GRI Partner Receives Third Frontier Funding

Girindus America, one of seven partners comprising UC's new

Genome Research Institute (GRI),

has received more than $1.1 million from the State of Ohio's Third Frontier Action Fund.  Governor Bob Taft presented Girindus with their check Thursday, Oct. 23 during a ceremony at the Girindus building on Reading Road.

This Third Frontier funding will support the creation of a biomedical process facility focused on oligoneucleotide (synthetic RNA and DNA) production. Oligoneucleotide production could be key in the formation of potential therapeutics in the future.  GRI will provide the research capabilities needed to validate the use of these newly created therapeutics.

"Its important for Ohio to be involved in the initial stages of the development of new therapeutics which have the potential to one day treat or even possibly cure diseases," said David Millhorn, PhD, director of UC's GRI.  "This interaction between academic and private sector provides the best economic opportunities for the State of Ohio."

UC's GRI is a laboratory complex located on Galbraith Road in Reading, Ohio, focused on the study of the biological and genetic causes of some of the world's most prevalent diseases including obesity, heart disease and cancer.  Unique partnerships with Wright State University, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Meridian Bioscience, Girindus America, Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, the Air Force Research Lab and Acero, will aid in the translation of scientific research to the commercialization of drugs and diagnostics. 

To learn more about Girindus America, visit

www.girindus.com

.  To read Governor Bob Taft's official announcement, visit

www.state.oh.us/gov/

.