AnalytiXIN creates new Indiana healthcare-based consortium to advance data-driven clinical research and improve health outcomes

New shared platform will use consented health data to facilitate life sciences research, advance healthcare, and to engage patients via precision medicine

INDIANAPOLIS (January 21, 2025) – AnalytiXIN today announced the launch of a new consortium to help healthcare organizations across Indiana better identify and access comprehensive, consented clinical and genomic health data. It is a continued investment to improve patient outcomes and drive efficiencies to accelerate clinical research. Access to these diverse datasets will allow researchers to quickly develop and conduct more accurate and personalized studies, enabling more effective healthcare interventions, further establishing Indiana as a leader in health sciences data analytics.

Several leading Indiana-based healthcare companies, including Eli Lilly and Company (“Lilly”), Indiana University (IU) Health, IU School of Medicine, and the Indiana Health Information Exchange (IHIE) have pledged unprecedented commitment to this collaboration.

“We’re excited to work with our AnalytiXIN consortium partners to harness the power of data analytics, with the aim of advancing scientific research and improving health outcomes,” said David A. Ricks, Lilly chair and CEO. “Accurate, comprehensive data will provide our researchers with important new insights that will enhance clinical trial design and enrollment and accelerate the development of innovative new medicines for people here in Indiana and around the world.”

The consortium will serve a broad range of stakeholders, including life sciences researchers, healthcare providers, and data scientists, fostering collaboration to accelerate data-driven clinical research. By bringing together experts in precision medicine, genomics, and data analytics, the consortium will drive innovative research efforts. It will prioritize improving health outcomes, with a focus on cardio-metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative conditions, and other critical health challenges impacting Hoosiers.

“The AnalytiXIN consortium’s success depends on Hoosiers joining the Indiana Biobank. Their involvement, along with our partners’ expertise, helps us understand treatments tailored to each person’s genetics,” said Dennis Murphy, president and CEO of IU Health. “With over 60,000 Hoosiers already participating, more people joining will help us prevent and treat diseases, making Indiana one of the healthiest states in the nation.”

“The AnalytiXIN consortium is an exciting opportunity to harness the vast resources held within the Indiana Biobank here at the IU School of Medicine, coupled with the depth of data contained in IU Health’s electronic medical records, to help accelerate the discovery of new therapies,” said Jay L. Hess, MD, PhD, MHSA, dean of the IU School of Medicine and IU’s executive vice president for university clinical affairs. “The impact that this collaboration could have on the health of Hoosiers across the state is immeasurable. The School of Medicine is thrilled to be a partner in this groundbreaking effort.”

AnalytiXIN is a strategic program run by the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) and is designed to bolster the economic vitality and drive sustained innovation in Indiana by advancing the integration of strategic technologies—artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics—in the life sciences and manufacturing industries, both significant drivers of the state’s economic, social and physical wellbeing. It is funded with support from Lilly Endowment Inc.

“By leveraging this unique life sciences health data asset, we’re empowering our partners like Lilly, IU Health, and the IU School of Medicine to accelerate innovation and drive breakthroughs faster and more effectively than ever,” said Melina Kennedy, CEO of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership. “We invite life sciences industry leaders, health systems, and universities to join us in harnessing this asset to further advance Indiana’s leadership in healthcare and life sciences.”

About AnalytiXIN

AnalytiXIN was established through a Lilly Endowment Inc. grant to the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership to develop a digital community, including a place-focused collaboration hub in Indianapolis that will strengthen connections and encourage engagement of academic data science R&D talent with their industry peers to drive sustained innovation within Indiana. The project is intended to grow and enable the digital ecosystem and drive sustained innovation within the State. The emphasis is on life sciences and manufacturing – two of Indiana’s most important and prolific economic drivers. To learn more, visit www.analytixindiana.com.

About Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP)

The Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) was formed in 1999 to bring together the chief executives of the region’s prominent corporations, foundations and universities in a strategic and collaborative effort dedicated to Indiana’s continued prosperity and growth. To advance this mission, CICP sponsors five key talent and industry sector initiatives, AgriNovus Indiana, Ascend Indiana, BioCrossroads, Conexus Indiana, and TechPoint, each of which addresses challenges and opportunities unique to its respective area: agbiosciences, talent and workforce development, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and logistics, advanced energy technology and transportation and technology. To learn more, visit www.cicpindiana.com.

