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We’re Proud to Help
OKBio GROW!
Discover Oklahoma’s Emerging Bioscience Sector
The Oklahoma Business Roundtable is proud to partner with OKBio to help grow the bioscience community in our great state. The Roundtable serves as the state’s key economic development support organization. We are comprised of over 175 top Oklahoma corporate, education and research partners – all working together to advance business expansion, recruitment and new start-up opportunities. Our state is an emerging bioscience location offering significant research infrastructure, business networking opportunities, a large talent pool and access to investment capital. We salute the work of OKBio and encourage you to meet the many bioscience companies who call Oklahoma home. We welcome your investment in our state!
Oklahoma Business Roundtable 655 Research Parkway, Suite 420, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 okbusinessroundtable.com | 405-235-3787 2
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INSIDE BEST OF BIO 2016 6 Honoring achievements and leaders in Oklahoma’s biosciences community
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INSPIRING INNOVATORS 10 A new “Innovation District” emerging on Oklahoma Health Center campus BRAIN DRAIN 12 OMRF researcher focused on effects of traumatic brain injuries BLAZING A TRAIL 14 Oklahoma’s OneNet connects researchers with 100-gigabit fiber network TASTES LIKE CHICKEN 16 OSU researchers use probiotics to produce healthier poultry IMPACT CAMPUS 18 OU Health Sciences Center a major contributor to biosciences industry
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JOBS NETWORK 21 OCAST Intern Partnerships connects promising students, employers
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SMART GRID 22 OG&E leads way in embracing new power generating technologies THE NORMAN STANDARD 23 City puts “quality of life” as top priority with new investments
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IN OUR OWN BACK YARD 24 The OKBIO Summit puts focus on clinical trials in Oklahoma
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THE PATIENT’S VOICE 26 A cancer survivor shares story of how a clinical trial saved her life NATURE’S GROWTH SECRET 28 Noble Foundation researchers use microbes to grow healthier plants Oklahoma Bioscience Facts and Stats 34 Oklahoma Bio Industry Directory 36
innovators & Entrepreneurs is produced by i2E, Inc., manager of the Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center. For more information on any content contained herein, please contact i2E at 800-337-6822. © Copyright 2016 i2E, Inc. All rights reserved.
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i2E TEAM
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The i2E management and staff is composed of professionals with extensive experience in technology commercialization, business development, venture investing, finance, organizational.
Howard G. Barnett, Jr., Chairman OSU-Tulsa, OSU-CHS
Scott Meacham President & CEO Rex Smitherman Senior Vice President, Operations Sarah Seagraves Senior Vice President, Marketing Mark Lauinger Senior Vice President, Client Services Tom Francis Director of Funds Administration Judy Beech Director of Finance Carol Curtis Venture Advisor
Richard Rainey Venture Advisor & Director, OSCR Program Kevin Moore Venture Advisor & SeedStep Angel Manager Claire Robison Venture Advisor
Stephen Prescott, Vice Chair OMRF Michael LaBrie, Secretary McAfee & Taft Leslie Batchelor Center for Economic Development Law Robert Brearton American Fidelity Assurance Company Jay Calhoun Cherokee National Businesses Michael Carolina OCAST Rita Combs REYAP Youth Programs Steve Cropper Carl Edwards Price Edwards Company Presbyterian Health Foundation Philip Eller Eller Detrich, P.C. Joseph J. Ferretti University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
James Lovely Danny Hillard Venture Advisor Chickasaw Nation Department of Commerce Stacey Brandhorst Brad Krieger Venture Advisor Arvest Bank Scott Thomas IT Manager
Philip Kurtz CareATC
Darcy Wilborn Client Engagement Director
Hershel Lamirand III Capital Development Strategies
Cindy Williams Underwriting Coordinator & Investment Compliance Officer
Merl Lindstrom Phillips 66
Katelynn Henderson Events Specialist Shaun Fair Underwriting Specialist Zach Kinder Multimedia Specialist Jennifer Buettner Executive Assistant Kate Nelson Administrative Assistant
Craig Shimasaki Moleculera Labs Brien Thorstenberg Tulsa Regional Chamber Roy Williams Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Richard Williamson T.D. Williamson Duane Wilson LDW Services, LLC
PA R T N E R S Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) U.S. Economic Development Administration Greater Oklahoma City Chamber City of Oklahoma City Oklahoma Business Roundtable Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Presbyterian Health Foundation Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance The Oklahoma Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Oklahoma Department of Commerce U.S. Department of Treasury State Small Business Credit Initiative
Fred Morgan The State Chamber David Pitts Bank SNB Mark Poole First National Bank of Broken Arrow Teresa Rose Crook Oklahoma City Community Foundation Meg Salyer Accel Financial Staffing Darryl Schmidt BancFirst
www.i2E.org
facebook.com/i2E
facebook.com/OKGOVCUP twitter.com/i2E_Inc
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ABOUT i2E WE INVEST IN ENTREPRENEURS TO BUILD SUCCESSFUL HIGH GROWTH OKLAHOMA COMPANIES Over our 17-year history, i2E’s nationally recognized services have provided business expertise and funding to more than 650 of Oklahoma’s emerging small businesses. With nearly $50 million of investment capital under management, we are focused on serving companies in all phases of the business life cycle, from startups looking for their first round of capital all the way to established businesses seeking funding to expand their markets or products. We also are helping lead new business developments into the marketplace more efficiently and more quickly while providing guidance to bring more funding to Oklahoma’s researchers and entrepreneurs. Through our proven business and venture development process, we turn ideas into successful enterprises ... i2E.
W H AT W E D O • Evaluate the potential of new concepts through a rigorous venture assessment process to determine product-market fit • Assist with evaluation of business plans, marketing plans and raising capital • Provide guidance in building a management team, business structure and financial forecasting • Assist with developing an effective investor presentation • Assist in obtaining funding through federal grant programs • Work with research universities to encourage commercialization of research technologies • Provide equity investment i2E receives state support from the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology and is an integral part of Oklahoma’s Innovation Model.
Welcome from Scott Meacham Welcome to i&E magazine, the publication for Oklahoma’s emerging small businesses. For those who may have picked up a copy of this magazine at the annual BIO Convention in San Francisco, I hope you enjoy this special edition in which we focus on Oklahoma’s growing biosciences industry. i&E magazine is produced by i2E, Inc., which manages the Oklahoma Bioscience Association on behalf of 32 sponsors across the state. Oklahoma’s life sciences industry has become a major economic force in our state, employing 51,000 people and contributing almost $7 billion annually to the state’s economy. Oklahoma companies are advancing new therapeutics to defeat cancer and auto-immune diseases, counter hearing loss and kill antibiotic resistant bacteria, among developments in virtually every area of human health. While much of Oklahoma’s bioscience activity is focused on the Oklahoma Health Center campus, located just east of downtown Oklahoma City, our bioscience “corridor” spans a large area of the state. Life science research is ongoing from Ardmore in the south to Stillwater in the north central part of the state to Tulsa in the northeast and Ponca City near the Kansas border. As for the Oklahoma Health Center campus, this 15-block area is home to the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, along with thousands of scientists, medical students, companies advancing new technologies and service providers. Located within the Health Center Campus is OU University Research Park, where many of the life science startups spun out of OU and other state universities are located. The $100 million park offers 700,000 square feet of both class A office and web lab space. Also on the Oklahoma Health Center campus are the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, OU Medical Center, Children’s Hospital, the Oklahoma City Veteran’s Hospital, the Dean McGee Eye Institute, the Peggy and Charles Stephenson Oklahoma Cancer Center, the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, the Oklahoma Blood Institute and a host of educational institutions, including the OU College of Medicine. I invite you to learn more about the exciting developments ongoing in Oklahoma by reading the articles on the following pages in this magazine. Finally, turn to the back of this publication to discover a comprehensive list of all the biotech related entities in Oklahoma. This makes a great reference and I encourage you to use it as you seek business contact in our state. Thank you for picking up and reading this copy of i&E magazine. – Scott Meacham President & CEO
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2016 OKBIOSCIENCE AWARDS DINNER Honoring the achievements of Oklahoma’s bioscience leaders, researchers and entrepreneurs It’s a rare moment that the leaders and scientists of Oklahoma’s bioscience industry can come together to share the collaborative spirit that is such a part of who they are and what they are creating. The annual OKBIO BioScience Awards dinner is one of those moments. It is amazing how there’s virtually no stopping the conversation at this event—even while the OU–Texas A&M Sweet 16 game streamed during dinner to a big screen. (Bioscience and basketball are definitely compatible.) Oklahoma’s bioscience community is building one of the most exciting and advanced sectors in the country. The state is currently home to a thriving industry, comprised of research institutions and operating companies in the biotechnology, life science,
medical device, diagnostic, pharmaceutical, and bioagriculture spaces along with businesses that provide critical services and products to these bioscience companies. At the center of this exciting growth is the Oklahoma Bioscience Association (OKBIO), shaping the policies and developing the programs to help Oklahoma’s bioscience community grow and prosper. To show our appreciation, each year OKBIO honors the achievements of Oklahoma’s bioscience leaders, researchers and entrepreneurs.
HALL OF FAME LEADERSHIP AWARD Stephen Prescott, M.D., President Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation STEPHEN PRESCOTT has led the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation for a decade, guiding it through the largest expansion in its 70-year history. Under his leadership, OMRF has expanded its research campus by nearly 200,000 square feet. The expansion included the opening of its Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence, which treats more than 2,500 patients annually, as well as the additions of more than a dozen new laboratories, a state-ofthe-art microscopy/imaging center, one of the world’s largest biorepositories and expansion of its cancer research program, which works closely with OU’s Stephenson Cancer Center to bring new therapies to Oklahoma cancer patients. Dr. Prescott has immersed himself in all facets of Oklahoma City business and community life. He has enthusiastically embraced the ongoing initiative to create an Innovation District within the Oklahoma Health Center campus, which will create a hub for people to work, live and play. His encouragement led Clayton Duncan to relocate to Oklahoma City from North Carolina to establish a biotechnology business incubator known as Accele BioPharma. He serves on numerous Boards, including the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and i2E, and writes a regular column on the Business of Biotech that is published in The Oklahoman newspaper. Before moving to Oklahoma, Dr. Prescott was a professor of internal medicine at the University of Utah, where he held the H.A. & Edna Benning Presidential Endowed Chair. He founded the Ecceles Program in Human and Molecular Biology and Genetics and served as the executive director of the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Dr. Prescott is a perfect choice for our highest award. We are deeply appreciative of his leadership and commitment to excellence.
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COMMUNITY RECOGNITION AWARD Recognizing an individual or company for making significant contributions to Oklahoma’s bioscience industry.
THE OKLAHOMA CENTER FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY has had major impacts on jobs, research and technology in Oklahoma. They have invested nearly $10 million annually in basic and applied R&D and in the last 29 years, they have supported more than 2,500 R&D projects in Oklahoma. Their Intern Partnership program annually connects more than 280 students with science and technology companies to enable real world experience on how science impacts our world. From job creation to improved quality of life to a more diversified economy, the impact of OCAST and the citizens and companies it serves is a testament to the strength of the state’s science and technology community.
FINALISTS
Michael Carolina, Executive Director, OCAST
ARL Bio Pharma and DNA Solutions provide critical pharmaceutical and genetic testing services. They have brought millions of dollars of revenue into Oklahoma through business contracts and SBIR grant funding and they offer internships for students from state universities. There is another side of the companies that benefits the wider Oklahoma community. They are active participants in the Oklahoma Bioscience Roundtable and support and attend OKBIO events. They routinely participate in community charitable events such as serving dinner for the Ronald McDonald House, building homes with Habitat for Humanity and hosting food drives for the Regional Food Bank. In addition, ARL and DNA Solutions support the Oklahoma City Boathouse District and even field corporate rowing teams. Dunlap Codding, PC was founded in 1957 as Oklahoma’s original intellectual property law firm and they remain the region’s largest and most versatile IP firm. Their clients include research and academic institutions, multinational technology and manufacturing organizations and start-up companies. They have obtained more patents, trademarks and copyrights than any other firm in this region. Dunlap Codding is also very dedicated to the Oklahoma City community. They are a founding partner of IgniteOKC and are an integral player in its growth and sustainability. They host 1 Million Cups, a weekly national program designed to educate, engage, and connect entrepreneurs. They contributed to the resurgence of the Film Row district in downtown OKC and their associates dedicate their time and resources to local creative, civic, and charitable organizations.
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RESEARCHER RECOGNITION AWARD honoring a researcher advancing scientific knowledge in their area of expertise and promoting continued excellence in research
ANNE PEREIRA has studied the naturally occurring CAP37 protein for more than 25 years. She is Professor and Associate Dean of Research in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at OU Health Sciences Center and is cofounder and chief scientific officer of Oklahoma City-based Biolytx Pharmaceutical Corp. Through her research, Dr. Pereira identified and developed novel CAP37-derived antimicrobial peptides that have the ability to kill bacteria that are resistant to standard antibiotics. Currently, she has 14 U.S. patents, 4 foreign patents and numerous pending U.S. and foreign applications directed to these novel peptides and their therapeutic uses in infections. She was awarded the Henry Zarrow Presidential Professorship for Excellence in Scholarship and Teaching from 2008-2012. FINALISTS Lloyd Hildebrand is a skilled ophthalmologist with broad clinical practice and an academic professor and researcher. He has conducted clinical trials to evaluate retinopathy in prematurity and diabetes. Dr. Hildebrand has an interest in global eye care and has been instrumental in efforts to develop fellowship programs serving the Sichuan Province of China and rural Swaziland. Dr. Hildebrand has held leadership roles in local, regional, national and international professional organizations. His research and guidance has resulted in formation of two Oklahoma City-based companies, Inoveon and Nantiox.
Josh Ramsey, chemical engineer and associate professor at Oklahoma State University, has focused much of his recent research on developing novel methods for safe and efficient delivery of genetic material in the body. In 2014, Dr. Ramsey received a CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation to support his research into gene delivery system. He also received funding from the American Heart Association to investigate hybrid viral/synthetic gene delivery systems to target vascular tissue and treat critical limb and myocardial ischemia.
INNOVATION RECOGNITION AWARD recognizing an individual or company who has been responsible for the creation of an innovative bioscience technology, product or service in the past three years that has led to potential commercial application.
CYTOVANCE BIOLOGICS, a home-grown biopharmaceutical contract manufacturer, employs almost 200 people in Oklahoma City. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in the University Research Park, Cytovance specializes in the production of therapeutic proteins and antibodies from both mammalian cell culture and microbial fermentation. The company recently expanded its operations with the construction of a 30,000 square foot facility on N. Santa Fe Ave. to house GMP warehousing operations and future manufacturing. In August 2015, Cytovance was acquired in a $206 million deal. Their mission remains the same, which is to become a partner to its clients by providing a pathway in converting today’s novel protein discoveries into future lifesaving therapies and diagnostics.
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FINALISTS Accele BioPharma provides business expertise and investment for early stage biopharma companies developing therapeutics across diverse health care challenges. Founded in 2010 as a life science accelerator, Accele supports new life science companies that show promise in dramatically improving healthcare and have a strong potential for commercial success. The firm’s venture capital arm, Accele Venture Partners, provides seed funding for the programs. The four biopharma startups currently in their portfolio are developing new treatments that tackle the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, treat diabetes, restore hearing loss, and diagnose and treat infectious diseases including pneumococcal pneumonia.
Pure MHC discovers biomarkers that represent nature’s own means of marking diseased cells for elimination. The result is a powerful pipeline for infectious disease and immuno-oncology drug development. A spinoff from Pure Protein, LLC, Pure MHC is the latest subsidiary to emerge from the laboratory of the company’s Chief Scientist, William Hildebrand who is a George Lynn Cross Research Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the OU College of Medicine. Pure MHC uses its technology platforms to provide industry partners with more personalized cancer targets for diagnostic therapeutic development.
