Our FrameWORX series this year has been a fascinating journey through the pillars of our strategic life sciences plan for Indiana. Our final event of the year – held earlier this month at the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute – can feel like a big gulp of science. But no area captures Indiana’s life sciences growth like nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceuticals.
Indiana leads the nation in conventional pharmaceutical exports, and at least 14 life sciences companies today are developing and manufacturing radiopharmaceuticals – propped by our state’s central location and logistics expertise. Decades of life sciences leadership are complemented by the logistics required to produce treatments and diagnostics that leave little room for shelf life. Radioactive materials degrade quickly, and each dose must reach the intended patient within 3 to 5 days from production. Indiana’s FedEx hub, the second largest in the world, is a major advantage – as is the fact Central Indiana is a 12-hour drive from approximately half the U.S.
Indiana is on the leading edge of a booming technology. Nuclear medicine is a $6 billion industry in the U.S. and is expected to triple in the next 7 years. Heartland BioWorks, designated a regional technology and innovation hub by the federal Economic Development Administration, has established BioTrain, an institute designed to prepare talent for entry-level biomanufacturing roles. BioTrain will be located at the 16 Tech Innovation District. And just north of Indianapolis, Purdue has the nation’s largest nuclear medicine pharmacy program in the country.
As demonstrated at our FrameWORX, radiopharmaceuticals are used in nuclear medicine imaging and procedures – particularly for prostate and other cancers. They are administered systemically, but their biomolecular properties cause them to localize in specific tissues. Years ago, doctor might use a sledgehammer approach to treatment – in other words, diagnose and treat a large swath of the body to address diseases that were challenging to pinpoint. Radiopharmaceuticals are more like using an arrow and bull’s eye. Precision leads to less invasiveness and more precise treatments for patients.
Researchers and business leaders from IU School of Medicine, Purdue, life sciences companies, and the patient advocacy world drove a robust discussion about the future of radiopharmaceuticals. Perhaps no one said it better than Geoff Towle, a vice president and senior general manager at Novartis. Geoff joined us from his New Jersey headquarters because his company has built a large radiopharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Indianapolis.
“This feels like reimagining medicine,” he said. “Nuclear medicine is incredibly effective and exquisitely targeted. Patients are waiting for this and that’s what we need to focus on.”
Thank you to our December FrameWORX Presenting Sponsor
New report highlights Indiana’s thriving bioscience sector, driving job growth, investment, and cutting-edge research
The latest report from BIO, “The U.S. Bioscience Economy: Driving Economic Growth and Opportunities in States and Regions,” presents a comprehensive analysis of the bioscience industry’s growing impact on the U.S. economy, with Indiana standing out as a significant contributor. Biosciences continue to be a key driver of innovation, contributing significantly to employment, economic growth, and quality of life improvements across the country. The report underscores how the bioscience sector, with its diverse subsectors including biotechnology research, biopharmaceuticals, and medical devices, plays an instrumental role in fostering regional economic development and competitiveness.
Dave Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly and Company, Recognized as 2024 Watanabe Life Sciences Champion for Pioneering Leadership in Indiana’s Life Sciences Industry
INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 7, 2024) — BioCrossroads has named Dave Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly and Company, as the recipient of the 2024 August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year Award. The prestigious honor was presented at the annual BioCrossroads Life Sciences Summit, recognizing Ricks’ significant contributions to Indiana’s life sciences sector and his global impact on healthcare innovation.
Under Ricks’ visionary leadership, Lilly has strategically invested billions into research and development to tackle some of the most challenging diseases with high unmet need. This strategy and dogged commitment to innovation has propelled Lilly to the forefront of developing innovative treatments in areas such as obesity, diabetes, oncology, immunology, and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS. Lilly played a key role in bringing patients vital COVID-19 therapies. In 2024 alone, Lilly has committed over $9B in capital investments in Indiana, which will undoubtably have a transformative impact on the state for generations to come.
“We are thrilled to honor Dave Ricks with the August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year Award,” said Vince Wong, President and CEO of BioCrossroads. “His visionary leadership and strategic focus on innovation at Lilly have not only advanced the life sciences industry in Indiana but have also made a profound global impact on healthcare. Dave exemplifies the spirit of discovery and collaboration that this award represents.”