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INDIANAPOLIS (December 2024) – The Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), alongside its branded initiatives BioCrossroads, Conexus Indiana and TechPoint, announces the appointment of three senior leaders who will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of Indiana’s life sciences, advanced manufacturing and logistics and technology sectors.

Douglas Kiehl, Patrick “PJ” McGrew and Casey Osterkamp joined BioCrossroads, Conexus Indiana and TechPoint, respectively, in senior leadership roles on December 10.

“As we ensure the strength of Indiana’s advanced industries, these strategic hires underscore our commitment to building a thriving, innovative economy,” said Melina Kennedy, CEO of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership. “Doug, PJ and Casey each bring a depth of expertise that will help us tackle workforce challenges, advance technological adoption and foster cross-sector collaboration. Together, they will elevate our efforts to position Indiana as a global leader in innovation and talent development.”

BioCrossroads adds SVP of Workforce Development and Chief Technology Strategist
Douglas Kiehl, BioCrossroads’ new senior vice president of Workforce Development and Chief Technology Strategist brings over three decades of experience at Eli Lilly and Company, serving most recently as senior director leading the Disruptive/Transformative Technologies Team (DT3) and the Digital Twin Center of Excellence. His work focused on digital transformation, automation, extractables/leachables and next-generation bioprocessing.

In his new role, Kiehl will leverage his experience driving multi-stakeholder initiatives to lead BioCrossroads’ workforce development initiatives and contribute to its 10-year strategy to build a skilled talent pool for Indiana’s life sciences and healthcare industries.

“Doug’s extensive experience and passion for forging the adoption of next-generation technologies makes him a tremendous addition to our team,” said Vince Wong, CEO of BioCrossroads. “His leadership will be key in driving our strategic efforts to enhance Indiana’s life sciences and healthcare sectors. By cultivating a skilled workforce and championing adoption of new technologies, Doug will help prepare our workforce for the future and ensure that BioCrossroads continues to support the growth and success of Indiana’s life sciences and healthcare communities.”

Conexus Indiana names SVP of Talent Strategy and Programming
Patrick “PJ” McGrew joins Conexus Indiana as senior vice president of Talent Strategy and Programming. McGrew brings nearly a decade of state government experience, including serving as the inaugural executive director of the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, where he gained national recognition for his efforts to bridge the education-to-workforce pipeline. His career also includes ten years as a high school teacher in diverse educational settings, with a passion for fostering economic mobility and career exploration for students.

In his new role, McGrew will focus on developing innovative workforce solutions to meet the evolving needs of Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics sectors, further positioning the state as a leader in these industries.

“PJ’s wealth of experience in education and workforce development will be instrumental in addressing the talent challenges facing Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics sectors,” said Fred Cartwright, president and CEO of Conexus Indiana. “His proven ability to bridge the gap between education and industry makes him a great fit for Conexus and we’re excited to have his leadership as we continue to develop forward-thinking talent strategies for our state.”

TechPoint appoints SVP and COO
Casey Osterkamp joins TechPoint as senior vice president and Chief Operating Officer (COO) with a wealth of experience in organizational leadership and talent strategy, most recently as a project consultant at 17a, COO at Herron Classical Schools and concurrently as vice president of Operations at Herron High School.

She is experienced in talent consulting and organizational leadership. In the past, she was the Director of Personnel for the State of Missouri and Director at the Assessment Resource Center. She’s also held consulting positions with IBM and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Osterkamp also served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy.

Osterkamp will work closely with TechPoint’s CEO to lead overall people and operations, to drive more intentional cross-initiative collaborations, and to ensure quality delivery of TechPoint programs and partner enablement strategies.

“We are thrilled to have Casey join our team,” said TechPoint CEO Ting Gootee. “She has a depth of experience that will support TechPoint’s goals and vision to champion and strengthen Indiana’s tech sector.”

These new leaders reflect the CICP’s commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration and workforce development across Indiana’s key economic sectors.