Innovation in Agriculture The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation drives innovation that delivers outcomes for agriculture producers and consumers. Noble Foundation scientists explore the genetic networks of vital crops, generating new ideas and publically accessible research tools and resources. Our researchers breed stronger, more efficient plant varieties that are delivered to the market. Our team of agricultural experts provide on-the-ground education and support to producers while preparing the next generation to face the many challenges ahead. Together, the men and women of the Noble Foundation work to benefit producers and consumers, while striving every day to safeguard the land for future generations.
www.noble.org
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INSPIRING INNOVATION okc seeks to continue momentum as district grows
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t the crossroads of Interstate 35 and Highway 77 and just blocks away from both the State Capitol and downtown’s thriving Central Business District, Oklahoma City’s budding innovation district is helping diversify the city’s growing economy and bringing international attention. Ground-breaking discoveries made by Oklahoma City-based researchers have helped put OKC on the map as a contender in the bioscience and technology marketplace. In fact, students travel from across the globe for an opportunity to take part in the prestigious Visiting Research Graduate Traineeship Program at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF). The expansion of the bioscience and biotechnology industry is paying big dividends, contributing more than $6.7 billion in economic activity and supporting more than 51,000 jobs throughout Oklahoma. Certainly, there’s no denying that exciting things are happening in and around this “innovation district.” And there are no signs of the progress
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slowing down anytime soon. Oklahoma City was selected in late 2015 as one of only two cities in the country to participate in the Bass Initiative on Innovation and Placemaking, a joint initiative of the Brookings Institution and Project for Public Spaces. The two groups have begun an 18-month study of the area encompassing the Oklahoma Health Center and Automobile Alley. The initiative will use quantitative analysis of both local and national data as well as stakeholder interviews to audit the innovative industries and networking and physical assets in the burgeoning district. Drawing from this study, Brookings and PPS will work with community leaders to create a unified vision and specific strategies for the district’s future growth in order to bolster the district as a key driver of the regional economy. “Cities have become the undisputed engines of national economies and the vanguard of policy innovation, but many are still held back by compartmentalized approaches to growth,” said Bruce Katz, Brookings vice president and the Brookings leader of the Bass Initiative.
“This transformative gift will allow us to suggest ways to break down traditional city development silos and use cities’ inherent benefits to inextricably link efforts to foster innovation and build quality places.” Additions to the community include the 95,000 square-feet GE Global Research Center, which will open its doors this year. The project will add 130 high-tech jobs and is expected to have a direct and indirect economic impact of $13 million on the state and local economies. The benefits in this growing innovation district will not only have an immediate impact on today’s workforce, but also on future generations. The GE Foundation has pledged resources to help ensure that Oklahoma students are prepared for the growing demand of high-tech jobs through the introduction of STEM Empowers OK – a statewide initiative to engage and inspire greater interest among high school students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. “Oklahoma has developed into an epicenter of new technologies that enable new resources,” said Michael Ming, general manager of the GE’s Oklahoma City Global
Research, Oil & Gas Technology Center. As the bioscience and biotechnology community continues to grow and prosper, it will serve as a catalyst to help create an economic environment where innovation thrives. Today, nearly 40 biotechnology companies call this area home and areas of research span from cancer and cardiovascular to vision and infectious disease among many others. “The biomedical science environment in Oklahoma City has dramatically changed in the last 10 years,” said Dr. Dewayne Andrews, Vice President for Health Affairs and Executive Dean in the College of Medicine “All the changes have been very positive.” Dr. Lorin Olson, a researcher in OMRF’s Immunobiology and Cancer Research Program, came to Oklahoma City six years ago from New York after looking for a job that would allow him to be an independent researcher, set up his own lab and satisfy his curiosity, he said. He found what he needed at OMRF with the equipment, the core facilities, the knowledge base of the people and resources.
He said he enjoys showing off Oklahoma City to those from far away who don’t realize what Oklahoma has to offer, often surprising them. “I found that the people and the environment here at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation were superior to the other places where I saw opportunities,” he said. “I think I am as well supported as I would have been anywhere else if not better.” When considering relocating to Oklahoma City, scientists first look at the research that they can do here. They want to know the answers to questions like: Will they be thriving scientifically? Is the environment intellectually stimulating? Will they have the resources and funding they need to support their research? Are there opportunities for networking within their fields? Those who work to recruit these scientists mention the quality of both the Oklahoma Health Center complex and the revitalization of Oklahoma City as strong selling points. And the answer to many of the questions above is “yes.”
Another selling point is the ease of doing business in Oklahoma City. The city has garnered a national reputation for being business-friendly, receiving top rankings from numerous national publications as one of the best places to start a business. “Oklahoma City is expanding, and it is essential that our dreams for this community expand as well,” said Roy H. Williams, CCE, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. “Luckily, Oklahoma City is also a place for doers – a community of people who see dreams as a blueprint to reality. We are a city with a proven track record of making things happen, generation after generation. We are planting the seeds for a better future, and the choices we make today could be the bragging rights of the next generation.” These seeds include an area where innovation thrives in a growing Oklahoma City. As new technologies continue to bring world-class researchers and developers to the area, it also will be where some of the nation’s best minds gather to live, work and play.
www.okcchamber.com
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TRAUMA CENTER FINDING NEW LINKS BETWEEN TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES AND BRAIN DISEASE
Whether on the battlefield or playing field, trauma to the head has increasingly been shown to cause long-term damage to the brain. In particular, experts have grown concerned that injuries to the brain can contribute to long-term neurodegenerative disease. Now, new research from the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation has shown that traumatic brain injury (TBI) may amplify progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. About 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with the disease each year. Patients live, on average, between two to five years from the time of diagnosis, and a cure has been elusive. OMRF scientist Holly Van Remmen, Ph.D., and her colleagues decided to examine whether TBI affected disease progression in ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. As the nerve cells degenerate and die, it adversely affects the ability of the nervous system to control muscle movement, leading to paralysis and muscle wasting. For the research study, the scientists used mice genetically altered to develop ALS. “We were interested in learning if TBI would accelerate the progression of the disease,” says Van Remmen, who joined OMRF’s Aging and Metabolism Research Program from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in 2013.
Van Remmen’s research team found that when the mice suffered mild brain trauma, they subsequently displayed decreased coordination and muscle function as well as a loss of grip strength. “This research shows that the TBI seems to worsen the traits of ALS,” says Van Remmen. According to Van Remmen, in the experiment the TBI tended to elevate loss of nerve supply to the muscles, which ultimately leads to the degeneration of cells. While the observable effects were relatively minor, they can add to what is already a devastating condition. It is possible, she says, that a more forceful head injury–like those seen in combat victims– would yield more substantial effects in later disease progression. TBI contributes to nearly 30 percent of all injury deaths in the U.S. and results in approximately 2.5 million emergency room visits annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Long-term effects of TBI can include memory loss, impaired coordination, loss of balance, impaired senses and serious emotional conditions such as aggression, anxiety and depression. “This research does not answer the question of whether suffering brain trauma can make you more likely to develop ALS,” says Van Remmen. “But it signals that these injuries can increase the burden of an already devastating disease.”
www.omrf.org
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BLAZING A TRAIL ONENET COMPLETES 100G RING TO SUPPORT RESEARCH AND BIG DATA MOVEMENT
125,000,000 As the demand for data movement for Oklahoma research organizations continues to grow, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) and OneNet recognize the need to support these initiatives. To meet this growing demand, OSRHE and OneNet completed a 100 gigabit-per-second (100Gbps) fiber ring in 2015. OneNet’s 100Gbps ring connects Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma State University in Tulsa and the University of Oklahoma in Norman to OneNet in Oklahoma City and to Internet2’s nationwide 100Gbps research backbone network. “The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education are committed to maintaining research as a priority in our state,” said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. “The faster connections will allow our institutions to access the latest technology required to communicate and compete with other higher education institutions across the country and ensure our campuses have the tools needed to train tomorrow’s workforce.” Meeting the needs of Oklahoma’s research community is a vital component of OSRHE and OneNet’s mission to advance technology across Oklahoma. “Completion of this project is a giant step forward in providing leading technology for Oklahoma’s research communities,” said Vonley Royal, OneNet’s executive director. “This is just another example of how OSRHE and OneNet are staying ahead of the technological curve. “ At Oklahoma State University, scientists are using the 100G network for cutting-edge life-science research.
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“Our largest user groups for the new network are our life scientists,” said Dana Brunson, Ph.D., director of OSU’s High Performance Computing Center. “The network supports the movement of bioinformatics sequence data from OSU’s supercomputer to the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center. This research and analysis is vital to OSU’s contribution to genomic data initiatives.” One nationwide organization that relies on the 100Gbps connection in Oklahoma is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In partnering with the University of Oklahoma (OU) and OU’s Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorological Studies (CIMMS), NOAA
bytes per second utilizes OneNet’s 100Gbps ring to improve severe weather forecasting through their Warn-on-Forecast research. “We hope to design a system reliable enough to actually provide warnings based on a probabilistic forecasting system that provides us with sufficient confidence that the event will happen, the timeframe of its onset and its geographical location,” said Gerry Creager, CIMMS research associate.“ This information will enable us to issue the warning more in advance.” Even though NOAA is partnering with OU for this venture, the research efforts span several states and benefit the entire nation. Data is frequently passed from the University of Texas to OU and the NOAA offices in Boulder, Colorado, and Fairmont, West Virginia. “Our models will help the NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center provide better input to discussions held within the various National Weather Service offices affected by severe weather throughout the day,” Creager said. As the nation continues to be affected by severe weather each year, NOAA’s research will play a vital role in improving dissemination of information to the public and response in the event of a severe weather outbreak. “Warn-on-Forecast has the potential to transform our ability to warn the public of dangerous weather by issuing warnings based not upon human observation, radar or other capabilities, but rather upon computer forecasts,” said Kelvin Droegemeier, OU’s vice president
for research. “Notification lead time might increase, which means we need an even greater understanding of how people will respond if given additional time and guidance. Consequently, the Warn-on-Forecast research approach integrates social and behavioral scientists with meteorologists, mathematicians, technologists and engineers.” As big data movement needs continue to grow for research projects, OneNet is committed to deploying new technologies that will meet these expanding requirements. “Providing this critical connectivity to support research like that conducted by NOAA is only one example of the State Regents’ and OneNet’s commitment to advance technology in Oklahoma,” Royal said. “We will continue to seek innovative avenues to deliver emerging technologies and build the most advanced network in our great state.”
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HEALTHIER POULTRY, HEALTHIER PEOPLE. Oklahoma State University research uses wheat-sourced probiotics to produce healthier chicken
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Sales of probiotic-fed chickens in the United States have increased 34 percent in the last year due to the demand for antibiotic-free poultry. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Tyson Foods, the country’s largest processor of chicken, announced it would use probiotic-fed chickens in its operations by September 2017. Because of this trend, researchers at Oklahoma State University’s Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center at the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources are studying the use of probiotics in chicken feed. “The reason for the study is to help the food industry produce a healthier bird,” says Patricia Rayas, FAPC cereal chemist. “When the probiotics are ingested, they try to outweigh the bad bacteria.”
Garnering results Rayas, along with Alejandro Penaloza, visiting assistant professor, and Zorba Hernandez, postdoctoral visiting scientist, began studying probiotics in November 2014. Probiotics are used to boost the immune system and serve the microbiota in defending bacteria. The team used 300 broiler chickens split into four test groups to different preparations of probiotics. The team fed probiotics as a supplement in the chickens’ diet by using a mixture of strains created by Penaloza and a standard feed diet. “Our hypothesis was that the probiotics would improve the community of microbes in the gut of the broiler,” Rayas says. “The broilers were then fed the probiotics two different ways – mixed in the feed and liquid administration.”
The final step of the study was to process the chickens in FAPC’s processing facility where data were collected to calculate feed efficiency, and ground samples of the broilers were taken to the Cereal Chemistry Laboratory for further research. Results showed in the first two weeks the broilers fed probiotics had an increased weight gain and lower death rate. When a broiler gains weight, it gains muscle mass, which in return increases potential profit and quantity for growers. “When the main objective is reached, the isolated probiotics may be useful for the poultry industry to produce chicken that is free of antibiotics and better-feed efficiency,” Hernandez says. Finding the probiotic strains FAPC’s Cereal Chemistry Laboratory housed the probiotic strains, which were sourced from wheat. Penaloza isolated the strains and selected those with high production of exoenzymes. The research team is working with OSU’s Technology Development Center to patent probiotic strains. TDC helps with the development of new products, the
integration of new technology and capital investments, including funding this research. Conducting future research Hernandez says further research is needed to evaluate other strains of probiotics and measure the benefits of using probiotics in poultry. “This research can bring health benefits to chickens and people by maintaining healthy microbial community in the intestine of the chickens,” he says. “This would maintain healthier chickens and reduce the use of antibiotics. Additionally, the use of probiotics also can generate ecological benefits and increase the efficiency of feed conversion of the broilers.” The ultimate goal is to help the poultry industry continue to provide a safe product to its consumers.
The FAPC team are (from left) Alejandro Penaloza, visiting assistant professor, Zorba Hernandez, post-doctoral visiting scientist, and Patricia Rayas, FAPC cereal chemist. Probiotic strains are optimized and taken from a bioreactor at FAPC’s Cereal Chemistry Laboratory on the OSU campus.
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OU Health Sciences Center Major Contributor to State’s Biosciences Industry The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) in Oklahoma City is a major contributor to the state’s biosciences industry. With seven colleges situated on one academic medical campus, as well as robust basic science, clinical and translational research programs, OUHSC is proud to conduct life-changing research that also benefits the state economically.
OUHSC has multiple areas of research expertise and an excellent framework for mentoring investigators who will carry those investigations into the future. Among the university’s areas of research excellence is the work of Jimmy Ballard, Ph.D., who also serves as chair of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology in the OU College of Medicine. Ballard studies Clostridium difficile and Bacillus anthracis, pathogens that cause devastating infections. Ballard has received significant federal funding to study the pathogenesis of C. difficile and the role of the newer hypervirulent strain in Clostridium difficileassociated disease. Identification of key antigenic regions of C. difficile Toxin B is the basis of new therapeutic and vaccine intervention strategies. Other areas of excellence on campus include geroscience, the study of aging as a risk factor for cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other conditions. A five-year, $3.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health will establish Oklahoma’s first Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging.
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In the area of ovarian cancer research, Doris M. Benbrook, Ph.D., a professor of obstetrics and gynecology, received a $3 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to further her work. The grant funds a first-in-human clinical trial focusing on OK-1, an anti-cancer compound shown in laboratory studies to prevent the formation of cancerous tumors without causing side effects. OUHSC also continues to leverage major federal research awards it has received over the past few years. The Oklahoma Clinical and Translational Science Institute was formed from a $20.3 million, five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health to engage in clinical and translational research. In 2014, the NIH also renewed a $14.8 million grant to OUHSC for the INBRE program, a multi-institutional effort that uses senior scientists and faculty to mentor researchers who are embarking on their own careers and projects within the health professions. In 1998, Oklahoma passed legislation that allows university research to be commercialized, and since that time, many OUHSC projects have been transformed into start-up companies. Several companies that got their start with OUHSC research have since attracted millions in state and federal funding.
Recent success stories include Moleculara Labs, based on the research of Madeleine Cunningham, Ph.D., a George Lynn Cross Research Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the OU College of Medicine. Through the start-up company, five clinical assays are now commercially available to physicians. The assays are used in the diagnosis of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococci (PANDAS), as well as a related condition, Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). Other successful companies are making strides with their efforts, including Selexys, which is creating a drug for sickle cell anemia; and Heparinex, which produces recombinant technologies for biopolymers. For additional information about research endeavors and technologies available for licensing, contact the Office of Research Administration at (405) 271-2090 http://research.ouhsc.edu or the Office of Technology Development (405) 271-7725 www.otd.ou.edu.
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Innovation
A Proven Investment in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology works to diversify Oklahoma’s economy through strategic investment in innovation, science and technology. The investment we make locally improves the quality of
Since inception OCAST has: > funded 2,525 projects > invested more than $270 million > attracted $5.8 billion in private sector and federal dollars
life globally, while growing Oklahoma’s economy.
> had a return on investment of 21:1
Small Business >> Manufacturing >> Internships >> Health
866.265.2215 • ocast.ok.gov 20
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THE JOBS NETWORK OCAST Intern Partnership connects students and employers – and all of Oklahoma benefits Alayna Trujillo had it all mapped out. She would earn her associate’s degree in the biotechnology program at Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC), then move on to a four-year university to earn a bachelor’s degree before pursuing a biotech industry job. However, Alayna’s plans were disrupted in the very best of ways by the OCAST Intern Partnerships program. One of many programs designed and managed by the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST), the OCAST Intern Partnerships help retain Oklahoma’s best and brightest students by placing them in companies where they complete challenging, innovative projects. That’s how it happened for Alayna. She participated in the OCAST program almost four years ago as an intern at Oklahoma City’s Cytovance Biologics, a contract manufacturing firm for biotechnology industry clients nationwide. When the eight-week internship ended, Alayna never left Cytovance. The company hired her as a full-time employee. She’s still there three and a half years later. “The internship really opened my eyes as to what I wanted to do,” Alayna said. “Once I found this job and this internship and what I wanted to do, it just fell into to place that I wanted to stay here and gain experience.” Today, she has a great position as Downstream Manufacturing Associate Level 2 which means she leads projects for Cytovance and also serves as a trainer for what is called downstream manufacturing. OCAST’s Intern Partnerships provide up to $30,000 a year to participating Oklahoma businesses interested in pursuing innovative R&D projects and teaming with undergraduate students who help accomplish project goals.