The August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year Award, presented by BioCrossroads, was established in honor of BioCrossroads’ late chairman, Dr. August “Gus” M. Watanabe, an esteemed and transformative figure in Indiana’s life sciences community.
The award celebrates those who have significantly advanced the development, education, and promotion of Indiana’s life sciences and healthcare sector; personify the emerging face of the industry; and drive innovative developments that have both local and global impacts. Past distinguished honorees have come from diverse backgrounds, including entrepreneurial ventures, research, corporate leadership, medical practice, academia, and philanthropy.
Dr. Watanabe’s passion and impact on Indiana’s life sciences community were transformative and enduring. Beyond his professional accomplishments, his caring and nurturing spirit continues to inspire the many people he touched throughout his career. Each recipient of this award embodies Dr. Watanabe’s legacy, contributing profoundly to the state’s growth in life sciences through their dedication and cumulative efforts.
Previous August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year award winners include:
Leonard Betley, retired chairman, president and CEO of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation
Dr. Richard DiMarchi, Standiford H. Cox professor of Chemistry and the Linda & Jack Gill chair in Biomolecular Sciences at Indiana University. Co-founder of Ambrx, Inc., Marcadia Biotech, Calibrium and MB2.
Dane A. Miller, founder of Biomet
Bill Cook, founder of Cook Group
Lilly Endowment, under the leadership of Chairman Thomas Lofton
Dr. Phillip Low, Ralph C. Corley distinguished professor of Chemistry and director of the Purdue Center for Drug Discovery—Biochemistry, co-founder of Endocyte and On Target Laboratories
Bill Eason, founder of Bio-Dynamics, predecessor to Roche Diagnostics
Dr. John Lechleiter, former chairman, president and CEO of Eli Lilly and Company
John Swisher, founder of JBS United
Dr. Virginia Caine, director of the Marion County Department of Public Health
Dr. Anantha Shekhar, former executive associate dean for research affairs at the IU School of Medicine
Dr. Clem McDonald, chief health data standards officer of the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health
Dr. Harvey Feigenbaum, “Father of Echocardiography” (Echo), distinguished professor, Indiana University School of Medicine
Dr. Pete Kissinger, founder of Inotiv
Nora Doherty, former executive vice president of strategy and managing director of the Indiana Seed Funds
Dr. Bruce Lamb, executive director of the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute at Indiana University School of Medicine and co-director of the Neurosciences Institute
Indiana For the Bold:
Transforming Indiana’s Life Sciences Sector with Vince Wong
BioCrossroads President and CEO Vince Wong was recently a guest on the Indiana for the Bold podcast, where he joined host Salena Scardina to share his journey and the impactful work happening in Indiana’s life sciences sector.
During the episode, Vince discusses his Indiana roots, educational background, and career trajectory, including leadership roles at Telamon Corporation and Roche Diagnostics. Now leading BioCrossroads, he dives into the organization’s focus on driving innovation, advancing manufacturing, developing the workforce, and fostering collaboration across the state.
He also highlights Indiana’s leadership in biotech patenting, securing NIH funding, and its emergence as a hub for GLP-1 obesity therapies. Additionally, Vince covers BioCrossroads’ new mentorship program, investments in biotech manufacturing, and Warsaw’s thriving medical and orthopedic manufacturing industry.
BioCrossroads Announces Additions and Changes to the Board of Directors
INDIANAPOLIS (September 3, 2024) – BioCrossroads, the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership initiative established as a catalyst to advance, grow, and invest in Indiana’s life sciences sector, is pleased to announce seven new appointments to its Board of Directors and key elevations within its current Board members to the Executive Committee.
These strategic additions and transitions are closely aligned with BioCrossroads’ efforts to advance the ambitious statewide 10-year industry strategy it released in January, aimed at advancing research and innovation, manufacturing ecosystems, and workforce development within Indiana’s life sciences sector.