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About CICP

The Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) was formed in 1999 to bring together the chief executives of the region’s prominent corporations, foundations and universities in a strategic and collaborative effort dedicated to Indiana’s continued prosperity and growth. To advance this mission, CICP sponsors five key talent and industry sector initiatives, AgriNovus Indiana, Ascend Indiana, BioCrossroads, Conexus Indiana and TechPoint, each of which addresses challenges and opportunities unique to its respective area: agbiosciences, talent and workforce development, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and logistics, and technology. To learn more about CICP, visit www.cicpindiana.com.

About BioCrossroads

Established as a catalyst to advance, grow, and invest in Indiana’s life sciences sector, BioCrossroads is a branded initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership. It supports the region’s existing enterprises and encourages new business development. The initiative fosters public-private collaboration by uniting a diverse range of academic, industry, and philanthropic stakeholders, all collectively focused on advancing Indiana’s life sciences sector. Committed to supporting the growth of capital investments and talent development, BioCrossroads provides support to both existing and new life sciences enterprises, including the Indiana Health Information Exchange, OrthoWorx, and the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute. BioCrossroads champions the advancement of cutting-edge research and development, plays a crucial role in building and nurturing a robust talent pipeline, and is dedicated to establishing Indiana as a thriving hub for life sciences manufacturing. To learn more about BioCrossroads, visit biocrossroads.com.

About Conexus Indiana
Conexus Indiana, a branded initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, is dedicated to advancing the Hoosier State’s position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and logistics. Working closely with industry, academia, and government partners, Conexus Indiana drives workforce development, economic growth, and innovation across the state. For more information, please visit ConexusIndiana.com.

About TechPoint
TechPoint is the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership’s industry-led growth initiative for Indiana’s digital innovation economy and overall tech ecosystem. The team is focused on working with public, private and industry partners to expand tech talent pipeline, enhance resource connectivity for enterprise organizations and startups alike, and elevate the industry by activating the community and amplifying stories of success. For more information, please visit www.techpoint.org.

INDIANAPOLIS, (Nov. 19, 2020) — BioCrossroads today released a new report, Tech Transfer in Indiana: An Overview for the Life Sciences Industry, a comprehensive resource highlighting the technology transfer processes and approaches used by Indiana University, Purdue University and the University of Notre Dame to facilitate commercialization of research-driven discoveries and innovations. The report also discusses the role of incubators and graduation facilities at research universities, which are increasing in number and importance.

“With our three research institutions and thousands of research faculty, Indiana has critical assets necessary to drive innovation. University labs and facilities are especially important for life sciences R&D that require unique space and equipment required to perform complex research,” said Patricia Martin, president and CEO, BioCrossroads.

In addition to developing breakthroughs in medical treatments and therapies, Indiana’s three R11 research institutions also generate a substantial amount of economic activity much higher than the state’s population would indicate. The state’s much larger (by population) neighbors in Ohio and Michigan also have three R1 universities, while Illinois, with a population nearly double that of Indiana, is home to four such institutions.

“Indiana universities or companies have played a vital role in tech transfer processes leading to the commercialization of insulin, treatment of prostate cancer, and reduction of cancer caused by the human papillomavirus among many others. It’s critical that we continue to foster these programs to ensure the long-term competitiveness of Indiana’s life sciences sector,” continued Martin.

Tech transfer highlights from the universities included in the report:

The report is available here.

About BioCrossroads

BioCrossroads (www.biocrossroads.com) is Indiana’s initiative to grow, advance and invest in the life sciences, a public-private collaboration that supports the region’s existing research and corporate strengths while encouraging new business development. BioCrossroads provides money and support to life sciences businesses, launches new life sciences enterprises (Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, Indiana Health Information Exchange, Fairbanks Institute for Healthy Communities, BioCrossroadsLINX, OrthoWorx and Datalys Center), expands collaboration and partnerships among Indiana’s life science institutions, promotes science education and markets Indiana’s life sciences industry.

[1] Research universities in the United States are classified via the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. R1 universities award doctoral degrees while carrying out “very high research activity” as measured by research expenditures. Carnegie Classifications: https://carnegieclassifications.iu.edu/index.php.

 

BioCrossroads report details funding sources, deals, investors

INDIANAPOLIS, (April 12, 2021) — In 2020, Indiana’s life sciences companies accessed over $9 billion in capital to grow and support innovation. The funding comes from a variety of sources including Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards, venture capital, initial public offerings and related public offerings, and mergers and acquisitions. BioCrossroads today issued their annual report, Indiana Life Sciences Capital 2020, which provides details on the funding events throughout the year.

