Facts about the Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics

A Minnesota initiative leveraging the scientific leadership of the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic into a powerful research collaboration.

The Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics is an economic development initiative that leverages the scientific base of the state's two strongest health research leaders, Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota, to benefit all of Minnesota. This alliance is creating:

Scientific advances
Major improvements in health care, with Minnesotans first in line
A stronger economy - attracting new industry, creating quality jobs, bringing revenue from out of state, expanding the tax base, increasing the flow of federal research dollars into Minnesota, and further enhancing the state as a destination for health care.

The Partnership's accomplishments to date have exceeded all expectations since it was unveiled in early 2003. The current research teams are investigating Alzheimer's disease, prostate cancer, heart disease, and obesity, which confront tens of thousands of Minnesotans.

Already, the four teams have made considerable progress. They have:

Submitted six papers for publication in prestigious medical journals.
Received two grants - an equipment grant award from the VA Medical Center Research Services, and an equipment grant award from the Minnesota Medical Foundation.
Submitted two federal grant applications, including a competitive renewal of a National Institutes of Health Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant, and a National Science Foundation grant.
Filed one patent application.
Additionally, a Partnership team is preparing to submit an application for an NIH Program Project Grant titled "Physical activity and obesity: from molecule to community."

An economic quantification study of the Partnership's potential indicates that a state investment of $70 million over five years, with mid-range assumptions, will yield an expected overall economic impact returned to the state of $320 million and 4,300 direct and indirect jobs in 2010 (see the full study at www….hyperlink NEED A LINK)

In April 2005 Governor Tim Pawlenty signed a bipartisan bonding bill that includes $21.7 million for the medical genomics research addition to the Stabile Building in Rochester. The addition will house more researchers and provide greater opportunity for the Partnership to seek new treatments and technologies to fight diseases and improve health.

This summer, the legislature approved $15 million in funding for the Partnership. A portion of that support will allow the Partnership to better organize its ongoing efforts, including critical scientific infrastructure, recruitment and retention of top-level scientists, product development as a consequence of discovery, and collaborations with start-up companies to invigorate Minnesota's economy. A majority of the new funding - upwards of $9 million - will be used to fund this second, expanded round of research awards to focus on health problems facing Minnesota's citizens.

Securing Minnesota's Future

If the science is developed here, Minnesota potentially will gain significant benefits:

Economic development in Minnesota.
An environment enhancing the biosciences in Minnesota.
Health benefits already realized; more with state investment.
Engagement of other industries in Minnesota's biosciences strategy.
Lessons from states already successful in the biosciences.

This research Partnership between the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic will position Minnesota as a world leader, creating significant benefits for future generations. Minnesotans will enjoy dramatic improvements in health care, and the potential of long-term economic security for our state.