Directed by Dr. Fabiola Janiak-Spens, OCCC has won numerous OCAST Intern Partnerships grants over the last decade, placing students in labs at businesses like Cytovance or in research settings at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. In the most recent two-year Intern Partnerships grant, Dr. Spens has placed students in seven internships. She has placed 33 individuals through the OCAST grants during her tenure at OCCC that dates back to 2007. Of those, 26 former students went on to receive advanced degrees and 20 are currently working in biotechnology or technician jobs in Oklahoma. The Internship Partnerships benefit the students, the college and the participating companies, Dr. Spens said. “To be honest, without the internship experience the students are getting, they would not have the employment success rate,” Dr. Spens said. “It gives them this direct contact with employers for an extended period of time.” For Alayna, it paid an immediate dividend at Cytovance. “They loved the fact that they didn’t have to walk me through step-by-step on how to actually do things,” she said. “My favorite part of the internship was actually finding out what I had a passion for. I love what I do.” The OCAST Intern Partnerships program is having a positive impact that goes beyond the lives of the students and the companies where they are placed, said Michael Carolina, OCAST executive director. “Alayna’s story is a great example of how one program helped a student discover a career, a company find a great employee – and we all benefit as Oklahomans,” Carolina said. “At OCAST, we’re committed to diversifying the state’s economy while helping to create jobs and bring greater prosperity to Oklahoma.”
GET WITH THE PROGRAMS! The following OCAST program and strategic partners are available to help Oklahoma businesses and researchers prove their ideas, attract additional funding and take their products to market. For information on specific programs, contact OCAST at 866-265-2215. Oklahoma Applied Research Support (OARS): Cutting edge research leads to successful products, processes and services. OARS funds research in diverse fields, ranging from medicine, agriculture and energy to manufacturing, aerospace and biotechnology. Oklahoma Health Research: Oklahomans are developing treatments and conducting research to help people live longer, healthier lives. Through this program, OCAST funds basic human health research projects to generate the preliminary information to attract the much greater R&D funding necessary to move the work forward and develop treatments to help combat society’s greatest afflictions. Intern Partnerships: The Intern Partnerships support projects that partner Oklahoma hightech businesses with Oklahoma’s institutions of higher education by providing funds to support student and faculty internships in these companies and non-profit organizations. Small Business Research Assistance (SBRA): The Oklahoma SBRA program help Oklahoma small businesses identify and successfully compete for research funding through Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), and other federal programs. Inventors Assistance Service (IAS)/New Project Development Center (NPDC): IAS helps inventors navigate the process of advancing an idea through education, information and referrals. Then the NPDC provides design, engineering analysis, market feasibility and business launch support. Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance: The Alliance connects Oklahoma manufacturers to costeffective resources, helps develop and implement more efficient manufacturing processes and introduces technology to increase productivity and reduce costs. Oklahoma SEED Capital Fund: Managed for OCAST by i2E Inc., the Oklahoma Seed Capital Fund was created to invest in Oklahoma highgrowth companies that need capital to grow their business. Businesses applying for state dollars from the fund must first have matching funds committed from private sector coinvestment before the state dollars may be used. www.ocast.ok.gov BIO Edition 2016 i&E 2015 i&E
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SMART GRID, SMART POWER FOR OKLAHOMA When the earliest attempts to bring electric power to Oklahoma City began in the 1890s, entrepreneurs were investigating an emerging technology – electrification. OG&E soon rose to the forefront of this new technology as the company that was finally successful in achieving this sought-after technology. Through the years, the electricity business has experienced many changes: a growth in distributed generation (small wind and solar power) and an increased use of digital technology and interfaces for communications.
OG&E has taken the lead once again with recent innovative programs–wind power, Smart Grid and now solar power– our innovation approach is a balance of incorporating new technology while keeping the impact to our stakeholders in terms of affordability, reliability, safety and environmental responsibility top of mind. Already a leader in wind energy in the state of Oklahoma, with over 840 MW in its wind portfolio, the company now has incorporated solar energy into its generating portfolio with
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the launch of Oklahoma’s first utility-owned solar farm at the site of its Mustang Power Plant in June 2015. The farm has enough capacity to energize approximately 500 homes. The company believes solar power and other distributed generation technology can create opportunities to offer new alternatives for customers to manage their bills. OG&E also is recognized as a national leader in smart grid deployment and the use of this asset to help customers better manage their electricity consumption. Since 2012, more than 115,000 OG&E customers have enrolled in the award-winning SmartHours® summer rate plan and have helped the company shave its demand peak, which reduces the need for new incremental fossil-fueled generation. The smart grid also creates grid intelligence which enables OG&E to restore power faster, reduce the frequency and duration of outages and improve information flow to customers. Last year, OG&E added electric vehicles, Nissan Leafs and Chevy Volts, to its fleet. These EVs are more environmentally friendly and reduce the company’s fuel and maintenance expenses. This year, the company will add more EVs and promote the use of EVs for use in business fleets. As its industry evolves, OG&E will continue to apply new technologies as it partners with customers to provide reliable service at the lowest reasonable cost.
NORMAN INVESTS IN QUALITY OF LIFE AMENITIES
Norman has long been known for producing the state’s talent. Now the city is moving into the next stage of retaining that talent. The first initiative to achieve this outcome was the recent passage of Norman Forward, a $150 million quality of life initiative to improve the assets that today’s technology workers enjoy. “After extensive research we realized that people in Norman were willing to invest in quality of life,” said Mike Fowler, a secondgeneration Norman business person and Vice Chair of Norman Economic Development Coalition (NEDC). Fowler’s predictions were correct. The Norman citizens spoke in resounding fashion with a 72 percent approval of the proposal which will pour millions of dollars into parks, trails, community athletic facilities, libraries and other initiatives deemed important to retaining the community’s best and brightest.
Norman is the center for great companies including Johnson Controls, Hitachi, Sysco and AT&T, among others. Norman is also the center of the weather and radar industry with the location of the National Weather Center at OU’s award-winning research campus. Also at the research campus is the $27 million Stephenson Research and Technology Center. According to the center’s website, the facility enhances collaborative initiatives in biosciences, bioengineering, robotics and supercomputing. The University of Oklahoma’s most recent announcement was the establishment of a new School of Biomedical Engineering, including construction of a new academic building and 12 new endowed position. Officials say the move “will strengthen the entire college and will put OU in the forefront of the growing field of biomedical engineering.”
Private industry has taken notice of the Norman advantage. Astellas has a large manufacturing presence in the community and small companies continue to thrive. Most recently, IMMY, a successful entrepreneurial story, announced construction of a new 40,000 square foot lab and warehouse for its continued growth. IMMY manufactures 60 different scientific and medical tests. The company chose to be the first tenant in the NEDC-owned University North Park Corporate Center, a move that allowed the community to provide assistance. “We hope this will be the first of many to see the value of a Norman location for longterm success,” said Jason Smith, President and CEO of NEDC.
The Foundation
of Basic Research Since 1985, the Foundation has awarded more than $100 million to support medical research, education, and economic growth in Oklahoma. We are focused on stimulating breakthroughs in scientific research by supporting the vital work of scientists seeking causes and potential treatments across disease groups. Our commitment to funding in this area reflects our belief that innovative basic medical research is absolutely crucial to advancing the health and well-being of humankind in Oklahoma.
655 Research Parkway • Suite 500 • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 405.319.8150 • PHFOKC.COM
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UNCOVERING THE RESEARCH IN OUR OWN BACK YARD OKBIO SUMMIT FOCUSES ON THE SCIENCE, IMPACT OF HUMAN CLINICAL TRIALS
T
he 2016 OKBio Summit shone a bright light on a topic that many Oklahomans may not be familiar with: the amount of clinical research pursued in their own back yard. In his opening remarks as he welcomed an audience of more than 100 people to the Embassy Suites Downtown Medical Center, i2E CEO Scott Meacham revealed a surprising statistic. There are more than 700 human clinical trials currently under way in Oklahoma. With a theme of “Research in Your Own Backyard: Elevating the Science of Clinical Trials,” the OKBio Summit was sponsored by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), and i2E. Oklahoma Senator Ervin Yen, M.D., introduced the panelists in each of two sessions and provided insight into the importance of clinical trials for both scientific researchers and the public at large. “It’s how we test, improve and advance new drugs, devices and treatments that save and improve lives,” Dr. Yen said. The life-saving potential of clinical trials emerged in the Summit’s opening session. In a Fireside Chat hosted by Phil Lance, President of Integris Cancer Institute, cancer survivor Suleika Jaouad told her story of how a clinical trial involving two chemotherapy treatments literally saved her life (see accompanying story p.26) when she had run out of effective treatment options.
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Lance said the Summit was an important forum for affirming the need for researchers to continue conducting clinical trials in Oklahoma, and also to bring awareness to a sometimes wary public. “It’s a shame when you see some potential and it’s not taken advantage of,” Lance said. “If you understand that you are getting equal or better therapy and are promoting science and promoting the widespread distribution of a better tool, that’s huge.” In Oklahoma, chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, mental illness, Alzheimer’s disease, autoimmune disorders and cardiovascular disease account for at least 487 of the total number of clinical trials under way. Here is how the numbers break down on clinical trials targeting chronic illnesses:
Alzheimer’s Disease
18
Cancer 250+ Diabetes 28 Mental Illness
58
Autoimmune Disorders 45 Cardiovascular Disease 88 Total 487+
“There are three reasons that a person will go on a clinical trial. The first is they think it will benefit themselves or others. Altruism is a big deal. No. 2, they have to believe that the provider believes in the trial. And No. 3, they want an honest explanation of the risk. Oklahoma does extremely well in clinical trials enrollment.” In addition to advancing therapies that improve health or save lives, clinical trials bring economic benefits to the state. Some of those are: Biopharmaceutical research companies are a source of jobs, tax revenue and research spending in Oklahoma; Company employees in Oklahoma include life science researchers, chemical and manufacturing engineers, management executives, office and administrative support workers and sales representatives; Biopharmaceutical companies also support the jobs of vendors and suppliers, including construction and IT firms; and employees of biopharmaceutical companies help support many other local businesses. Research conducted by Battelle Technology Partnership Practice and reported by PhRMA further illustrates the impact that clinical research has in Oklahoma. “The industry supported more than 7,700 jobs throughout Oklahoma,” PhRMA said. “Wages and benefits for employees whose jobs were supported by the pharmaceutical sector resulted in about $56 million in federal taxation and $7 million in state and local taxes.” The second Summit session featured a panel discussion by three scientific investigators and hosted by Richard Gammons, Ph.D., chief operating officer of Accele BioPharma. The participants shared their best practices for planning and implementing a clinical trial. All of the participants were either scientific investigators of clinical trials or “sponsors,” which are pharmaceutical companies that have developed a new therapeutic and have taken it into an FDAapproved human clinical trial. Panelists included Eliza Chakravarty, M.D., rheumatologist and Associate Member at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation; Robert Mannel,
M.D., Director of the University of Oklahoma Stephenson Cancer Center; and Russell Rother, Ph.D., executive vice president and chief operating officer of Selexys Pharmaceuticals. Each panelist shared insight on how their organization is involved in clinical trials, how they select patients and deal with regulations and legal impacts of conducting a human clinical trial. Gammons ended the discussion with a final question on how Oklahoma has fared in attracting patients into clinical trials. The answer varied according to the area of medicine in which each panelist participates. Enrolling patients into rheumatology clinical trials can be challenging because most people have never heard of many of the diseases, Dr. Chakravarty said. “There is a huge amount of education that happens about the type of diseases,” she said. “Trying to give a very clear explanation of what the disease is, is very difficult. For cancer investigators, the degree of difficulty in enrolling patients into trials is not quite as challenging, said Dr. Mannel. The Stephenson Cancer Center currently has 183 active trials ongoing. “There are three reasons that a person will go on a clinical trial,” Mannel said. “The first is they think it will benefit
themselves or others. Altruism is a big deal. No. 2, they have to believe that the provider believes in the trial. And No. 3, they want an honest explanation of the risk. Oklahoma does extremely well in clinical trials enrollment.” Dr. Rother from Selexys Pharmaceuticals approached the topic from the perspective of a “sponsor” of a Phase 2 clinical trial of new treatment for sickle cell disease developed in its labs. “What I found out from the sponsor perspective is that it all comes down to the patient-physician interface,” Dr. Rother said. “Their comfort level going into a clinical trial all has to come from the patient-physician relationship.” Along with OMRF and Otologic Pharmaceuticals, Selexys is one of the few Oklahoma “sponsoring” organizations with therapeutics currently enrolled in clinical trials. Bottom line on the broad subject of clinical trials: they are critical to improving the health care of patients in Oklahoma and across the world, said Phil Lance. And clinical trials are not used to their full potential. “The whole research piece, in the community, it’s a severely underutilized tool,” Lance said. “The more we can access it, the more we can broaden our knowledge base, the more we can do for human kind.” BIO Edition 2016 i&E
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LIFE
Interrupted. CANCER SURVIVOR SHARES HER STORY OF HOW CLINICAL TRIAL SAVED HER LIFE
“My future was already so uncertain as it was that the last thing I wanted was a trial, I wanted a certain cure, I wanted to know that the treatment I was doing was worth the havoc they were wreaking.”
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he Oklahoma Bioscience Association put a human face on the work of health care professionals and scientists involved in research and clinical trials. Sulieka Jaouad, 27, shared her story at the annual OKBio Summit of how a clinical trial four years ago rescued her from what appeared to be a losing battle with leukemia. The theme of the Summit, held at the Embassy Suites Downtown Medical Center, was “Research in Your Own Backyard: Evaluating the Science of Clinical Trials. Jaouad also was keynote speaker for the annual BioScience Awards Dinner. In 2011, Jaouad was 22 and had just started a new job in Paris as a paralegal for a Paris law firm. Then she got sick, but was not correctly diagnosed for several months. “I had a rare bone marrow disorder called myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, and by the time of my diagnosis it had turned into acute myelogenous leukemia,” Jaouad said.
Jaouad was hospitalized and placed on chemotherapy in an attempt to put the cancer into remission. It didn’t work and the leukemia became even more aggressive. “At that point we had to reevaluate our options and were at a bit of a crossroads,” she said. “That’s when the idea of a clinical trial was brought up to me.” Ultimately, Jaouad enrolled in a trial that involved a combination therapy of two types of chemotherapy treatments. Within six months her cancer was in remission enough to allow her to undergo a life-saving bone marrow transplant. Jaouad wrote about her experience in an award winning blog and video series called Life, Interrupted on the New York Times website. She also has a deal with a publisher to write a book. “When I first heard the words clinical trial, my first reaction was I don’t want to
do that,” she said. “My future was already so uncertain as it was that the last thing I wanted was a trial, I wanted a certain cure, I wanted to know that the treatment I was doing was worth the havoc they were wreaking.” It took a certain amount of faith to step out and participate in the trial. “At that point you put your faith in your doctors, you put your faith in the power in scientific research, you put your faith in to whatever you believe in and hope for the best,’ she said. “And that’s what I chose to do.” Now cancer free, it has been four years since Jaouad underwent the bone marrow transplant and two years since her last round of chemotherapy. She said that the purpose of her Oklahoma City appearance was to put a face to the numbers that researchers deal with in their labs every day. “I think it’s easy to lose sight of why you do what you do when you work in an office
or a lab,” she said. “My hope is to connect them back to that patient’s voice and provide them with some inspiration and a narrative of someone who has directly benefited from what they do.” In opening the Bio Summit, Scott Meacham, i2E President and CEO, said that more than 700 clinical trials are currently under way in Oklahoma across a broad spectrum of health care conditions. “Without the willingness of individuals to participate in these trials, like our guest speaker today, medical research cannot advance,” Meacham said. “These studies provide promise for improving disease outcomes and providing better health for future generations.”
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The dirt on healthier, hardier food crops How do you grow healthier, hardier plants for grazing animals and people? One answer may lie in using nature’s own soil-based microbes to enhance a plant’s nutrient uptake from the surrounding soil, which leads to more productive plants. Researchers at The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), and the University of Oklahoma have initiated a study to see how plants interact with microbes to form mutually beneficial relationships. “We know microbes help plants survive and thrive throughout the world, and many are critical when the plant is stressed by poor soil quality and/or water limitation,” Kelly Craven, PH.D. said. “If we can reveal the key processes or microbial community members that are required for a healthy, living soil, then we can potentially minimize chemical and water supplements typically involved in production agriculture.”