The $9 billion includes:

The market capitalization for Indiana’s public life sciences companies as of Dec. 31, 2020 was $297.6 billion and includes Eli Lilly and Company, Anthem, Zimmer Biomet, Elanco, Acacia Pharma, Brickell Biotech, Orthopediatrics, Acura Pharmaceuticals, Assembly Biosciences, Hill-Rom Holdings, Nanosonic and Bioanalytical Systems. In all, these 12 companies achieved a 17 percent gain in value over 2019.

“Indiana’s deep and diverse life sciences research and industrial bases are important drivers for Indiana’s overall economic health,” said Patty Martin, President and CEO of BioCrossroads. “The continuing vitality of this sector depends on innovation from diverse research settings — universities, nonprofit research institutes, and industry – which, in turn, are highly dependent on these sources of funding.”

Even excluding the significant funding represented by mergers and acquisitions, Indiana’s life sciences companies raised over $400 million in capital in 2020. This funding supports the discovery and development of therapies and devices, adding to the state’s life sciences entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem.

“Indiana’s life sciences start-ups had their best year ever for raising venture capital – and eight of these companies raised over $5 million,” said Aaron Gillum, senior vice president of 50 South Capital. “We continue to see our innovations getting attention from the capital markets and investors from across the country.”

 

Mike Bolinder, Senior Vice President, External Engagement & Chief Innovation Officer, BioCrossroads

A few weeks ago, I attended the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco. It’s the largest annual event of its kind that draws more than 10,000 people from across healthcare and the life sciences. The event attracts investors, senior government officials, industry leaders, Fortune 100 companies, and private startups alike.

The conference is a haven for deal making, but leaders also gather for crucial conversations about market trends, medical innovation, and how to grow the life sciences. Two key takeaways were apparent to me: continued interest in what Indiana can offer, and a potential for improved access to capital for life sciences companies in 2024.

On day one, BioCrossroads teamed up with three leading organizations from the Hoosier state, Barnes & Thornburg, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and Elevate Ventures, to host an Indiana life sciences lunch and learn at the Cavalier restaurant. It was an excellent venue for organizations from both inside and outside Indiana to network and connect, giving us a chance to elevate Indiana’s heritage, strengths, and opportunities for those with an interest in doing business here.

The event included a panel discussion with life sciences leaders from Indiana, including Derek Small, founder of Luson Bioventures, and Scott Byrd, CEO of Sudo Biosciences. They shared their perspectives on starting and growing biopharmaceutical companies in the state, each highlighting the therapeutic focus of their organizations. They both also touched on the critical topics of access to talent and capital, along with other advantages that make Indiana a good home.

The event was well received, with 40 leaders from both inside and outside Indiana on hand, including venture capital investors and startup accelerators with an interest in the Hoosier state.

More broadly, the investor sentiment and discussions were characterized by cautious optimism for the sector, which may forecast a better market for raising capital and conducting mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities in 2024. Metabolic and weight loss drugs, therapies for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, and advances in oncology, like radiopharmaceuticals were among the hotter topics, and these are distinct areas of strength for Indiana and may become helpful tailwinds for us. There also were discussions about the future of AI and LLM, and how these advances can be integrated into the sector.

The collaboration and mutual support that make Indiana successful were on display in San Francisco, reinforcing our position as a pivotal player in the global life sciences industry. Barnes & Thornburg, IEDC, Elevate Ventures, and a contingent of Indiana companies partnered with BioCrossroads to make these conversations and connections possible. Together, we must continue to drive awareness of the strengths we possess to accelerate the growth of this important sector in Indiana.

To learn more about the The 42nd Annual Healthcare Conference, visit JP Morgan Healthcare Conference.

 

In a pivotal moment for Indiana’s life sciences sector, Vince will play a crucial role in championing the newly released life sciences industry strategy.