In furtherance of these strategic focus areas, BioCrossroads is pleased to announce the elevation of Cathy Langham, President and CEO of Langham Logistics, and Alan Palkowitz, PhD, President and CEO of the Indiana Bioscience Research Institute, to the Executive Committee. Langham, a Board member since April 2023, is a Sagamore of the Wabash recipient, a CICP board member, Indiana University Trustee, and community leader, bringing extensive entrepreneurship experience and community connectivity to her new role. Palkowitz, who joined the Board in 2021, brings over three decades of expertise in drug discovery and development, with extensive leadership experience at IBRI, Indiana University School of Medicine, and Eli Lilly and Company. Their elevated leadership roles will be crucial in steering BioCrossroads toward new initiatives and further strengthening Indiana’s life sciences ecosystem.
“These leadership changes are not only a reflection of our commitment to fostering growth and innovation within Indiana’s life sciences sector, but also help ensure we have the right vision and expertise as we work to fulfill our ambitious 10-year plan,” said BioCrossroads’ Board Chair Dan Peterson, VP of Industry and Government Affairs at Cook Medical. “Elevating seasoned leaders like Cathy Langham and Alan Palkowitz to our Executive Committee reinforces our capacity to drive forward initiatives that will solidify Indiana’s position as a global life sciences leader.”
In addition to these leadership elevations, BioCrossroads welcomes seven new members to its Board of Directors:
Ryan Baehl, Global Head of Operations for Labcorp Central Lab, replaces Stacey Yount on the Board. With nearly 20 years of experience in clinical research and laboratory operations, Baehl’s expertise will be crucial as BioCrossroads works toward fueling innovation within Indiana’s life sciences sector.
Dr. Matt Connell, Vice President of Healthcare at Ivy Tech, marks Ivy Tech’s first representation on the Board. Connell’s distinguished career in healthcare education and administration has been instrumental in shaping programs that align educational outcomes with industry needs, which will be helpful in guiding BioCrossroads’ emerging talent and workforce development initiatives.
Dr. Daniel Golden, Vice President and Global Head of Research, Discovery, and Breakthrough Innovation at Elanco Animal Health, joins the Board, succeeding Marcela Kirberger. Golden’s leadership in scientific discovery and innovation at Elanco will support BioCrossroads’ efforts to advance research initiatives in Indiana.
Dr. David Ingram, IU Health’s System Chief Medical Executive, succeeds Ron Stiver on the Board. Ingram’s vast experience in research and clinical leadership and his commitment to improving healthcare delivery will provide invaluable insights as BioCrossroads continues its mission to enhance Indiana’s life sciences industry.
Jim Lancaster, President of Recon and Global Headquarters Executive Director for Zimmer Biomet, brings decades of leadership in the orthopedics industry, including significant experience at Zimmer Biomet. Lancaster’s deep understanding of the medical device sector will be instrumental in aligning BioCrossroads’ efforts with the needs of this critical industry.
Cory Lewis, President and CEO of INCOG BioPharma Services, joins the Board with extensive experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing and entrepreneurship. Lewis’ expertise will be crucial as BioCrossroads works to expand life sciences manufacturing and foster entrepreneurship in the state.
Ron Penczek, Chief Accounting Officer at Elevance Health, succeeds Bryony Winn as Elevance Health’s representative on the Board. With over 20 years of executive leadership at one of the nation’s largest payor organizations, Penczek will bring valuable strategic insights and functional expertise to BioCrossroads, as the organization seeks to advance Indiana’s life sciences sector.
“As we welcome these new industry leaders to our Executive Committee and Board, we extend our deepest gratitude to the departing members whose contributions have been instrumental in our success,” said BioCrossroads’ President and CEO, Vince Wong. “Each new board member brings expertise that complements our strategic goals, enhancing our capacity to foster innovation, expand life sciences manufacturing, nurture workforce development, and elevate Indiana’s profile as a leader in life sciences. Ultimately, these efforts are focused to drive economic growth and maximize Indiana’s enormous potential to make a positive impact on human health. Their diverse experiences and insights will play a critical role in furthering our objectives and contributing to the sector’s overall success.”
BioCrossroads Announces the 2024 Indiana Life Sciences Summit, “Transforming Healthcare: Indiana’s Role in Revolutionizing Diabetes and Obesity Management”
INDIANAPOLIS (July 15, 2024) – BioCrossroads is excited to announce the annual Indiana Life Sciences Summit, scheduled for November 7, 2024, at the Biltwell Event Center in Indianapolis. The Summit will focus on “Transforming Healthcare: Indiana’s Role in Revolutionizing Diabetes and Obesity Management,” highlighting Indiana’s significant impact on healthcare, particularly in the development of GLP-1 therapies, which are revolutionizing diabetes and obesity care, and the opportunities that lie ahead for continued advancement of future therapies. GLP-1 therapies, developed and delivered through the relentless efforts of Indiana’s researchers and companies, have emerged as vital tools in managing obesity and diabetes, offering new hope to millions worldwide.