The research involves gathering microbes from natural prairie environments and understanding how such microbes assist a common prairie grass. This particular grass was chosen because it is generally successful in nutrient-deficient, marginal soils. Not all collected microbes are open to expanding their operating environment but others are. These more willing microbeparticipants can be introduced to traditional crop plants and other plants used for grazing animals. “Our early results are what we want to see,” Craven said. “These microbes, which enable our model prairie grass to be healthy and productive in very harsh environments, are jump-starting and benefiting domesticated plants in managed environments. On an initial scale, we see greater biomass production, where applicable, greater fruit production, and more water-friendly plant growth.” The plant-microbe research received a five-year, $11 million grant from the United States Department of Energy in December. The grant includes co-principal investigators Kelly Craven, Ph.D., Michael Udvardi, Ph.D., Wolf Scheible, Ph.D., and Malay Saha, Ph.D., (all with the Noble Foundation), the group at LLNL, and principal investigator Mary Firestone, Ph.D., (UC Berkeley).
Close-up of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi connecting roots of plant hosts. Photo credit: Yoshihiro Kobae Root system of switchgrass
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NOBLE FOUNDATION PROFESSOR NAMED DISTINGUISHED SCIENTIST Noble Foundation Professor Zengyu Wang, Ph.D., received the Society for In Vitro Biology’s (SIVB) 2015 Distinguished Scientist Award. Wang was selected for this award for his contributions to original basic and applied research in the area of in vitro biology, his achievements in the in vitro sciences, and his dedication and involvement within the society.
NOBLE SCIENTISTS TO STUDY MOLECULES AFFECTING P LANT DEVELOPMENT Researchers at the Noble Foundation and Michigan State University (MSU) recently received a four-year, $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), to identify and study targeted molecules, small signaling peptides (SSPs), in a model legume species, Medicago truncatula, as well as alfalfa, a commercially significant crop.
DISCOVERY OF MESSENGER RNA MOBILITY Scientists at the Noble Foundation with colleagues from Germany and Spain have made a discovery that will change the way researchers view messenger RNA (mRNA) and, in the future, could potentially aid the development of more efficient crop plants. Messenger RNAs communicate the information encrypted in DNA genes to an organism’s protein factories. The new research reveals that mRNA molecules are much more mobile than ever before imagined, traveling throughout the plant.
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Accele Biopharma identifies, finances, and manages groundbreaking, earlystage life science technologies that have the potential to dramatically improve human healthcare, have strong commercial promise, and have the potential for generating early proof of concept data. Accele has assembled an experienced management team, a group of sophisticated investors, a nationally recognized advisory board, leading research facilities, and the broad scientific expertise necessary to evaluate and manage such opportunities. To date, Accele has invested in four companies: Synereca Pharmaceuticals, developing compounds that potentiate existing antibiotics to combat serious resistant Gram-negative infections; Pamlico BioPharma, developing next-generation antibody therapeutics for infectious disease and cancer; Otologic Pharmaceutics, developing novel treatments for protecting and restoring hearing loss; and Jortan Pharmaceuticals, developing BACE2 inhibitors for diabetes. For more information, please visit www.accelebio.com.
The Bioscience Roundtable (BSR) is an organization of Oklahoma City metro-area bioscience companies and research institutions that collaborates with OKBio to support development and commercialization of Oklahoma bioscience technology. BSR serves as a sounding board to air and identify common issues, a forum for formulating solutions and policy recommendations, and a vehicle for sharing resources. BSR meets for lunch bi-monthly at the University of Oklahoma University Research Park. Its informal agendas generally feature a speaker on a topic timely and relevant to the group, and an opportunity for open dialogue among the attendees. On alternate months, BSR organizes informal networking opportunities at local businesses around the metro. OKBio values BSR for its role as a sounding board and a source for grassroots information regarding the needs and interests of bioscience researchers and emerging bioscience companies, and encourages formation of similar local and regional groups around the state. For more information on BSR, contact the current Chairman, Casey Harness at casey.harness@ocast.ok.gov.
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Dunlap Codding–the region’s largest and most versatile boutique IP firm—serves a global and sophisticated client base from offices in Oklahoma City, Austin, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. We listen and respond to each client’s unique needs with micro-customized services; provide each with an exemplary work product; and help clients create and protect robust intellectual property portfolios, vigorously pursued and properly grounded in science and law. We assist legacy and start-up companies in the acquisition and exploitation of patent portfolios of cutting edge research in the areas of pharmaceuticals, drug formulation, medical diagnostics and devices, drug screening, inflammation inhibitors, nutritional therapies and nutraceuticals, regulation of skin pigmentation, testing for environmental pollution, novel treatments of septic shock, and water and food quality testing. We have an exceptional track record in identifying and protecting inventions involving biotechnology, life sciences, and pharmaceuticals. We also give back to our creative community by offering a space for collaborative work so that organizations can grow to the next stage of evolution. www.dunlapcodding.com
Now starting its third five-year plan, the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s economic development initiative, Tulsa’s Future, is designed to leverage diverse strategies to enhance the Tulsa region’s standing as a place for business, residents, and superb quality of life. The Tulsa region balances convenience, affordability and a great quality of life with a talented workforce, a central U.S. location and a pro-business atmosphere. Global, national and regional corporations as well as site location firms find Tulsa and Northeast Oklahoma an attractive location for investment and/or a new U.S. location. More than 1.2 million people live in Tulsa and Northeast Oklahoma with a skill-set well suited to aerospace, energy, professional services, regional headquarters, logistics and information technology sectors. The Tulsa Regional Chamber’s Economic Development Division offers customized, confidential, one-stop site location services and incentives analysis. We are here to help you – contact us at 800-624-6822 or visit www.GrowMetroTulsa.com.
Analytical and Microbiological Services ARL is an ISO 17025:2005 accredited, FDA registered and DEA licensed (Schedules I-V) contract laboratory that provides pharmaceutical testing services for Big Pharma. We partner with laboratories to improve the quality of their manufacturer operations through scientific analysis. Our core laboratory departments include: analytical, microbiology, chemistry, research and development and DNA analysis. Our scientific team provides expertise in formulation development, method development and validation, stability studies, release testing, full compendial analysis, compatibility studies, microbiology testing, and microbial identification. Microbial Identification ARL utilizes advanced molecular methods to provide laboratories the most accurate results for Microbial Identification. Our clients confidently identify microbial contaminants and use genetic sequencing to implement corrective actions that improve laboratory processes. Microbial Identification data provides valuable information for end product contaminant identification, environmental monitoring, and cleaning efficacy studies. Genetic sequencing yields the highest accuracy and identifies more samples to species and strain than other methods. In addition, we offer a searchable validated/customized library that contains frequently isolated organisms. For more information, contact (800) 393-1595, or visit www.arlok.com.
Superior Genetic Testing Services DNA Solutions is a genetic testing laboratory providing services in the areas of human, animal, microbial identification, relationship, and forensic sample testing. Our scientists customize solutions for law enforcement and government agencies, providing high-quality, and expedited results to solve complex cases. We specialize in human remains testing, forensic samples analysis, degraded DNA testing, and animal DNA identification. DNA Solutions is accredited to the ISO 17025 standard. ISO/ IEC 17025:2005 is the most widely used laboratory standard for testing laboratories and is internationally recognized and accepted. In addition, DNA Solutions is accredited through the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) for relationship testing, and has its New York State Department of Health Laboratory Permit. For more information, contact (866) 362-9778, or visit www.dnasolutionsusa.com.
Supporting Oklahoma’s
Innovative Hub of Research, Healthcare and Education
800 Research Parkway, Suite 400 Oklahoma City, OK 73104 405.271.2200
www.oklahomahealthcenter.com
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i2E: Investing in Oklahoma Bioscience For more than a decade, i2E has played a major role in funding Oklahoma researchers and entrepreneurs by investing more than $14.6 million in Oklahoma bioscience companies that are either developing new therapeutics, developing new medical devices or providing support technologies for research and development. Companies in the i2E portfolio are advancing a diverse mix of medical
solutions for specific conditions that range from inflammatory disease to macular degeneration to antibiotics to food safety, hearing loss, toxicology and much more. Even as these new technologies edge closer to bringing their life changing outcomes to patients around the world, other promising discoveries continue to emerge from Oklahoma laboratories. Millions of dollars will be required to
advance them to the market. In Oklahoma, many life science entrepreneurs will continue to turn to i2E for the critical seed funding needed to survive the initial stages of development. In the past year, i2E Inc. has invested over $1.9 million in 5 bioscience companies. The following is a look at some of the bioscience companies that i2E investments have supported over the years.
TETHEREX
connect to
Discover at Central Tomorrow’s health issues can be solved by inspiring a spirit of discovery today. A Central Biomedical Engineering student is encouraged to learn and adapt, to seek creative and innovative solutions, to discover the confidence to be ready for whatever comes next. Learn more at uco.edu/BSBM. TM
U N I V E R S I T Y TM
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(405) 974-2000
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•
O F
w w w. u c o . e d u
C E N T R A L
uco.bronchos
O K L A H O M A
UCOBronchos
COARE Biotechnology, Inc. is a drug development company that seeks to advance the current treatment modality of patients with aggressive cancers by coordinately targeting aspects of both the primary tumor and the biological processes that effect metastatic initiation and progression. We are currently developing several novel therapeutic technologies, including immunotherapy and nanomedicine, aimed at targeting the master regulatory processes that have been hijacked and are used to support the cancer microenvironment. • Our therapeutic strategies are focused on the doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) tumor stem cell marker. • DCLK1 is a complex target with 4 primary isoforms and COARE Biotechnology has strategies to target these isoforms and the cells that express them, selectively or in tandem. • Most importantly, COARE Biotechnology has evidence demonstrating DCLK1’s selective overexpression in target cancers, modulation of functional stemness, and extracellular expression.
Ponca City, a free citywide Wi-fi micropolitan in north Central Oklahoma, is home to Log10, a food safety and probiotic manufacturing company. Log10 specializes in food safety, consulting and manufacturing which includes probiotic protection and pathogen elimination for all types of consumables and production machinery. The company, which derives its name from a logarithm commonly used in foo uring facility in the Ponca City Airport Industrial Park. Company principles include Ph.Ds. and technicians with significant experience in their fields both in private industry and academia. The company, which derives its name from a logarithm commonly used in food science, operates in a state of the art food grade laboratory and manufacturing facility in the Ponca City Airport Industrial Park.
Genomic profiling has the power to help cattle producers make more informed and confident decisions. Although a wealth of information is available through use of this technology, the data that is generated is often difficult to understand and interpret. Agric-Bioformatics’ proprietary, cloud-based software, AgBoost, will provide tools to guide producers through the interpretation of genomic data by translating bioinformatics into easy-to-understand, user-friendly, visual figures. AgBoost will enhance decision-making by ranking animals according to genetic markers and traits of interest that can be selected by the customer dependent on individual preference. This is a platform technology that can be expanded to additional livestock production (dairy, pork, etc) and potentially the equine industry. Agric-Bioformatics is currently conducting a beta trial to validate their product with cattle ranchers throughout the state of Oklahoma. AgBoost is planned to enter the market by the end of the year.
Pure MHC has established a unique target discovery and monoclonal antibody position in the field of immunooncology. Through its expertise in HLA proteomics, Pure MHC provides its partners with a stream of novel HLA/targets distinct to cancerous cells. Following coordinated target validation with partners, Pure MHC provides T-cell Receptor Mimic (TCRm) monoclonal antibodies to select HLA/cancer antigen targets. Pure MHC is uniquely positioned to be a leader in the field of more personalized cancer immunoproteomics.
Caisson Biotech has developed a novel heparosan-based drug delivery platform (HEPtune®) to enhance therapeutics of pharmaceuticals. Heparosan is a naturally occurring sugar polymer with low risk of toxicity and immunogenicity. Caisson has licensed, and continues to license, the technology to commercial partners interested in conjugating heparosan to drugs or for the use of the polymer to coat, modify and/ or camouflage drugs and delivery systems, such as liposomes and nanocarriers. Licenses typically are on a molecule-by-molecule basis, or for particular fields of use.
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OKLAHOMA BIO SELLING POINTS
THE OKLAHOMA BIO ADVANTAGE
> High quality, affordable and available facilities > University of Oklahoma University Research Park > Incentives available for qualifying companies > Oklahoma’s bioscience sector: • Contributes more than $6.7 billion to economy • Supports more than 51,000 Oklahoma jobs • Has annual revenues more than $4.1 billion
Oklahoma is fertile ground for bioscience growth, talent and premier facilities:
> Significant pockets of research excellence: • Hough Ear Institute • Laureate Institute of Brain Research • Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation • Oklahoma State University • Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation • University of Central Oklahoma • University of Tulsa • University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center • Dean McGee Eye Institute • Stephenson Cancer Center • Harold Hamm Diabetes Center > Oklahoma’s Innovative service providers: • Accele BioPharma • ARL/DNA Solutions • Cytovance Biologics • Emergent Technologies • i2E, Inc. • Lynn Health Sciences Institute • OKBio Association • Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology • Oklahoma Life Science Fund > Oklahoma’s cutting-edge research strengths: • Agricultural productivity • Autoimmune Diseases and Immunology • Biofuels • Cardiovascular Research • Glycobiology and Carbohydrates • Infectious Disease and Microbiology • Natural Products for Health • Plant Improvement • Value-Added Food Product • Vision Research
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1. The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) has funded 2,525 projects at more than $270 million, attracting $5.8 billion in private sector and federal dollars for a return on investment of 21:1. 2. The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is dedicated to both basic and translational research, with patientcentered care and research ongoing at the Stephenson Cancer Center, the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center and the Dean McGee Eye Institute. 3. The 23-acre, $100 million University Research Park, part of the Oklahoma Health Center complex, is home to 38 science-based companies. 4. The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation is the largest private foundation in the country conducting plant science and agriculture research. 5. Oklahoma State University is a leader in agriculture and animal science research. 6. i2E, Inc. invested over $1.9 million in five Oklahoma bioscience companies in 2015 and $14.6 million over the past 16 years. Bioscience in Oklahoma truly is driving innovation that is improving lives and creating jobs! Here is a look at some of our emerging bio companies: 7. Selexys Pharmaceuticals is focused on development of therapeutics for treatment of inflammation across several disease indications. Their lead human monoclonal antibody program is currently under clinical study in patients with Sickle Cell Disease. Novartis Pharmaceuticals has an exclusive option to acquire the asset upon successful completion of the Phase 2 clinical trial. 8. Moleculera Labs is a pioneer in infection-inducted autoimmune conditions that disrupt neurologic function. The company currently markets a diagnostic test, the Cunningham Panel, which predicts a patient’s likelihood having Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococci (PANDAS).
9. Cytovance Biologics, Inc. is a pharmaceutical contract manufacturer producing biologics, therapeutic proteins and antibodies, was recently acquired in a $206M deal. The company employs more than 170, and their products are used globally for clinical trials and research. 10. Accele BioPharma, a bioscience business accelerator, has four bio companies under management that focus on infectious disease, diabetes, drug-resistant bacterial infections and hearing loss. 11. Immuno Mycologics is listed as one of Inc.’s fastest-growing private companies in the nation. IMMY is a diagnostic manufacturing company that has evolved from a company that filled a need in the infectious disease market to an organization with a global focus on saving lives through innovative products. 12. The Arthrokinex comprehensive joint health program can reduce or eliminate joint pain from Osteoarthritis utilizing the healing powers of a patient’s own blood. 13. Progentec Diagnostics, Inc. has developed an advanced state-of-theart lupus flare diagnostic, which has potential to fundamentally change the current treatment paradigm for lupus. The company has partnered with the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, a Center of Excellence for Lupus in the US and they are striving to accelerate commercialization of the patented diagnostic technology by early 2018. 14. Biolytx is a pharmaceutical technology company developing a novel antibiotic peptide for potential use in wound healing and treatment of serious hospital-acquired infections, including those resistant to current antibiotics. The technology was developed in the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center laboratory of Dr. Anne Pereira and licensed from OU. For the past decade, Pereira and her Biolytx team have worked to synthesize the peptide in quantities large enough for use in clinical trials.