INDIANAPOLIS, [January 31, 2024] — Following a thorough national search, BioCrossroads, a catalyst for Indiana’s life sciences sector, today announced the appointment of Vince Wong as its new president and CEO. An esteemed leader with a rich background in healthcare and life sciences, Vince takes the helm at BioCrossroads ready to harness his vast expertise to elevate the organization’s impact on Indiana’s life sciences ecosystem.

Vince’s extensive experience at both multinational and venture backed start-up life science companies, coupled with deep-rooted insights into the life sciences sector, both locally and nationally, position him as a visionary leader who will help drive the recently released life sciences strategy for Indiana. Read the report: TEConomy Partners: A Strategic Roadmap for Advancing Indiana’s Life Sciences Industries

Vince most recently served as chief commercial officer at Geneoscopy, a venture-backed company focused on developing RNA-based gastrointestinal diagnostics. At Geneoscopy, Vince oversaw business development, governmental affairs, market access, marketing, sales, and communications, and helped secure over $100M in venture financing. Prior to that role, he had an impressive 18-year tenure at Roche Diagnostics, serving in senior leadership roles—most recently as vice president of sales, point of care diagnostics. Vince also serves as Executive in Residence at IU Ventures and a board director of both public and private life science companies.

“The life sciences sector is a vital, growing cornerstone of Indiana’s economy and the opportunity to lead BioCrossroads is an incredible honor,” Vince said. “I am eager to collaborate with our team, our partners, and the wider life sciences community to enhance our ability to develop and manufacture innovative treatments and interventions for people not just in Indiana, but on a global scale.”

A proud native Hoosier, Vince has been an active community leader, having served on numerous boards of directors, including the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, Dance Kaleidoscope, Asian American Alliance, Inc., the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Vince was one of the Indianapolis Business Journal’s 2001 Forty Under 40 honorees.

Vince earned his BA from the University of Notre Dame, his law degree from Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington, and MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

“Vince embodies the leadership qualities and extensive life sciences experience that are quintessential for the role of CEO at BioCrossroads,” said Dan Peterson, chair of the BioCrossroads Board of Directors. “His commitment to leveraging innovation for the greater good aligns seamlessly with our objectives and strategy and we are enthusiastic about his ability to lead our life sciences sector.”

Indiana is home to more than 2,700 life sciences firms that employ 64,000 workers. The sector produces $77 billion annually in economic impact, and Indiana ranks third in the U.S. in life sciences exports with $13 billion in 2022 alone. As Vince steps into his new role, he is poised to leverage Indiana’s robust life sciences ecosystem to help guide the industry’s strategic vision.

“Building upon the state’s life sciences landscape, BioCrossroads remains committed to supporting the sector’s continued growth and innovation, resulting in products, businesses, and collaborations that directly enhance the quality of health and well-being across Indiana,” said Melina Kennedy, CEO, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership. “With Vince’s leadership, BioCrossroads will extend its track record of fostering a vibrant ecosystem centered on groundbreaking research and development, enhanced manufacturing capabilities, and expanded workforce opportunities.”

BioCrossroads’ work will be especially focused in areas where Indiana possesses unique strengths, like metabolic disorders, diabetes, radiopharmaceuticals, orthopedics, oncology, and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s.

“We’re poised to strengthen Indiana’s position in the life sciences sector significantly,” Vince said. “By bolstering our state’s innovation assets, supply chain, reshoring manufacturing capabilities, and leveraging our competitive environment and incentives, we aim to attract and retain top talent. It’s about creating a cohesive ecosystem where innovation, research, and community well-being are interlinked and mutually reinforcing.”

Vince officially joined BioCrossroads today, January 31, becoming the fourth leader in the organization’s history.

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About BioCrossroads

Established as a catalyst to advance, grow and invest in Indiana’s life sciences sector, BioCrossroads is an initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP). It supports the region’s existing enterprises and encourages new business development. The initiative fosters public-private collaboration by uniting a diverse range of academic, industry, and philanthropic stakeholders, all collectively focused on advancing Indiana’s life sciences sector. Committed to supporting the growth of capital investments and talent development, BioCrossroads provides support to both existing and new life sciences enterprises, including the Indiana Health Information Exchange, OrthoWorx, and the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute. BioCrossroads champions the advancement of cutting-edge research and development, plays a crucial role in building and nurturing a robust talent pipeline, and is dedicated to establishing Indiana as a thriving hub for life sciences manufacturing. To learn more about BioCrossroads, visit https://biocrossroads.com/.

