Research Institute, a wholly owned subsidiary of Columbus Children's Hospital, study of gene therapy is developing novel technology for gene transfer targeting genetic defects, chronic illness and an HIV vaccine.
- Agbio – Cincinnati-based Stolle Milk Biologics is a pioneer in the discovery and development of cow's milk with increased levels of selected antibodies and other factors that have led to advances in anti-inflammatory effects, cardiovascular health and immune system function.
Ohio's superior medical system helps explain the state's emerging dominance in the bioscience field. In U.S. News & World Report's 2005 "America's Best Hospitals" list, 16 Ohio hospitals were ranked among the nation's top 176 hospitals in a variety of specialties, the third straight year Ohio was home to the most top-ranked hospitals. Due in part to its strong clinical network and medical reputation, Ohio hosted 20 percent of all clinical trials conducted in the U.S.
To learn more about Ohio's bioscience industry, Omeris at 1-614-675-3686.