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OKLAHOMA BIO ABOUT TOWN
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2016 OKBio Directory Agriculture & Environmental Related Bio Polymer Industries Tulsa www.biopolymerindustries.com BioPolymer Industries services the needs of various segments of the erosion control market that can utilize water soluble polymer technology. Bio-Cide International, Inc. Norman www.bio-cide.com Bio-Cide International, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide and Acidified Sodium Chlorite sanitizers and disinfectants. BugRight Bristow www.bugright.com bugRIGHT is the organic non-toxic pest repellent that is safe for people, animals, and the environment. CP Kelco Okmulgee www.cpkelco.com CP Kelco is a leading producer of specialty hydrocolloids with key product lines such as Gellan Gum, Pectin, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan, Carboxymethyl Cellulose and Microparticulated Whey Protein Concentrate, as well as other unique biopolymers.
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Crystal Laboratory, Inc. Luther www.crystallabsllc.com Crystal Laboratory has been supplying pollens and powdered allergens to customers in and out of the United States for over 25 years. Crystal Laboratory carries thousands of different raw allergenic products in inventory, including pollens, molds, foods and epidermals.
Environmental Testing, Inc. Oklahoma City www.eti-lab.com Environmental Testing, Inc. (ETI) is a full service petroleum testing laboratory which adheres to ASTM methods and delivers analysis for a wide range of petroleum products.
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Helena Chemical Company Coweta www.helenachemical.com Helena’s core strength is our commitment to provide customers with efficient delivery of products and services that help increase productivity, enhance crop yields, and provide reliable product performance.
RTASCo Oklahoma City www.tepcoproducts.com RTASCo uses patented technologies that offer economical solutions to remediate and clean-up a wide-variety of fuel spills, oil spills, and other organic hydrocarbon spills from hard surfaces, soils, and water.
Johnson Agronomics, Inc. Weatherford www.johnsonargonomicsinc.com Johnson Agronomics’ goal is to help farmers produce economical and environmentally sound crops. Johnson Agronomics engages in soil analysis, irrigation scheduling, study of insects, entomology study, and plant pathology.
Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation Ardmore www.noble.org The Noble Foundation is an independent, nonprofit institute conducting plant science research and agricultural programs to enhance agricultural productivity. Founded in 1945 by Lloyd Noble, the Noble Foundation’s early efforts focused on educating and encouraging area farmers and ranchers to practice land stewardship and resource conservation.
Nu Era Farms Stillwater www.nuerafarms.com Established in 1982, Nu-Era Farms Research facility functions as a contract facility for industrial organizations that are testing parasiticides for use on domestic livestock and companion animals and their housing facilities. Oklahoma Crop Improvement Association Stillwater www.okcrop.com OCIA is designated by Oklahoma State University as the seed certifying agency for the State of Oklahoma in accordance with the Oklahoma Seed Laws. Oklahoma Genetics, Inc. Stillwater www.okgenetics.com Oklahoma Genetics, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c) (5) corporation that assembles in an organized manner as a group of interested and capable seed enterprises to promote stewardship and publicize and market the use of improved genetics, traits, and benefits of quality Pedigreed seed and vegetatively propagated materials. Orbitek, Inc Tulsa www.orbitekinc.com Orbitek offers multiple feedstock flexibility. Orbitek’s Three- Phase Biodiesel Production Solution is capable of taking even the most degraded feedstock and converting it into ASTM quality biodiesel fuel.
Fort Environmental Laboratories, Inc. Stillwater www.fortlabs.com Fort Environmental Laboratories is an environmental toxicology laboratory and consulting firm specializing in study of amphibians, reptiles, and fish.
Poole Chemical Altus www.poolechemical.com Poole Chemical Company was established to sell various liquid and dry fertilizer products, and will help you choose and use the right combination of agricultural products to improve yeilds and profit quickly.
Grazinglands Research Laboratory El Reno www.ars.usda.gov The mission of the Grazinglands Research Laboratory is to develop and deliver improved technologies, management strategies, and strategic and tactical planning tools.
QuanTEM Laboratories, LLC Oklahoma City www.quantem.com QuanTem is a nationally accredited environmental laboratory specializing in the analyses of asbestos, bacteria, lead and mold.
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Set Environmental Noble www.setenv.com Setenv is an evironmental services company that provides environmentally friendly spill clean up. Setenv serves a variety of industries including chemical, pharmaceutical, disposal factories, and universities. Surbec Environmental, LLC Norman www.surbec.com Surbec Environmental, L.L.C. is a company of engineers and scientists developing and designing Surfactant for Groundwater Remediation. Tallgrass Environmental Solutions Luther www.tallgrasssolutions.com Tallgrass Solutions provides services in the following areas: erosion control, custom seeding and hydromulching, wetlands and riparian plantings, and vegetarian management. VF Canna, LLC Stillwater www.vfcanna.com VF Canna is hoping to revitalize the canna lily industry by offering guaranteed virus-free canna lilies on the market. The canna lily virus has infected nearly all of the canna lily crops in many countries including the U.S., but VF Canna is using the latest scientific advancements to ensure that our canna are virus-free.
Bio Informatics Avansic Tulsa www.avansic.com Avansic offers a wide range of digital forensics services for corporate and litigation purposes. Verinovum LLC Tulsa Verinovum is a health information technology provider focused on reimagining clinical and social data interoperability.
Vieux & Associates, Inc. Norman www.vieuxinc.com Vieux, Inc. is an engineering technology firm specializing in water information software, products and services.
Bioenergy & Related Best Energy Solutions, LLC Tulsa www.best-ok.com Best Energy Solutions, LLC was established to develop methods for the production and utilization of algae. High Plains Bioenergy Guymon www.highplainsbioenergy.com High Plains Bioenergy’s first endeavor is a 30 million-gallon-per-year biodiesel plant that uses animal fats, including pork fat from the Seaboard Foods’ Guymon processing plant, and vegetable oils as the feedstock for biodiesel. Ko-Ko Best, Inc. Tulsa www.kbi-ok.com KoKo-Best, Inc. was established to capitalize on a proven technology to produce ethanol and protein from cereal grains. Oklahoma Bioenergy Center Oklahoma City www.okbioenergycenter.org The Oklahoma Bioenergy Center is a collaboration among the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation to cultivate the growth of Oklahoma’s renewable energy industry. Sol Tactics Norman www.soltactics.com Reshaping the face of energy conservation, Soltactics was founded to provide solutions for industry on energy costs with the greatest energy savings for the customer. Syntroleum Corporation Tulsa www.syntroleum.com Syntroleum Corporation’s synthetic fuel technologies make it a recognized force in the renewable fuels, biomass-to-liquids (BTL), gas-to-liquids (GTL), and coal-to-liquids (CTL) industries. Totally Green, Inc. Tulsa www.totallygreen.com Totally Green seeks to be a catalyst for change in the food and beverage industry by providing compostable packaging alternatives and organic food processing systems along with green education and advocacy.
Biotech, Pharmaceutical & Related
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Accele BioPharma Oklahoma City www.accelebio.com Accele BioPharma is an incubator for early stage life science technologies that have the potential to dramatically improve human healthcare, have strong commercial promise and have the potential for generating early proof of concept data.
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Accele Venture Partners Oklahoma City www.accelebio.com Accele Venture Partners is a venture group established as a funding mechanism for spinouts from Accele Biopharma, Inc.
Advance Research Chemicals Catoosa www.fluoridearc.com Advance Research Chemicals, Inc. offers basic and advanced chemical applications and services in a wide array of industries including military defense, semiconductors, battery materials, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, automotive components, textiles, agricultural solutions, surfactants and industrial cleaners. Analytical Edge Laboratories Oklahoma City www.theedgelabs.com Analytical testing laboratory that provides innovative methodologies for greater flexibility and higher throughput for data collection needs. Anastasia Marie Laboratories, Inc. Oklahoma City www.amlabs.com Anastasia Marie Labs, Inc. specializes in overthe-counter diabetic skin treatment products. Arthrokinex Oklahoma City www.arthrokinex.com Arthrokinex is a comprehensive joint health program that can reduce or eliminate joint pain from osteoarthritis through the healing powers of the patient’s own blood without complications. Astellas Pharma Technologies, Inc. Norman www.astellas.com Astellas is an international pharmaceutical company intensely focused on five key therapeutic areas: cardiology, dermatology, immunology, infectious disease, and urology. AstraZeneca www.astrazeneca.com AstraZeneca is a global innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of prescription medicines that make a meaningful difference in healthcare. Biolytx Pharmaceuticals Corporation Oklahoma City www.biolytxcorp.com Biolytx Pharmaceuticals develops a novel antibiotic peptide for use in treatment of serious hospital-acquired infections, including those resistant to current antibiotics. Caisson Biotech Oklahoma City www.caissonbiotech.com Cassion Biotech has developed a bio-superior drug delivery system, HEPylation ® System, which uses a patented composition designed to improve the performance of many powerful drug compounds in terms of safety, tolerability, efficacy, and quality. Charlesson, LLC Oklahoma City www.charlessonllc.com Charlesson is an ocular pharmaceutical company that is developing therapeutics for various eye diseases, including wet and dry Agerelated Macular Degeneration (AMD), Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), and Uveitis.
Choncept, LLC Oklahoma City www.choncept.com Choncept’s scientific innovation is focused on development of new technology to produce chondroitin from fermentation of recombinant bacteria to replace the current chondroitin source of beef and other animal by-products. Coare Biotechnology Oklahoma City www.coarebiotechnology.com COARE Biotechnology is a research driven pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing novel therapeutic agents designed to treat solid tumor cancers. Cosmetic Specialty Labs, Inc. Lawton www.aloe-vera.com Cosmetic Specialty Labs is skilled in developing high end, prestige skin care products, as well as custom formulated over the counter drugs.
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Cytovance Biologics, LLC Oklahoma City www.cytovance.com Cytovance® Biologics adds value to biopharmaceutical development programs assisting companies to advance recombinant protein, antibody and cell-based therapeutic products rapidly and cost-effectively from the laboratory bench, through clinical development and to commercial launch.
DermaMedics Oklahoma City www.dermamedics.com DermaMedics is a skin care company that specializies in the discovery of technologies for the dermatology market. DormaTarg, Inc. Oklahoma City www.dormatarg.com DormaTarg, Inc is a biotechnology company researching and developing therapeutic drugs for cancer recurrence prevention. Ecolab, Inc. Oklahoma City www.ecolab.com Ecolab Inc. (Ecolab) develops and markets products and services for the hospitality, foodservice, healthcare and industrial markets. EpimedX Oklahoma City www.epimedx.com EpimedX, LLC is a biotechnology company that was founded in 2011 with the mission to develop Gene Regulation Therapy© – a promising technology that is expected to provide a safe, cost-effective, and permanent treatment for sickle cell disease, beta-thalassemia, and malaria without dangerous or harmful side effects. ggcompanies, Inc. Oklahoma City www.ggcompanies.com GG Companies develops a powerful arthritis rub, a topical herbal gel used to soothe painful areas.
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Biotech, Pharmaceutical & Related contunued
Heparinex, LLC Oklahoma City www.heparinex.com Heparinex is a biotechnology company focused on the development of novel recombinant synthesis of heparinoid compounds for various markets including anticoagulation, biomaterials, and cellular modulation applications. Hyalose, LLC Oklahoma City www.hyalose.com Hyalose specializes in Hyaluronic Acid production and application. The Emergent Technologies Inc. “Sugar Companies” offer innovative technologies for producing Hyaluronic Acid, heparosan, and chondroitin in a reproducible and safe manner for a variety of medical and aesthetic uses. Hyalose was formed to commercialize unique recombinant technologies for producing Hyaluronic Acid. Integrated Physician Solutions Research Company Oklahoma City www.ipsresearch.com IPS Research Company provides phase 1-4 inpatient and outpatient clinical trials. IPS Research specializes in clinical drug trials dealing with psychiatric disorders, including Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Depression, ADHD, GAD, PTSD, Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Child Depression and a variety of Anxiety Disorders.
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Jortan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Oklahoma City www.accelebio.com/portfolio/jortan/ Jortan Pharmaceuticals Inc. (JORTAN) was founded around aspartic protease inhibitors as potential diabetes therapeutics based on technology from the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF).
Kemmx Corporation Sapulpa www.kemmx.com Kemmx Corporation is a start-up, biotechnology company pioneering the development and commercialization of targeted analgesics for chronic pain. Their topical analgesic formulations provide long lasting pain relief with minimal side effects. Kupiec Group Oklahoma City www.arlok.com Kupiec Group is a consortium of scientific professionals specializing in pharmaceutical, genetic and forensic fields that provide knowledge-based expert services to the legal and risk management communities. Leviathan Applied Sciences Edmond Leviathan proposes a next-generation tool that will make it possible to distinguish and examine heterogeneous states among suspension cells in situ, with the potential for a significant increase in sensitivity, selectivity, resolution, and scalability over current technology.
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Lupus Family Registry and Repository Oklahoma City www.lupus.omrf.org The Lupus Multiplex Registry and Repository is finding the genes that cause lupus. It works with families with one or more living lupus patients from across the US, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, utilizing the genetic link between blood relatives to locate responsible genes. Mills Biopharmaceuticals, Inc Oklahoma City A subsidiary of Core Oncology, Mills Biopharmaceuticals, LLC (Mills) manufactures ProstaSeed® Iodine 125 brachytherapy seeds for the treatment of prostate cancer. Mills’ stateof-the-art 25,000 square foot manufacturing facility features highly automated machines and advanced manufacturing systems.
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Moleculera Labs Oklahoma City www.moleculera.com Moleculera Labs provides personalized clinical testing services for individuals suspected of suffering from PANDAS/PANS, which are treatable neurologic conditions that may be associated with motor tics, obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD) and sometimes Autism Spectrum Disorders.
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Otologic Pharmaceutics, Inc. Oklahoma City www.otologicpharmaceutics.com Otologic Pharmaceutics, Inc. is an organization formed specifically to commercialize promising technologies that address novel pharmacological solutions for hearing and balance health.
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Pamlico Biopharma Oklahoma City Pamlico Biopharma has developed personalized, targeted human antibody therapeutics against severe pneumonia that were created using patent-pending methodology from the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.
Plymouth Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Tulsa www.plymouthpharmaceuticals.com Plymouth Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a leading research and development company exploring safe, effective, oral therapies for inflammatory skin disorders. Plymouth offers Rx and OTC products for psoriasis, eczema, acne and seborrhea dermatitis. PreDent, LLC Oklahoma City PreDENT has developed a vaccine to help prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease in pets that produces significant pain and possibly even fatal damage to an animal’s organs. > member Pure MHC Oklahoma City www.pureproteinllc.com Pure MHC focuses on HLA related immunology tools for vaccine development and immunotherapy validation.
Respiron Stillwater Respiron is developing an antiviral drug, RN-1, to treat any existing and emerging strains of influenza virus. It can potentially cure flu symptoms in nearly 300 million people worldwide regardless of virus mutation. Selexys Pharmaceuticals Corporation Oklahoma City www.selexys.com Selexys is a development stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of inflammatory and thrombotic diseases. The company has developed antibodies that block recruitment of white blood cells to activated endothelium and platelets. Sensulin, LLC Oklahoma CIty www.sensulin.com Sensuli, LLC is developing a true once-a-day glucose-responsive insulin that may mimic a healthy human pancreas. Sensulin™ may eliminate the need for basal & prandial insulin, offer a substantial improvement in the standard of care, and most importantly, give those with diabetes a chance at a normal life.
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Synereca Pharmaceuticals Oklahoma City www.synereca.com Synereca Pharmaceuticals addresses the growing problem of bacterial resistance to current antibiotics by developing orally active drugs that restore or increase the effectiveness of existing antibiotics.
Tetherex Oklahoma City Tetherex is developing a treatment for inflammatory and thrombotic diseases such as Crohn’s disease. Preclinical studies have shown a positive impact in remission of the disease with evidence of potentially reversing the disease process. UltraBotanica Edmond www.ultrabotanica.com UltraBotanica has developed a patented method to bind curcumin to whey protein, effectively increasing the bioavailability by 15,000x. Wavetech, LLC Stillwater www.wavetechllc.,com Wavetech, LLC is privately held specializing in research and development in emerging technology markets. Their emphasis is on electromagnetic technologies, including terahertz, artificial materials, and nondestructive evaluation.
Diagnostic & Related Accurate Environmental Oklahoma City www.accuratelabs.com Accurate Labs and Training Center provides analytical support for projects involving wastewater, drinking water, ground water, soil, sediment and sludge.
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Allergy Laboratories, Inc. Oklahoma City www.allergylabs.com Allergy Laboratories, Inc. is an FDA licensed pharmaceutical manufacturer of over 500 different biological extracts for the diagnostic testing and therapeutic treatment of allergy.