Nationwide, more than 38 million[1] Americans are living with diabetes, with obesity being linked to as many as 53 percent of new cases of type 2 diabetes each year.[2] In Indiana, more than 12% of the adult population is living with diabetes, with an estimated 31,200 more adults expected to be diagnosed every year,[3] and Indiana’s obesity rate is higher than the national average and has been increasing steadily over the past 20 years. As of 2021, 36.3 percent, more than two-thirds of adults in Indiana were obese and 33.3% were overweight. This places Indiana 12th in the nation for obesity[4]—making the demand for effective solutions even more critical.
“Indiana’s contributions to GLP-1 therapies are also setting new standards in the global fight against obesity and metabolic diseases,” said Vince Wong, CEO of BioCrossroads. “The 2024 Indiana Life Sciences Summit is a compelling platform to highlight the pivotal role Indiana has played in bringing transformative innovation to address some of the most challenging unmet needs in healthcare and to gain insights into future developments that will benefit patients, not only in Indiana, but throughout the world. By bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and patients, we aim to foster collaboration and inspire further breakthroughs in diabetes and obesity care.”
A highlight of the event will be the presentation of the prestigious August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year Award, honoring exceptional contributions to life sciences in Indiana. Named in memory of Dr. August “Gus” Watanabe, a visionary in the industry, this award recognizes outstanding achievements and significant contributions in life sciences.
Secure your front row seat for this impactful discussion. Register now and join BioCrossroads at the 2024 Indiana Life Sciences Summit. For more information and to register, please visit BioCrossroads.
Transforming Healthcare, Indiana’s Role in Revolutionizing Diabetes and Obesity Management
Save the Date: November 7, 2024 Location: Biltwell Event Center, Indianapolis Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
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 biocrossroads.com.
Leading by Example: Life Sciences Manufacturing in Indiana
From Development to Delivery: Indiana’s Edge in Life Sciences Manufacturing
Indiana’s heritage in life sciences manufacturing dates back more than 100 years. In 1923, Eli Lilly and Company became the first-ever organization to mass produce insulin for patients living with diabetes—helping change the trajectory of countless lives around the world.
Indiana stands as a leader in manufacturing, drawing envy from states nationwide. Our state leads the nation in pharmaceutical exports and holds the second place in exporting life sciences products. The path ahead is marked by significant opportunities, such as Lilly’s $9 billion manufacturing pledge in Boone County, our pioneering role in radiopharmaceutical manufacturing, and Ivy Tech’s recent unveiling of a 4,000-square-foot Biopharma Science and Technology Lab. These developments position Indiana at the forefront of potential growth, provided we maintain our focus and continue to drive forward with unwavering commitment.
Our latest FrameWORX discussion on manufacturing was held before an overflow crowd on June 20 in the Fishers Life Sciences and Innovation District, another Central Indiana community that is booming with life sciences jobs.
Our host, INCOG BioPharma Services, has been around less than five years and recently received FDA approval for a new sterile injectable facility, positioning the company as an emerging contract manufacturing leader. Our other guests – representing diverse organizations such as Lilly, Purdue, IEDC, Langham Logistics, and Stevanato Group – agreed that Indiana’s leadership was underscored by the diverse and engaged crowd that showed up to learn and discuss how we can sharpen our skills.
There’s no finish line when it comes to life sciences manufacturing. Like the rest of the world, technology and customer needs are moving fast: AI, digital twins, and continuous manufacturing are evolving quickly, and Hoosier companies must keep up. Other states want what we have here – but we must keep the conversation going.
Thank you to our expert panelists:
Riccardo Butta, President – Americas, Stevanato Group
Cory Lewis, CEO and President, INCOG BioPharma Services
Brooke Kendzicky, Sr. Director, Global Supply Chain Resiliency & Sustainability, Eli Lilly and Company
Leanne Merriman, Director of Customer Experience, Langham Logistics
Dr. Elizabeth Topp, Director, William D. and Sherry L. Young Advanced Manufacturing of Pharmaceuticals Institute
Jessica Tower, VP of Attractions, Indiana Economic Development Corporation
Join us on September 18 for our next FrameWORX, Fueling the Future: Indiana’s Life Sciences Workforce.