Vince Wong Biography

Vince Wong brings significant valuable multi-national and start-up company experience to BioCrossroads. Vince, who became CEO on January 31, 2024, most recently was chief commercial officer at Geneoscopy, a venture-backed start-up company focused on developing gastrointestinal diagnostics. His responsibilities included business development, government affairs, market access, sales, marketing, and communications. He also helped raise over $100M in venture capital. Vince serves as a director on the board of Bionano Genomics (Nasdaq: BNGO) and Executive in Residence with IU Ventures. Prior to Geneoscopy, Vince enjoyed an 18-year career at Roche Diagnostics, where he held senior leadership roles in several functions across various disease areas. A native Hoosier, Vince has deep Indiana roots and served on the boards of numerous civic and arts organizations, including the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, Dance Kaleidoscope, the Indy Chamber, Asian American Alliance, and the Indianapolis Museum of Art and was recognized as 40 Under Forty by the Indianapolis Business Journal. He earned a BA in economics and government from the University of Notre Dame, a JD from Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law, and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Vince Wong on LinkedIn

 

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Oct. 10, 2018 — BioCrossroads Board of Directors named esteemed researcher, educator and entrepreneur Anantha Shekhar, M.D., Ph.D., executive associate dean for research affairs at the Indiana University School of Medicine, recipient of the 2018 August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year Award, a prestigious honor named in tribute to BioCrossroads’ late Chairman August Watanabe, at today’s Indiana Life Sciences Summit.

Dr. Shekhar serves in several leadership roles at IU and IU Health. As Distinguished Professor and Associate Vice President of Research and Clinical Affairs for IU, leader of the high profile IU Precision Health Grand Challenge, and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs for Clinical Research at IU Health, Dr. Shekhar elevates and integrates research across the state’s largest university and its partner healthcare system.

Under Dr. Shekhar’s leadership, IU School of Medicine’s total research funding has surged to $339 million, which includes a 33 percent increase in highly competitive National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding. He is the founding director of the nationally recognized Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, a results-driven partnership among IU, Purdue University and the University of Notre Dame, created to improve health in Indiana through research. He also serves on the NIH’s National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences Advisory Council and the Cures Acceleration Network Review Board.

BioCrossroads presents the Watanabe Award annually to an individual or organization that has made or enabled unique achievements in the development of Indiana’s life sciences and healthcare research, clinical, educational or economic advancement.

“Dr. Shekhar is unique in the scope and scale of his impact on Indiana’s healthcare, life sciences, and academic community as a catalyst, collaborator and contributor. There is no one, anywhere, who is better at understanding the rigors of academic research, the requirements for success in university-industry partnerships, and the imperatives of better care for patients than Anantha Shekhar—he has and does it all,” said David L. Johnson, president and CEO, BioCrossroads. “As a result, Anantha has put IU School of Medicine—and the entire State of Indiana—in an enviable position of collaborative leadership on the national research map through his tremendous efforts.  Along the way, he’s also found the opportunity to be the scientific founder or sponsor of some of our most promising next-generation life sciences companies.”

His start-up company, Anagin, is developing treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, neuropathic pain, depression, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.  Anagin has raised more than $7.5 million and has several molecules in various stages of development.

Dr. Shekhar joins an impressive list of previous Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year award winners, including:

About BioCrossroads

BioCrossroads (www.biocrossroads.com) is Indiana’s initiative to grow, advance and invest in the life sciences, a public-private collaboration that supports the region’s existing research and corporate strengths while encouraging new business development.  BioCrossroads provides money and support to life sciences businesses, launches new life sciences enterprises (Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, Indiana Health Information Exchange, Fairbanks Institute for Healthy Communities, BioCrossroadsLINX, OrthoWorx and Datalys Center), expands collaboration and partnerships among Indiana’s life science institutions, promotes science education and markets Indiana’s life sciences industry.

Indianapolis, October 22, 2013 –   BioCrossroads today awarded Philip S. Low, Ph.D., Ralph C. Corley Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Director of the Center for Drug Discovery at Purdue University and founder of Endocyte, with the August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year Award, a prestigious honor named in tribute to BioCrossroads’ late first Chairman.