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Analytical Research Laboratories, Inc. Oklahoma City www.arlok.com ARL offers a full range of professional laboratory services including; potency, sterility, endotoxin, compendial testing, as well as consulting services, research and development and forensic legal support.
Diagnostic Lab of Oklahoma Tulsa www.dlolab.com Diagnostic Lab of Oklahoma (DLO) mission is to be Oklahoma’s undisputed leader in diagnostic testing, information and services.
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DNA Solutions, Inc. Oklahoma City www.dnasolutionsusa.com DNA Solutions, Inc. provides highly discerning service products including paternity and forensic testing in humans and sire confirmation, genotype registry, DNA banking and forensic identification in animals.
Emerson Resources, Inc. www.emersonresources.com Emerson Resources provides pre-formulation through phase III and small commercial production. They have been producing phase I and II clinical supplies since 2005 and will be adding phase III and small volume and orphan drug commercial manufacturing in 2013. Enerlabs Oklahoma City www.enerlabsinc.com Enerlabs is an oil and gas company specializing in diagnostics for the oil and gas industry. Enerlabs recently purchased its first strategic laboratory, Zalco Laboratories. Glomics, Inc. Norman www.glomics.com Glomics, Inc. targets global genomics technologies, develops microarray-based technologies and provides their associated services to customers working in a variety of fields involved in microbial functional genomics, community genomics, microbial ecology, environmental microbiology, and geobiochemistry. Haus Bioceuticals, Inc. Oklahoma City www.hausbio.com Haus Bioceuticals is developing safe and effective products, including Metaderm. Metaderm resolves eczema through a vast combination of spagyric essenses formulated specifically to address the immune signaling disregulation associated with atopic dermatitis and eczema.
Helix BioScience Tulsa www.helixbioscience.com Helix Bioscience is a healthcare firm focusing on innovative genetic diagnostics to help physicians effectively and accurately prescribe medications that promote better health outcomes. Inoveon Corporation Oklahoma City www.inoveon.com Inoveon is a premier medical services company that delivers solutions to detect, stage and monitor diseases affecting the eye - diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Inoveon’s initial target is to help patients and their providers improve diabetic retinopathy care through Inoveon diagnostic service centers that are co-located in high volume diabetes care sites. Intergenetics, Inc. Oklahoma City www.intergenetics.com Intergenetics® is a personalized medicine company focused on molecular genetics to predict the risk of cancer prior to disease occurrence. JKAutoimmunity Oklahoma City www.omrf.ouhsc.edu JKAutoimmunity provides a DNA pooling service. LabCorp/Dianon Systems Oklahoma City www.labcorp.com LabCorp’s mission is to improve American healthcare by providing the highest quality cancer and genomic diagnostic services and personalized health information to physicians, patients, and health plans throughout the country. Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic Oklahoma City www.oklahomaallergy.com Since 1925, the Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic has specialized in the diagnosis and management of allergies, asthma and other allergic disorders in adults and children. Polyskope Labs Oklahoma City www.polyskopelabs.com PolySkope Labs is among the most sophisticated food safety laboratories in the world. They offer the highest quality, speed, and reliability in the industry–right in your backyard. Precision Histology Lab, Inc. Oklahoma City www.precisionhistologylab.com Precision Histology Lab, Inc. takes pride in more than 75 years of combined professional experience in the field of histology. Progentec Diagnostics Oklahoma City www.progentec.com Progentec Diagnostics, Inc., (“Progentec”) aims to explore and commercialize state of the art diagnostic solutions in therapeutic areas with a high level of unmet need. The company’s current project is an advanced state-of-the-art lupus flare diagnostic, which has potential to fundamentally change the current treatment paradigm for lupus.
Tulsa Medical Laboratory, LLC Tulsa www.tulsamedicallab.com TML performs a variety of diagnostic services, including tissue, cytology, bone marrow examinations, clinical consultations, blood bank services, peripheral blood and other body fluid smear consultations, and frozen section evaluation.
Foundations, Funders & Service Providers Accele Venture Partners Oklahoma City www.accelebio.com Accele Venture Partners is a venture group established as a funding mechanism for spinouts from Accele Biopharma, Inc. Accelerate, LLC Kansas www.vickeadams.com Accelerate, LLC is an Oklahoma-based business providing consulting services to entrepreneurs and small businesses. Consulting services include technical writing, business plan development and proposal writing. Acorn Growth Companies Oklahoma City www.acorngrowthcompanies.com Acorn Growth Companies is a private equity firm focused exclusively on aerospace and defense opportunities. Advancia Corporation Oklahoma City www.advancia.com Advancia’s professionals use cutting-edge technology to help clients maximize their longterm business viability and competitive advantage by using analytical tools to present the facts and options to our clients in clear and concise terms. American Biomedical Group Oklahoma City www.americanbiomedicalgroup.com American Biomedical Group is a strategic partner that engineers business, information and technology solutions for organizations, all with the ultimate financial outcomes in view. AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporporation Tulsa www.amerisourcebergen.com AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation delivers medicines purchased directly from the manufacturer to thousands of retail and institutional pharmacy customers on a just-in-time basis. Applied Technology Specialists, Inc. Bixby www.cleanair-tech.net ATSI is an Engineering firm that can design and supply specialized pollution control equipment and technology. Ardmore Development Authority Ardmore www.ardmoredevelopment.com The ADA owns four industrial parks totaling 3,500 acres and more than 40 buildings under lease encompassing more than one million square feet. The ADA has a 40 acre technology park under construction and operates a technology incubator. BIO Edition 2016 i&E
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Foundations, Funders, and Service Providers continued Arvest Bank Oklahoma City www.arvest.com Arvest Bank is a regional bank that operates in a unique, customer-focused way. Arvest delivers the convenience and technological advantages of a large super-regional bank, but with the local commitment and decision-making of a local community bank. Bank of Oklahoma Oklahoma City www.bankofoklahoma.com Bank of Oklahoma is a top 25 US-based bank with operations that include commercial and consumer banking, investment and trust services, mortgage origination and servicing, and an electronic transfer network. Bartlesville Development Corporation Bartlesville www.bdcok.com The BDC facilitates the recruitment, retention and expansion of primary industry jobs, and new destination retail businesses. BioSource Consulting Group Oklahoma City www.biosourceconsulting.com BioSource Consulting Group is a strategic consulting firm that assists entrepreneurs and growing organizations in all facets of translating ideas to commercial products, including start-up strategy. BioSpec Products Bartlesville www.biospec.com BioSpec has been providing innovative scientific equipment for more than 30 years.
Cimarron Capital Partners Oklahoma City www.cimarroncapital.com Cimarron provides discretionary and nondiscretionary venture capital and private equity asset management services. City of Ponca City Ponca City www.goponca.com Whether it is the world’s premiere sensor test and evaluation center or Sustainable Alternative Green Energy, agriculture, or a combination of all, Ponca City offers a strategically located, non-urban environment which capitalizes on the best of North American innovation and connectivity. Claremore Development Authority Claremore www.claremoredevelopment.com CIEDA’s mission is to carry out economic activities, community development, and to bring jobs and prosperity to the Claremore area by marketing nationally and regionally to attract new businesses.
Century Venture Partners Oklahoma City www.centuryvp.com Century Venture Partners is a unique early-stage technology commercialization fund.
Cole & Reed, P. C. Oklahoma City www.coleandreed.com Cole & Reed provides audit and assurance, tax planning and compliance, consulting, and accounting services to businesses of all sizes throughout Oklahoma and beyond, and has a reputation for providing quality, responsive service.
Chesapeake Energy Corporation Oklahoma City www.chk.com Chesapeake is a Top 15 producer of oil and natural gas liquids and the most active driller of new wells in the U.S.
Consolidated Networks Oklahoma City www.consolidatednetworks.com Consolidated Networks Corporation provides endto-end network engineering and IT services to its government, education and corporate clients.
Chesapeake NG Ventures Oklahoma City www.chk.com Chesapeake NG Ventures has invested over $300 million into the bioenergy industry, and has bolstered Chesapeake’s image in the Americas’ transitioning energy and transportation sectors.
Crisalis, LLC Oklahoma City www.crisalisllc.com CRISALIS has developed specialized research database applications for research institutions, government agencies, and nonprofits.
Chickasaw Nation Ada www.chickasaw.net Since the 1980s,Chickasaw Nation tribal government has focused most of its efforts on building an economically diverse base to generate funds that will support programs and services to Indian people. Children’s Hospital Foundation Oklahoma City www.childrenshospitalfoundation.net Children’s Hospital Foundation is the only non-profit organization in Oklahoma whose sole focus is the advancement of pediatric research and education while supporting specialized clinical care for Oklahoma’s children. 40
> member Chubb Group Of Insurance Companies Oklahoma City www.chubb.com Chubb Corporation is the twelfth largest property and casualty insurer in the United States, with over 120 offices located in 26 countries, and offers commercial, specialty, surety and personal insurance services. According to Fortune magazine, Chubb is the 202nd largest U.S.-based corporation.
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Crowe & Dunlevy Oklahoma City www.crowedunlevy.com Crowe & Dunlevy has been advising clients for over 100 years. Their depth of experience allows them to assemble dynamic legal teams to provide advice that is both focused and valuable to their client range from individuals to Fortune 100 companies. Devon Energy Oklahoma City www.dvn.com Devon Energy Corporation is a leading independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company.
Drik, LLC Edmond www.atdrik.com Drik LLC helps clients to conduct quality preclinical toxicology studies utilizing a cost efficient approach. They help companies with all their outsourced toxicology needs. > member Dunlap Codding, P.C. Oklahoma City www.dunlapcodding.com Dunlap Codding, P.C. offers revolutionary partnering counsel helping global and domestic biotechnology clients create strategic, optimally profitable intellectual property portfolios. Edmond Economic Development Authority Edmond www.eeda.com The Edmond Economic Development Authority site is designed to provide assistance for those looking to establish, expand or relocate their business to Edmond, Oklahoma. Emergent Technologies, Inc. Oklahoma City www.etibio.com Emergent Technologies reduces the costs and risks associated with the commercialization of early stage technology by identifying the right industry/corporate partners and producing welltimed strategic partnering arrangements. Enid Regional Development Alliance Enid www.growenid.com The Enid Regional Development Alliance seeks to grow local businesses and companies in Enid by making resources available. Failsafe Hazmat Compliance Tulsa www.failsafehazmat.com Failsafe has developed hazmat software to help companies that ship hazardous materials (dangerous goods) with all US domestic and international shipping regulations. Freedom Pharmaceuticals Tulsa www.freedomrxinc.com As a boutique supplier of fine compounding chemicals, excipients, bases and capsules, Freedom prides itself on high quality products and first-class customer service. Galaxy Chemicals, LLC Claremore www.galaxychemfluoride.com Galaxy Chemicals has expertise in AHF, aqueous HF and elemental fluorine chemistry. They can produce fluorinated products from small to large scale with flexible packaging available. Geo-Microbial Technologies, Inc. Ochelata www.gmtgeochem.com GMT has more than 25 years of experience conducting successful surface geochemical exploration surveys all over the world in geologically and environmentally diverse settings, ranging from the arctic to the tropics, from desserts to jungles to grasslands.
> member Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Oklahoma City www.okcchamber.com The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber promotes the Oklahoma Bioscience Industry by supporting recruitment partnerships and achieving national recognition.
McAfee & Taft Oklahoma City www.mcafeetaft.com For nearly 60 years, clients have counted on McAfee & Taft’s multi-disciplinary approach to problem-solving, along with the depth and talent of its dedicated attorneys and support staff, to create comprehensive, customized legal solutions.
GreenTeam, Inc. Tulsa www.thegreenteaminc.com The GreenTeam, Inc. provides strategic environmental consultin helping clients address sustainable design and environmental issues. Services include life cycle assessment (LCA) for environmental product declarations, carbon accounting, environmental management systems, and standards guidance.
McKesson Corporation Oklahoma City www.mckesson.com McKesson is dedicated to delivering the vital medicines, medical supplies and information technologies that enable the health care industry to provide patients better, safer care.
Hall Estill, Attorneys at Law Oklahoma City www.HallEstill.com Hall Estill is an Oklahoma based full service law firm which has created a practice that taps the knowledge of skilled attorneys while focusing on clients’ needs. Hillcrest Clinical Research Oklahoma City www.clinicalconnection.com The staff at Hillcrest Clinical Research is knowledgeable and experienced and is capable of providing fast study start-up and effective FDA and IRB submission and coordination. > member i2E, Inc. Oklahoma City and Tulsa www.i2E.org i2E, Inc. is a nationally recognized private not-for-profit corporation focused on growing innovative small businesses in Oklahoma. They work directly with entrepreneurs, researchers and companies to help them commercialize their technologies, launch and grow new businesses and access needed capital.
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INSURICA Insurance Management Network Oklahoma City www.insurica.com INSURICA is made up of independent insurance agencies that specialize in core industries and business disciplines. From construction to hospitality, transportation to education and beyond, their industry-specific knowledge and in-depth experience gives us valuable insight into your unique needs.
Intergris Baptist Medical Center Oklahoma City www.integrisok.com INTEGRIS Health is one of the states largest health systems with hospitals, rehabilitation centers, physician clinics, mental health facilities, independent living centers and home health agencies. Kalchem International, Inc. Lindsay www.kalcheminternational.com Kalchem International Imports a wide range of products from different locations around the world and can source anything from chemicals and capsules to equipment as well as provide you with all your pharmaceutical compounding needs.
MedEncentive Oklahoma City www.medencentive.com Through innovative incentives, MedEncentive helps employers, health insurers and governments of all types contain health care costs while engaging physicians and patients in ways that fundamentally change their behaviors. MedIntelligence, LLC Oklahoma City www.medintelligence.net MedIntelligence delivers quality work through internal team collaboration and their long-standing partnerships with leading universities, academicians, CME providers, medical associations, and other healthcare experts committed to the same mission of ensuring scientific integrity and balance. Norman Economic Development Coalition Norman www.nedcok.com The Norman Economic Development Coalition is dedicated to expanding the economic base of the Norman community, enhancing the earning opportunities of area residents by retaining and expanding existing businesses and industries, as well as attracting desirable new employers.
Nova Venture Services Oklahoma City www.novaventureservices.com Nova Venture Services is a consultation and management firm for biotech startup companies. OGE Energy Corp Oklahoma City www.oge.com OGE Energy Corp. is the parent company of OG&E Electric Services, a regulated electric utility serving approximately 750,000 customers in a service territory spanning 30,000 square miles across Oklahoma and western Arkansas. Oklahoma Association of Health Care Providers Oklahoma City www. oahcp.org The Oklahoma Association of Health Care Providers’ mission is driving dramatic improvement to longterm care. Oklahoma Bioscience Association Oklahoma City www.okbio.org The mission of the Oklahoma Bioscience Association is to promote the growth of biosciences in Oklahoma through partnership building, education and outreach, networking, policy development and publicity.
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Oklahoma Blood Institute Oklahoma City www.obi.org OBI is a state-wide not-for-profit blood center providing blood to more than 110 hospitals in 58 Oklahoma counties as well as five counties in north central Texas. OBI’s mission is “to provide the safest and highest quality blood, services and health programs to the patients and communities we serve.
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Oklahoma Business Roundtable Oklahoma City www.okbusinessroundtable.com The Oklahoma Business Roundtable serves as the state’s major economic development support organization.
Oklahoma Capital Investment Board Oklahoma City www.ocib.org Oklahoma Capital Investment Board (OCIB) was created by the state of Oklahoma to help ensure that entrepreneurs have access to the intelligent seed and venture capital they need to launch and grow their companies. Oklahoma Center For Adult Stem Cell Research Oklahoma City www.ocascr.org The mission of the OCASCR is to catalyze researchers’ work in numerous ways, leverage resources obtainable from traditional funding agencies, and help attract additional talent to the state of Oklahoma. Oklahoma Center for Advancement of Science and Technology Oklahoma City www.ocast.state.ok.us OCAST was established in 1987 as the state’s agency for technology-based economic development. Their mandate is to “expand and diversify Oklahoma’s economy and provide new and higher quality jobs for Oklahomans by encouraging the development of new products, new processes and whole new industries in Oklahoma. Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education Stillwater www.okcareertech.org The Oklahoma CareerTech provides leadership and resources to ensure standards of excellence throughout the statewide system. Oklahoma Department of Commerce Oklahoma City www.okcommerce.gov ODC focuses on increasing the quality and quantity of jobs in Oklahoma. Oklahoma Health Care Workforce Center Oklahoma City www.ohcwc.com The Oklahoman Health Care Workforce Center was created by legislation in 2006 to help alleviate the projected health care worker shortages, to help retain health care workers already employed or graduating from OK educational institutions, and to provide information about health careers to Oklahomans of all ages.
