OHSU turns innovations into commercial opportunities at r...(cialization activities to the next level...)

The five FY 2007 OHSU startups are:

• Molecular MD is a molecular diagnostics company specializing in clinical development and commercialization of state-of-the-art assays used to diagnose specific cancers and to monitor the ongoing effectiveness of therapy. In partnership with BioCatalyst International, the company was founded by OHSU scientists, notably Brian Druker, M.D., director of the OHSU Cancer Institute, and Michael Heinrich, M.D., acting head of the division of hematology and oncology in the OHSU School of Medicine. Druker is internationally recognized for his role in the clinical development of Gleevec (Imatinib), the first molecular-targeted medication to prove effective against chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Heinrich was the first to identify mutations in platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFR) as the cause of gastrointestinal stromal tumors in specific patient populations. MolecularMDs focus is on developing partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and physicians by providing them with clinically relevant molecular tests that help optimize therapy and improve patient outcomes. [ For more information about Molecular MD, go to http://www.molecularmd.com ]

• ID Biopharma which was spun off by Virogenomics Inc., an earlier OHSU startup -- was created to accelerate the development of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics to fight infectious diseases. When it was formed it also brought in additional OHSU-developed technologies. The company is unique among biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in focusing on infectious diseases. ID Biopharma will function as the commercialization accelerator for the Oregon Translational Research and Drug Development Institute (OTRADI), which it worked with the states four research universitie
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