BioCrossroads presents the Watanabe Award annually to an individual or organization that has made or enabled unique achievements in the development and promotion of Indiana’s life sciences research, educational or economic advancement.

“Phil Low has the remarkable combination of being a success in the academic halls, the research lab and the entrepreneur’s office.  His passion for bringing scientific discoveries to the market to improve health and well-being has enabled him to start four companies here in Indiana and to develop breakthroughs in the treatment of cancer,” said David L. Johnson, president and CEO, BioCrossroads. “His contributions to our state’s life sciences community will live on for generations to come by not only educating the future researchers, but also by making a significant impact on human health.  We look forward to seeing more incredible discoveries from this prolific scientist.”

Dr. Low has received several national and international awards including a National Institutes of Health MERIT Award and Purdue University’s award for outstanding research.  In addition to his work at Purdue University, Dr. Low has also guided the discovery and development of seven drugs that are currently in human clinical trials for imaging and therapy of various cancers and has founded two companies (Endocyte Inc. and On Target Laboratories, LLC) focused on commercialization of these and other targeted drugs.  He has also been involved in two other Indiana start-up companies.

Dr. Low’s name is added to an impressive list of other winners of the award including, Leonard Betley, chairman, president and CEO of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation and chairman of the Regenstrief Foundation and Walther Cancer Foundation; Richard DiMarchi, Ph.D., Standiford H. Cox Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, Linda & Jack Gill Chair in Biomolecular Sciences and founder of Marcadia Biotech; Dane A. Miller, Ph.D., founder and former chief executive officer of Biomet; Bill Cook, founder of Cook Group; and the Lilly Endowment under the leadership of Chairman Thomas Lofton.

About BioCrossroads

BioCrossroads (www.biocrossroads.com) advances Indiana’s signature strengths in the life sciences by connecting with corporate, academic and philanthropic partners; facilitating investments in promising start ups and building new enterprises; and educating through conferences, reports and market development knowledge.   The initiative supports the region’s existing research and corporate strengths while encouraging new business development and has formed several new nonprofit organizations, including Indiana Health Information Exchange, Fairbanks Institute for Healthy Communities,BioCrossroadsLINX, OrthoWorx,  and Datalys Center.

Indianapolis, October 23, 2012 – At the ninth annual Indiana Life Sciences Summit today, BioCrossroads recognized Lilly Endowment, under the leadership of long-time Chairman Thomas M. Lofton, with the August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year Award, a prestigious honor named in tribute to BioCrossroads’ late first Chairman.
BioCrossroads presents the Watanabe Award annually to an individual or organization that has made or enabled unique achievements in the development and promotion of Indiana’s life sciences research, educational or economic advancement.
Lilly Endowment’s contributions to these efforts are unmatched, beginning with $155 million in total grant funding, in 2000 and 2002, to the Indiana University School of Medicine for programs to enhance education, medical informatics and training for scientists and students in the emerging field of human genomics and proteomics. These “INGEN” grants were designed to put the School of Medicine in the vanguard of institutions exploring the research and development potential unleashed by the successful mapping of the human genome in 2000.
“Through the vision of Tom Lofton and his colleagues, Lilly Endowment has been prescient and strategic in its support of the life sciences. They have provided multiple awards to different institutions that are more than a collection of individual pieces of cloth; rather they are a tapestry where the whole is truly greater than the sum of the parts,” said Craig Brater M.D., Dean of the Indiana University School of Medicine and Chairman of the Board of BioCrossroads. “The result of their grants throughout Indiana’s life sciences community will be more and more discoveries and better educated scientists and professionals, all leading to well paying jobs, new companies and an overall better quality of life for Hoosiers.”

Lilly Endowment has contributed nearly a half-billion dollars in grant funding for programs to advance critically important research and development of intellectual capital in the life sciences. These programs, in turn, have contributed in a variety of ways to the vitality of Indiana’s strong life sciences sector. In addition to the INGEN grants for the IU School of Medicine, major Endowment grants since 2000 have supported the following:

 

BioCrossroads advances Indiana’s signature strengths in the life sciences by connecting with corporate, academic and philanthropic partners; facilitating investments in promising start ups; building new enterprises; and educating through conferences, reports and market development knowledge.

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