Primary Record is a fast-growing health and technology company based in Fishers, IN. This digital app is designed for families to have one secure place to organize, collaborate, and share health data – bringing together invaluable information scattered across patient portals, three ring binders and post-it notes. With confidence, family members and trusted advocates are empowered to organize medical information for seamless sharing with those who matter most, enabling them to quickly retell the health journey before, between and after appointments.
Primary Record’s team is made up of individuals with a wide range of skills and expertise, coming together with a collective focus to make a difference in the lives of caregivers and patients.
Bob Vitoux, president and chief executive officer of OrthoWorx – which works to advance the thriving orthopedic industry in Warsaw – shared a revealing story last week during our May FrameWORX at 16 Tech.
Plug and Play, a leading global innovation platform that connects startups with corporations, governments, and organizations to drive innovation and create mutually beneficial partnerships, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new MedTech office in Warsaw – supporting a community that already is the Orthopedic Capital of the World. Among the dignitaries in attendance was Gov. Eric Holcomb. He told the audience: “Indiana used to be a flyover state. Now, fly over at your own peril.”
Wise words – relevant not only to the growth we’re seeing in Warsaw but across Indiana.
The life sciences are seeing significant traction across the U.S. and Indiana is right in the mix. Life sciences organizations here secured $5.5 billion in capital and investments last year while making a $95 billion contribution to the state’s economy. And key stakeholders, who are playing a crucial role in that growth, joined our May FrameWORX, sharing insights into one of Indiana’s real strengths: our life sciences hubs and collaboration across the Hoosier State.
The hubs were represented by Warsaw, West Lafayette, and Bloomington. Warsaw is a real success story that should make all Hoosiers proud with world-leading orthopedic manufacturers sprinkled across a beautiful community in northeast Indiana. Bloomington and West Lafayette are leveraging unique opportunities with leading universities in their backyards. Indiana University secured $772 million in sponsored research awards in 2023 and is investing $250 million in biosciences – including a $60 million investment into expanded new lab and research space.
In West Lafayette, meanwhile, Purdue has the No. 1 nuclear pharmacy program in the nation and received a record-breaking $613 million in research funding in fiscal year 2023. Lafayette is also third in the U.S. among medium-sized metropolitan areas for drug and pharma employment.
Collectively, our life sciences clusters are advancing Indiana’s workforce, economy, and innovation that help people with needs everywhere. We’ll take another look at our sector on June 20 through the lens of advanced manufacturing and how Indiana is filling important gaps. And we’re taking our show on the road to the Fishers Life Sciences and Innovation District where we’ll visit INCOG BioPharma Services, a state-of-the-art contract development manufacturing organization.
Join us on June 20 for FrameWORX – From Development to Delivery: Our Edge in Life Sciences Manufacturing
BioCrossroads is excited to announce FrameWORX: Innovating Across Indiana: The Strengths of Our Regional Life Sciences Hubs on Wednesday, May 8 at the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute.
This event will bring together key experts representing regional innovation hubs across Indiana, showcasing the groundbreaking achievements and future potential of our state’s innovation hubs. They will share insights into the innovation, collaboration, and advancements happening across Indiana’s life sciences ecosystem, thanks to these collective and focused regional efforts.
Speakers will include:
Vincent Jo Davisson, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Amplified Sciences
John Fernandez, Senior Vice President, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships, The Mill Bloomington
Jim Lancaster, President, Global Reconstruction Business, Zimmer Biomet
Ben Larson, Director of Manufacturing, Evonik
Eric Munson, Head of Industrial and Molecular Pharmaceuticals, Purdue University
Rahul Shrivastav, Executive Vice President and Provost, Indiana University Bloomington
Bob Vitoux, President and CEO, OrthoWorx
FrameWORX: Innovating Across Indiana: The Strengths of Our Regional Life Sciences Hubs
Wednesday, May 8
3:30-5:30 p.m.
Indiana Biosciences Research Institute