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Foundations, Funders, and Service Providers contunued Oklahoma Health Center Foundation Oklahoma City www.oklahomahealthcenter.com The Oklahoma Health Center Foundation promotes and supports the 300-acre Oklahoma Health Center complex that consists of 31 member organizations, including several cutting edge Biotech companies and support organizations. Oklahoma Innovation Institute Tulsa www.oklahomainnovationinstitute.com The Oklahoma Innovation Institute fosters collaborative research and development, entrepreneurship, company creation and retention, life-long learning and creative, futureoriented thinking. Oklahoma Life Science Fund Tulsa www.olsfventures.com Oklahoma Life Science Fund, LLC (OLSF) invests in the most promising very early-stage life science companies that are not yet able to attract venture capital. OLSF investments are made to fund validation of promising research results, develop business plans and, where appropriate, identify and recruit management teams and venture capital syndicates. Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance Tulsa www.okalliance.com Through its network of extension agents and applications engineers, the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance provides hands-on resources for improving productivity, increasing sales and reducing costs. It connects companies to local expertise and state, regional and national resources.
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Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Oklahoma City www.omrf.org Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is a nonprofit biomedical research institute, dedicated to understanding and developing more effective treatments for human disease, focusing on such critical research areas as heart disease, cancer, lupus and Alzheimer’s disease.
Oklahoma Nurses Association Oklahoma city www.oknurses.com ONA is the professional association for all registered nurses in Oklahoma. It is a community of nurses across all specialties and practice settings working to promote the profession of nursing. Oklahoma Osteopathic Association Oklahoma city www.okosteo.org The Oklahoma Osteopathic Association continues to exist to promote the causes, purposes, and goals of the osteopathic profession in Oklahoma.
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Oklahoma Pharmaceutical Association Oklahoma City www.opha.com OPHAs mission is to unite and promote the profession of pharmacy through advocacy, communication, and education. They facilitate pharmacists in the development of innovative pharmacy practices that demonstrate improved health outcomes for patients and reinforce the role of pharmacists as essential members of the healthcare team. Oklahoma Technology and Research Park Stillwater www.oktechpark.com Oklahoma Technology and Research Park is an emerging knowledge center and high-value business destination for knowledge-based companies in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Trust Oklahoma City The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Trust approved a five-year, $30 million grant to the Stephenson Cancer center in November 2011. The new and increased research funding supports efforts at OU, OSU, the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and other Oklahoma institutions which are currrently conducting innovative biomedical research. Oklahoma Venture Forum Oklahoma City www.ovf.org The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is a non-profit corporation organized to encourage economic development in Oklahoma. The OVF works to increase the utilization of Oklahoma’s resources, resulting in the establishment and growth of new and existing business ventures. Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association Oklahoma City www.okvma.org The Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) is a professional trade organization for veterinarians.
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OMEDtech, LLC Oklahoma City www.omedtech.com OMEDtech provides quality system design, regulatory, compliance, clinical and operations consulting services that are focused on helping managers and companies meet the aggressive challenges of bringing new medical device products to market.
Owens & Minor Tulsa www.owens-minor.com A world class supplier of medical surgical supplies, Owens-Minor has locations throughout the United States. Pardalis Software, Inc Stillwater www.pardalis.com Pardalis’ mission is to promote the granular sharing of confidential, trustworthy and traceable information along complex supply chains, and within the emerging data web, by empowering information owners and producers with innovative Common Point AuthoringTM methods.
PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Oklahoma City www.pdrx.com PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a pharmaceutical distributer. PetNet Pharmaceutical, Inc. Broken Arrow www.petnetsolutions.com PETNET Solutions operates the largest PET radiopharmacy network with over 47 radiopharmacies and distribution centers at multiple locations that produce and distribute PET radiopharmaceuticals to hospitals, clinics, and research facilities for PET imaging. Phillips Murrah, P.C. Oklahoma City www.phillipsmurrah.com Phillips Murrah is a full service law firm with an Intellectual Property department that handles clients around the country. Many clients find their legal costs half of what they would pay for the same services with law firms on the east or west coast. Physicians Total Care, Inc. Tulsa www.physicianstotalcare.com PTC has developed the PTC9000 software that allows physicians to dispense prescribed medications directly to patients while in the office. Ponca City Development Authority Ponca City www.goponca.com The Ponca City Development Authority helps to steer North Central Oklahoma’s dynamic economy through the support of local businesses, education and community, while fostering a climate of innovation and economic growth in one of North America’s most attractive hometowns.
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Presbyterian Health Foundation Oklahoma City www.phfokc.com Presbyterian Health Foundation supports medical research by recruiting high-quality research scientists at the Oklahoma Health Center and supporting bioscience tech transfer.
Price Edwards & Company Oklahoma City www.priceedwards.com Price Edwards & Company is proud to be among the leaders in Oklahoma commercial real estate. Price Edwards & Company is a full service firm headquartered in Oklahoma City. Formed in 1988, Price Edwards & Company employs approximately 150 professionals in Oklahoma City, Okla. providing commercial real estate services. Productive Technologies, LLC Oklahoma City www.productiveT.com ProductiveT has a complement of 75 experienced specialists in innovation management, asset management, and web and software solutions.
Rural Enterprises, Inc. Ada www.ruralenterprises.com Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc. is a statewide non-profit organization with a mission to promote economic growth through the utilization of financial and business services.
The Kerr Center Poteau www.kerrcenter.com The Kerr Center is focused on finding sustainable solutions to the economic, social and environmental challenges facing Oklahoma’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities.
Access Optics Broken Arrow www.accessoptics.com Access Optics brings together inventive manufacturing engineering, process development, leading-edge optical fabrication and advanced coating technology to deliver exceptional products.
Saic, Inc. Midwest City www.saic.com A fortune 500 company with over 41,000 employees worldwide, Saic provides best value services and solutions based on innovative applications of science and technology.
The State Chamber of Oklahoma Oklahoma City www.okstatechamber.com The State Chamber of Oklahoma is establishing Oklahoma as a global leader in the technical, industrial and economic arenas.
Adroit Surgical, LLC Nichols Hills Adroit Surgical LLC is a medical device company that has developed a patented method for securing the airway in emergency situations.
Saint Francis Hospital Tulsa www.saintfrancis.com Saint Francis Health System is an integrated, medically-based health system with an emphasis on a complete continuum of care. From services for the tiniest premature newborns, to end-of-life care options, to all medical needs in between, the physicians and staff of Saint Francis treat each patient with dignity and integrity. Sigma Blood Systems, LLC Oklahoma City www.sigmablood.com Sigma Blood System’s goal is to be the leader in delivering operational efficiencies for blood centers in the collection, manufacturing, quality control and distribution processes. SMC Technologies Midwest City www.smc-technologies.com SMC Technologies, Inc. is available to provide products, consultation, services and research programs to meet water, energy, environmental, and specialty chemical needs. Southwest Nanotechnologies, Inc. Norman www.swentnano.com SWeNT is a privately held independent specialty chemical firm, manufacturing single wall carbon nanotubes for a broad array of specialty products. Southwestern Biomedical Electronics Tulsa www.swbiomed.com Southwestern Biomedical Electronics was established in 1976 as an authorized sales and service representative to distribute Spacelabs products to area hospitals in Oklahoma. Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Stillwater www.stillwaterchamber.org As a catalyst for prosperity, the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce will provide the leadership necessary to create an environment that rewards business investment in the Stillwater community. Strategic Solutions International. LLC Stillwater www.strategicsolutions.us SSI’s strategic mission is to apply sound research principles and visionary innovation to develop novel, robust, rugged solutions to significant, unsolved problems.
Tulsa Regional Chamber Tulsa www.tulsachamber.com The Tulsa Regional Chamber is the principal business-driven leadership organization improving the quality of community life through the development of regional economic prosperity. University Hospital Authority Oklahoma City www.uhatok.com The Authority and Trust provides support for important educational enhancements, for key research and health care advancements and for critical capital improvement projects on campus, including the new OU Physicians Building and phase two of the Stanton L. Young Biomedical Research Center. USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service Stillwater www.aphis.usda.gov The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is a multi-faceted agency with a broad mission area that includes protecting and promoting U.S. agricultural health, regulating genetically engineered organisms, administering the Animal Welfare Act and carrying out wildlife damage management activities. William K. Warren Foundation Tulsa www.williamkwarrenfoundation.org The Warren Foundation provides financial assistance in support of worthy charitable, scientific, Catholic, and health programs dedicated to improving the quality of life. The Warren Foundation primarily limits its grants to non-profit organizations in and around Tulsa, Oklahoma. WILLIS of Oklahoma Oklahoma City www.willis.com Willis is recognized as a leading global insurance broker, handling risk management and reinsurance across a wide range of service areas and industries. Willis is grounded in an entrepreneurial approach to the risk management business, with an unequaled commitment to the delivery of customized solutions.
Medical Devices 3DIcon Corporation Tulsa www.3dicon.net 3DIcon Corporation is a developer of groundbreaking 3D projection and display technologies that are being designed to produce full color, 360° volumetric images.
All American Mold Laboratories, Inc. Oklahoma City www.allamericanmold.com All American Mold provides quality service, craftsmanship, products and materials and is one of the nation’s leading full service ear mold laboratories. Amethyst Research, Inc. Ardmore www.amethystresearch.com Amethyst Research delivers the enabling process technologies to equip its manufacturing partners to build better, cheaper, higher performance infrared focal plane arrays. Artison Corporation Inola www.artisonweb.com Artison is a medical device and biotechnology company utilizing ultrasoundenergy (nonimaging) for the fields of medicine and biotechnology. Artison designs, develops, and manufactures medical devices and biotechnology platforms that utilize ultrasound energy. Bijhem Scientific, Inc. Norman www.bijhem.com Bijhem Scientific, Inc. is an innovation centered product development corporation with a primary focus in nanomaterial based applications. CareFusion Mannford www.carefusion.com CareFusion has built a foundation of medical products and software analytics to help improve patient safety and reduce the cost of health care for generations to come. Clear Tone Hearing Aid Laboratories, Inc. Tulsa www.cleartonehearingaids.com Clear Tone has brought together the professional expertise of licensed hearing aid specialists, electronic engineers and electro-acoustic engineers in our own custom manufacturing lab and testing facility. Cognitive Systems, Inc. Oklahoma City www.cog-systems.com The Cognitive Systems Teletherapy System is an innovative Internet Enabled technology that provides a clinical approach to regeneration or “rewiring” of the neurological connectivity in the brain. Compression Solutions Tulsa www.compressionsolutions.us Compression Solutions is on the forefront of preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) where patients are most vulnerable — at home after surgery. BIO Edition 2016 i&E
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Medical Devices contunued Contact Process Piping Oklahoma City www.contactprocesspiping.publishpath.com Process Piping specializes in Welding of Stainless Steel Tube and Pipe Systems in Sanitary (Hygienic) Applications for the construction of food processing, beverage, pharmaceutical and dairy plants where sanitary conditions are of the highest importance. Criticare, Inc. Oklahoma City www.neochild.com Criticare offers a unique availability of custom products backed with extensive in-service capabilities to I.V. infusion teams, neonatal, pediatric, anesthesia and pharmacy departments. DA/PRO Rubber, Inc. Broken Arrow www.daprorubber.com DA/PRO Rubber is a manufacturer of custom medical device components ranging from components for blood analysis machines to surgical instruments. EKIPS Technologies, Inc. Norman www.ekipstech.com EKIPS develops and sells tunable mid-infrared lasers and laser systems for molecular spectroscopy applications. Exakt Technologies, Inc. Oklahoma City www.exaktusa.com EXAKT Technologies, Inc. has been providing precision laboratory equipment to research facilities for over 11 years. Get People Moving, LLC Edmond www.getpeoplemoving.com Get People Moving, LLC (GPM) is a start-up company engaged in commercializing personal mobility products in global healthcare markets. Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics, Inc. Oklahoma City www.hanger.com Hanger is the largest provider of prosthetics, orthopedic supports, and braces in the United States. Hassco Oklahoma City Hassco is an Oklahoma City-based medicaldevice startup developing new medical devices for laparoscopic procedures. The company currently holds a provisional utility patent on its flagship device, the Robotic Articulating Laparoscopic System (RAL SYSTEM) which will allow for improved range of motion and faster, more effective surgeries.
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Immuno-Mycologics, Inc. Norman www.immy.com Immuno Mycologics, Inc. is Oklahoma’s oldest biotechnology company, specializing in the manufacture and distribution of fungal diagnostic kits and reagents. IMMY’s products utilize conventional serological technology for antigen and antibody detection, and are produced in a GMP manufacturing facility under the auspices of the FDA.
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Jobri, LLC Konawa www.jobri.com Ergonomic back supports, ergonomic chairs, orthopedic soft goods and sleep products. La Fuente Prosthetics Oklahoma City www.oklahomaprosthetics.com La Fuente’s Maxillofacial and Artificial eye prosthetics are custom fitted using the newest technology available. In 2004, La Fuente Prosthetics began making prosthetic limbs. Landauer, Inc. Stillwater www.landauer.com Landauer Inc supports a stand-alone research center dedicated to aluminum oxide crystal growth production for our optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeters, as well as new crystal development to enhance our current applications.
PrimeSource DME Tulsa www.primesourcedme.com PrimeSource DME is privately held company based in Tulsa, Oklahoma that was founded January 2012 to focus on the rental of durable medical equipment (“DME”) to the hospice industry. Rich-Mar, Inc. Inola www.richmarweb.com Rich-Mar provides a complete product line of ultrasound and stimulation equipment for use by health care professionals. Sanlo Orthopedics, LLC Midwest City www.sanloorthopedicsllc.com SanLo Orthopedics, LLC is a fully accredited orthotics & prosthetics facility by the State of Oklahoma and by The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics.
Lazarus Medical, LLC Tulsa www.lazarusmed.com Lazarus Medical was started by medical professionals to design, develop, and bring to market innovative products that cost-effectively answer unmet clinical needs.
Scott Sabolich Prosthetics and Research Oklahoma City www.scottsabolich.com The mission of Scott Sabolich Prosthetics and Research is to build a lifelong partnership with our patients and their families, providing cutting edge prosthetic care.
Lifetone Technology Oklahoma City www.lifetonesafety.com Lifetone technology develops and markets proprietary, code-compliant products which provide improved alarming and alerting capability in response to emergencies as compared in existing solutions.
SeboTek Hearing Systems Tulsa www.sebotek.com SeboTek Hearing Systems is a fast-growing, privately-held company that revolutionized the hearing instrument industry with it’s patented receiver in the canal (RIC) technology.
Medtrieval, LLC Oklahoma City Medtrieval LLC’s mission is to provide safe, efficient, and reliable automated medication retrieval systems for use in correctional and assisted living facilities where there are high risks for error and drug abuse.
SensiQ Technologies, Inc. Oklahoma City www.sensiqtech.com SensiQ Technologies, Inc. develops and manufactures innovative tools for the advancement of life sciences research, including drug discovery.
Norris Surgical, LLC Tulsa Norris Surgical will provide a low profile periarticular tension band plating system with a soft tissue neutralization cable tunnel/channel. Essentially it acts as a fracture plate implant system for small bones.
Smith & Nephew Dyonics, Inc. Oklahoma City www.smith-nephew.com Smith & Nephew’s three Global Business Units Orthopaedics, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management - have worldwide responsibility for the research and development, manufacturing and marketing of their respective product ranges.
Optima TechLabs, Inc. Edmond www.optimatechlabs.com Optima TechLabs is an early-stage development company founded with a vision of transforming innovative concepts into marketable products. PatientLink Oklahoma City www.mypatientlink.com PatientLink® Enterprises, Inc. has been serving the medical community since 1999 by providing the fastest, most cost-effective way to enter discrete data into Electronic Medical Records. PatientLink® Enterprises, Inc. has been serving the medical community since 1999 by providing the fastest, most cost-effective way to enter discrete data into Electronic Medical Records.
Team Effort Optical Oklahoma City www.teameffortoptical.com Team Effort Optical offers single vision lenses to the latest technology in progressive bifocals, and everything in between. Most of these products are available in Glass, CR-39, Hard Resin, High Index, and Polycarbonate. Transtimulation Research, Inc. Oklahoma City www.transtimulation.com Transtimulations Research Inc. offers a gastric electrical stimulator for reflux disease. VADovations Oklahoma City VADovations, a spin out of INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center, is creating a miniature blood pump the size of a AAA battery, enabling less invasive surgery to implant, shortening hospitalization time from three weeks to three or four days.
