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PORTLAND, Maine

Maine Technology Institute awards UNE a $480,000 collaborative grant for College of Pharmacy research facilities

The Maine Technology Institute has announced an award of $480,000 from its Cluster Initiative Program (CIP) to the University of New England for a collaborative project designed attract new biotech ventures, support Maine-based companies, and stimulate new federally-funded research.

UNE received the award, matched by $678,000, for its College of Pharmacy to collaborate with the Maine Medical Center Research Institute and the City of Portland's Division of Economic Development to complete its Portland facility dedicated to bridging basic research and the clinical development of drugs and medical devices.

The CIP program supports collaborative projects that boost Maine's high-potential technology-intensive clusters.  Awards made under the CIP program support the success of Maine businesses by funding joint work of companies, service providers, research laboratories and educational institutions and expanding the infrastructure that helps them to thrive.

About the award, John V. Schloss, Ph.D., professor and chair, Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of New England remarked "This award strengthens an ongoing collaboration between the University of New England, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, the University of Southern Maine, and the City of Portland, providing important technology and infrastructure critical for the development of a biotechnology cluster.  It will establish a Core for Drug Analysis and Development (CDAD) which is not just the best facility for molecular analysis in Maine, but one of the most advanced and comprehensive facilities of its type anywhere.  CDAD will attract new biotech ventures, support Maine-based companies, and stimulate new federally-funded research."

Greg A. Mitchell, director, Economic Development Division, City of Portland added, "The City of Portland's Economic Development Division is excited to join with UNE's College of Pharmacy and MMCRI to grow the region's emerging life sciences cluster. This industry provides life-saving medical research and well-paying jobs for young people with associate, bachelor and graduate degrees. We recognize the importance of expanding the life sciences industry in our region and look forward to continuing to grow a dynamic environment for innovation."

On hearing of the announcement, Donald St. Germain, MD, associate vice president for research at MMCRI, said: "Maine Medical Center and its Research Institute congratulate Dr. Schloss and the University of New England School of Pharmacy for receiving an MTI Cluster Initiative Award that will significantly enhance the School's ability to support drug development for Maine-based biotechnology companies. The award will also provide additional collaborative opportunities between scientists and clinicians at our institutions.  The award thus benefits both our ability to provide the most advanced care for our patients and the economy of the region.

Maine Technology Institute is a publicly financed, nonprofit organization created by Maine's Legislature to stimulate research and development activity leading to the commercialization of new products, processes and services in the state's seven technology-intensive sectors.

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.