Research & Educational Institutions American Cancer Society, Inc. Oklahoma City www.cancer.org American Cancer Society is a large research organization that actively participates in cancer research. American Diabetes Association Oklahoma City www.diabetes.org The American Diabetes Association is committed to educating the public about how to stop diabetes and support those living with the disease. American Drug Utilization Edmond www.adurs.com The mission of ADURS is to provide a forum of leadership and support for the individuals active in drug utilization review to obtain information, develop skills, and receive training to efficiently and effectively perform their duties. American Indian Diabetes Prevention Center Oklahoma City www.ndndiabetes.ouhsc.edu The American Indian Diabetes Prevention Center will reduce the excess mortality and morbidity of diabetes so that quality of life and cultural vitality is made secure. American Institute of Medical Technology Tulsa www.aimt.edu AIMT believes in providing superior professional and technical preparation by offering students modern technology equipment and methods of study. American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics www.aoao.org The American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics facilitates the finest training and continuous development of Osteopathic Orthopedic Surgeons to positively improve the care, healing and quality of life of patients.
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Dean McGee Eye Institute Oklahoma City www.dmei.org The Dean McGee Eye Institute is one of only a small handful of institutions in the Southwest and Midwest which offers a complete spectrum of subspecialty eye care for everything from tumors to macular degeneration as well as a nationally-ranked vision research enterprise.
Helmerich Research Center at Oklahoma State University Tulsa Tulsa www.osu-tulsa.okstate.edu/helmerich/index.php OSU-Tulsa’s Helmerich Research Center provides opportunities for students to receive a world-class engineering education at an affordable price in a state-of-the-art research facility in Tulsa. Hough Ear Institute Oklahoma City www.houghear.org Hough Ear Institute conducts research, provides education and serves humanitarian needs relating to hearing and balance improvement or restoration. Meridian Technology Center Stillwater www.meridiantech.edu From innovative full-time courses to services for business and industry, Meridian Technology’s mission is to provide up to date information on the most current technological and management advances available. Midwest Institute of Research and Technology Edmond www.Ijpc.com The Midwest Institute is a bi-monthly scientific and professional journal emphasizing quality pharmaceutical compounding. Oklahoma City Community College Oklahoma City www.occc.edu/BiologyLab The BSC is an interdisciplinary area designed to accommodate the independent study needs of students in the biological sciences. Oklahoma City University Oklahoma City www.okcu.edu OKCU is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and offers a wide variety of degrees in the liberal arts and sciences disciplines, including biology, biomedical science, and cell & molecular biology. Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education Stillwater www.okcareertech.org Advancing Oklahoma’s bioscience industry by implementing workforce development initiatives such as biomedical academies, biotechnology and nanotechnology training.
Oklahoma Foundation for Digestive Research Oklahoma City www.ofdr.org OFDR’s mission is to advance basic science and Francis Tuttle- Biosciences clinical research in gastrointestinal disease, treat and Medicine Academy Oklahoma City patients with such diseases, participate in the www.francistuttle.edu training of physicians, and to educate the public about gastrointestinal illnesses. The Biosciences and Medicine Academy is designed to prepare high school sophmores > m e mb er and juniors for success in college. Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Oklahoma City Harold Hamm Oklahoma Diabetes Center www.omrf.org Oklahoma City OMRF is a nonprofit biomedical research institute, www.hhodc.ouhsc.edu dedicated to understanding and developing more The Harold Hamm Oklahoma Diabetes Center is a effective treatments for human disease, focusing on program established by the University of Oklahoma such critical research areas as heart disease, cancer, with the goal of promoting the well-being of all lupus and Alzheimer’s disease. people with, or at high risk of, diabetes in Oklahoma,
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Oklahoma City www.okhighered.org The Regents provide information, communication, collaboration and training about grantsmanship for Oklahoma higher education. Partnerships between higher education institutions and community organizations and corporate entities are encouraged and supported.
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Oklahoma State University Stillwater www.okstate.edu OSU is one of the nation’s most comprehensive land-grant systems dedicated to providing students with an education to prepare them for success. OSU students and faculty are working to find solutions through the diverse programs and opportunities in research and technology.
OSU Biobased Products and Energy Center Stillwater www.bioenergycenter.okstate.edu OSU continues to expand research efforts, addressing the critical issues in further establishing renewable energy industries. Areas of emphasis include enhancing productivity of potential feedstocks, improving conversion technologies, and optimizing the value of coproducts and by-products. OSU Center for Engineering in Logistics and Distribution Stillwater http://lfp.okstate.edu/celdiokstate.edu/celdi CELDi helps industry partners excel by leveraging their supply chain to achieve a distinguishable, sustainable difference. OSU Center for Health Sciences Tulsa www.healthsciences.okstate.edu OSU Center for Health Sciences educates osteopathic physicians, research scientists and other health care professionals with emphasis on serving rural and under-served Oklahomans. OSU Henry Bellmon Research Center Stillwater www.hbrc.okstate.edu The HBRC is OSU-Stillwater’s only building dedicated exclusively to research. This state-ofthe-art facility brings together researchers from different departments who collaborate on projects at the cutting-edge of modern research. OSU Institute of Technology Okmulgee www.osuit.edu OSU Institute of Technology is a public, statesupported technical institution committed to increasing the potential and productivity of the people it serves. OSU Microscopy Laboratory Stillwater www.microscopy.okstate.edu Oklahoma State University Microscopy Laboratory is a highly specialized research support and teaching lab that uses some of the most powerful microscopes ever developed to peek into the very molecular structure of all kinds of materials.
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Research and Educational Institutions contunued OSU Office of Research and Technology Transfer Stillwater www.vpr.okstate.edu OSU Office of Research and Technology Transfer provides access to a variety of research and technology services at OSU including intellectual property management, proposal development, university reseach services, collaboration and partnership development. OSU Oklahoma City Oklahoma City www.osuokc.edu OSU-Oklahoma City responds to students’ career aspirations and current business and industry workforce development needs by offering Associate in Science and applied science degree programs, certificate programs and general education programs. OSU Technology Development Center Stillwater http://tdc.okstate.edu The Technology Development Center (TDC) at Oklahoma State University assists faculty and staff members, administrators, and students with intellectual property issues resulting from their scholarly and creative activities. OSU Tulsa Tulsa www.osu-tulsa.okstate.edu OSU Tulsa is a public, nationally recognized comprehensive research university that offers junior, senior and graduate-level classes. OUHSC Center for American Indian Health Research Oklahoma City http://caihr.ouhsc.edu The Center for American Indian Health Research performs research and health-related studies with American Indian groups. OUHSC Center for Biosecurity Research Oklahoma City www.cbr.ouhsc.edu The Center for Biosecurity Research at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is committed to conducting scientific research, assessing and modeling risks, and developing decision support tools that enhance U.S. military force protection and homeland security. OUHSC DNA Sequencing/Genomics Oklahoma City www.genetics.ouhsc.edu The Laboratory for Genomics and Bioinformatics is a core facility offering an array of services aimed at facilitating the research of a variety of different investigators across a multitude of disciplines. OUHSC Lab for Molecular Biology and Cytometry Research Oklahoma City www.microgen.ouhsc.edu The Laboratory for Molecular Biology and Cytometry Research is a state of the art facility offering a variety of services in the areas of DNA sequencing/genomics, mass spectrometry/ proteomics and flow cytometry and imaging.
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OUHSC Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience Oklahoma City www.oumedicine.com/ocns The OUHSC Oklahoma Center of Neuroscience advances the science and understanding of brain-gut interactions by pursuing interdisciplinary synergistic collaborations to take advantage of cutting edge technologies and innovative research approaches to treat gastrointestinal disorders. OUHSC Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging Oklahoma City www.oumedicine.com/roca ROCA researchers excel in the basic sciences of aging and are able to translate their information from the laboratory bench to understanding aging and age-related diseases in humans. OUHSC The Flow and Image Cytometry Laboratory Oklahoma City http://research.ouhsc.edu The Flow and Image Cytometry Laboratory provides the University of Oklahoma research community with state-of-the-art cell analysis and sorting instrumentation, and the technical expertise to best utilize this technology. Redlands Community College El Reno www.redlandscc.edu Redlands Community College provides a learnercentered environment committed to academic excellence strengthened through service and civic engagement. The Redlands offer various associate degree programs in science. Rogers State University Department of Biology Claremore www.rsu.edu/academics/biology The Department of Biology at Rogers State offers a diverse combination of traditional laboratory and empirically based components of biological sciences. Rose State College Health Services Division Midwest City www.rose.edu/health-sciences1 Rose State currently offers eight Allied Health, Nursing and Allied Dental programs facilitating entry into the exciting and rewarding world of health care. Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation Ardmore www.noble.org The Noble Foundation is an independent, nonprofit institute conducting plant science research and agricultural programs to enhance agricultural productivity. Founded in 1945 by Lloyd Noble, the Noble Foundation’s early efforts focused on educating and encouraging area farmers and ranchers to practice land stewardship and resource conservation. The Sickle Cell Cure Foundation Oklahoma City www.sicklecellcurefoundation.org Sickle Cell Disease affects more people in the world than any other genetic disease. Globally, almost one-half million babies die from SCD each year. The SCCF has discovered a treatment that promises permanent relief from the suffering, pain and premature death caused by SCD.
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Tulsa Community College Tulsa www.tulsacc.edu TCC offers three biotechnology degree programs. They also have been awarded NSF and NIH ARRA funds to develop outreach biotechnology academies to regional secondary schools. TCC is amoung the top 50 community colleges in the nation in granting associate degrees in health professions and related clinical sciences.
Tulsa Technology Center Tulsa www.tulsatech.edu Tulsa Tech is a career and technology center school district dedicated to preparing people for success in the workplace. Tulsa Tech helps high school and adult students from accross the Tulsa region explore new careers, upgrade their training and skills, and pursue their dreams. Tulsa Technology Center Biomedical Sciences Program Tulsa www.tulsatech.com Students with interest in exploring the variety of occupations that medicine offers will find Project Lead the Way’s Biomedical Sciences program a fantastic doorway to a future in the industry. University of Central Oklahoma Edmond www.uco.edu The Biomedical Engineering program works to provide students with a fundamental education in health science and biomedical engineering, allowing them to learn and adapt new technologies to solve health related problems in an ever-changing workplace. University of Oklahoma Norman www.ou.edu OU provides the best possible educational experience for their students through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and service to the state and society. OU has diverse and integrated bioscience and technology degree programs, research projects, facilities and nation and international partnerships. University of Oklahoma Advanced Center for Genome Technology Norman www.genome.ou.edu The (ACGT) is a world class Genome Center applying high throughput, state-of-the-art DNA sequencing technology and computer-based automated genome annotation to address important and significant biological, biomedical and agricultual problems at the genome level. University of Oklahoma Bioengineering Center Norman www.oubc.ou.edu OUBC offers a wide range of courses in bioengineering as well as research opportunities in the application of technology to biological systems.
University of Oklahoma Center for Electromagnetic Compatibility Norman www.ou.edu/engineering/emc The University of Oklahoma Center for Electromagnetic Compatibility’s goal is to serve as an independent center dedicated to the investigation of issues related to the electromagnetic compatibility of electronic equipment with wireless devices. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Oklahoma City www.ouhsc.edu OUHSC educates students to become highly qualified health services practitioners, educators, and research scientists; to conduct research and creative activities for the advancement of knowledge through teaching and development of skills; and to provide continuing education, public service, and clinical care of exemplary quality. University of Oklahoma Intellectual Property Management Norman www.otd.ou.edu The University of Oklahoma Intellectual Property Management Office administers the university’s Intellectual Property policy and is responsible for economic development and technologyrelated activities, including private industry and governmental relationships. University of Oklahoma Schusterman Center Tulsa www.ou.edu/content/tulsa The University of Oklahoma Tulsa Schusterman Center is a research and learning campus that offers Bachelor and advance degrees in nursing, medical imaging, physical therapy, public health, pharmacy and other medical and non-medical programs. The Center includes the Oklahoma Diabetes Center and the Oklahoma Bioethics Center. University of Oklahoma Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center Norman http://srtc.ou.edu The Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center houses the research and administrative functions of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry as well as a number of chemists, biochemists and other life science researchers. University of Tulsa Tulsa www.utulsa.edu The University of Tulsa is a private, comprehensive doctoral, research university. The Institute of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at the University of Tulsa maintains a vision of excellence in education, research and service in the emerging fields of bioinformatics and computational biology.
Research and Testing Aegis Food Testing Laboratories Oklahoma City www.aegisfoodtestinglabs.com Aegis Food Testing Labs provides ISO 17025 accredited independent microbiological and chemical testing services.
COR Clinical Research, LLC Oklahoma City www.corclinical.com COR Clinical Research is a medical research facility that is dedicated to finding new medical treatments, medications and other options for treating diseases and disorders. Fractionation Research, Inc. Stillwater www.fri.org Fractionation Research, Inc. (FRI) is a nonprofit research consortium supported by memberships which include many of the largest petroleum, chemical, and engineering companies in the world. Legacy Clinical Research Oklahoma City Legacy Clinical Research conducts clinical trials in many different therapeutic areas. Our physicians and research professionals who conduct these trials are committed to providing you with quality patient care and medical attention. Lynn Health Science Institute Oklahoma City www.lhsi.net In operation since 1989, the Lynn Health Science Institute (LHSI) is an innovative site for comprehensive medical research. Red River Medical Research Center Oklahoma City www.redriverokc.com Red River Medical Research Center specializes in Phase 2, 3 and 4 clinical trials in psychiatry and neurology. Regional Medical Laboratory Tulsa www.rmlonline.com Regional Medical Laboratory is a nationallyrenowned commercial pathology laboratory that provides testing services for thousands of physicians and hospitals within a four-state region. Tulsa Clinical Research, LLC Tulsa www.tulsaclinicalresearch.com Tulsa Clinical Research, LLC has participated in a large number of pivotal multicenter trials investigating areas such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, seizures, multiple sclerosis, painful neuropathy, narcolepsy, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, migraine, AIDS, and various other conditions.
Veterinarian Medicine & Related Cobb-Vantress, Inc. Spavinaw www.cobb-vantress.com Cobb-Vantress is a global company using innovative research and technology to make protein available, healthy and affordable worldwide.
SolidTech Animal Health, Inc. Newcastle www.solidtechah.com SolidTech has developed two proprietory delivery systems for administering vaccines to livestock. One for chute side delivery and one for rifle delivery. SolidTech has also developed a brand of time released vaccines. Vetpath Laboratory Tulsa www.vetpathlab.com VetPath is a national, full-service vet path lab offering veterinary vet diagnostic, veterinary vet consultative services, and veterinary vet Coggins - EIA (Equine Infectious Anemia) testing to vets, DVMs, and the veterinary profession.
OKBio Advisory Board Chris Anoatubby Chickasaw Nation Division of Commerce Sean Bauman Immuno-Mycologics, Inc. Bill Buckner The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation Paul DeAngelis Hyalose LLC Carl Edwards Presbyterian Health Foundation Darren Head Cytovance Biologics P. Lloyd Hildebrand Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center John Iandolo Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center Thomas Kupiec Analytical Research Laboratories and DNA Solutions Stephen McKeever Oklahoma State University and the State of Oklahoma Stephen Prescott Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Scott Rollins Selexys Pharmaceuticals Craig Shimasaki Moleculera Labs Jim Turner Astellas Pharma Roy H. Williams Greater Oklahoma City Chamber
Annual Sustaining Sponsors Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Oklahoma Business Roundtable Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Oklahoma State University Presbyterian Health Foundation
Quality Liquid Feeds Muskogee www.qlf.com QLF is a nationwide manufacturer of liquid feed supplements for animals or liquid feed for cattle. They are a family owned company who produces molasses cattle feed.
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D OW N TOW N O K L A H O M A C I T Y ’ S B I O C LU ST E R
OKLAHOMA CITY CULTIVATES
TAKING OFF: In OKC, we’ve found that our combination of assets important to biotech researchers, executives and entrepreneurs, like high-quality, low-cost facilities; access to talent via our 125,000 college students; low costs of living and doing business; innovative grant and investment programs; and our collaborative, supportive business environment have all helped fuel our growth. From medical devices and new drug therapies to disease research and tech innovations, our biotech community has discovered just why we say in OKC, it’s a better living and a better life. Check us out— and you could be the next to benefit from our success.
Explore OKC’s online channel and website at GreaterOKC.tv
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