Bozeman, Montana – The United States Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC), in conjunction with the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Office of the Air Force of the Surgeon General (AF/SG), and the Department of Veterans Affairs, have awarded $85 million to two consortia which in combination with the US Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR), form the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine (AFIRM). Overall funding to the consortia from all sources is expected to exceed $250 million over the next five years.
The use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Iraq and Afghanistan has caused a marked increase in severe blast trauma, now responsible for approximately 75% of all injuries, according to the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. Many of those who survive such explosive trauma are challenged with healing from severe limb, head, face, and burn injuries that can take years to treat and usually result in significant lifelong impairment. The AFIRM awards represent a national effort to address the health care challenges of these severely injured military personnel.
Microbion Corporation (Microbion) of Bozeman, Montana, is proud to be a corporate partner in one of the two awarded consortia: the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine – RCC AFIRM. Microbion is the sole Montana firm represented in this consortium. The mission of this consortium is to accelerate advances in regenerative medicine, and to translate these advances as quickly as possible into practical, therapeutic tools applied both in military combat and hospital environments. These new therapies will focus on the treatment of burns, regeneration of bone, muscle, tendon, nerve, and blood vessels. It is anticipated that these advanced therapies will prevent loss of life and reduce the likelihood of amputation, both for injured military personnel, and for civilian populations.
Microbion is also a recipient of a separate $2.5 million grant from USAMRMC, and is currently working closely with USAISR to develop an innovative topical antimicrobial therapeutic product to treat burns and complex, open military wounds. Dr. Brett Baker, the President and CEO of Microbion stated “Microbion’s goal in AFIRM is to develop lifesaving products, and to improve long-term quality of life of our wounded military personnel. The products being developed through collaborations within AFIRM and USAISR will benefit the treatment of extensive burns, infections, and a wide variety of other lifethreatening wounds.”
“This is big win for Montana’s biotech industry,” said Sen. Jon Tester, (D-Mont.) “It shows that our companies can play a vital role in some of the most cutting-edge research around. Working with the Defense Department on the AFIRM program, Microbion will be doing medical research that will make a real difference in troops’ lives.”
“This grant will help continue to grow Montana’s biotech industry and at the same time help our heroes, those serving in harms way if they are wounded,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “I commend the USAMRMC and Microbion for their innovative leadership.”
“Our consortium is comprised of a core of 15 advanced academic institutions, and approximately 20 leading edge corporate partners working in collaboration with USAISR,” Dr. Baker explained. The core academic institutions, led by Rutgers University and the Cleveland Clinic include: Case Western Reserve University, Carnegie Mellon University, SUNY Stony Brook, Dartmouth College, MIT, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, the Mayo Clinic, and Vanderbilt University.
“This partnership will bring in good paying jobs to Montana, boost our economy and ensure Montana’s best and brightest can share their expertise in biotechnology,” said Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont.), chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee. “The work that AFIRM is doing is truly impressive and incredibly important, and Microbion is a perfect example of the innovative technology companies we have in Montana. Together they can find medical solutions that will ease the suffering and disability of our soldiers on the front lines and we owe our troops the best science can offer.”
Congressman Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) also commented. “Private entities like Microbion play a critical role in developing cutting edge treatments for those who have been severely injured while bravely serving our country,” said Rehberg. “This funding is a recognition of those efforts. It’s great to see a Montana-based business playing a role in these crucial advancements.”
“Microbion Corporation is ideally suited to play a part in this initiative given their experience in both technology development and commercialization.” said John O’Donnell, TechRanch Executive Director.
Microbion relocated from Anchorage, Alaska to Bozeman, Montana early in 2005. “We immediately became an industrial member of the Center for Biofilm Engineering at Montana State University, a leading research institute in our field. Bozeman offered a highly advanced academic environment, small business development infrastructure, and a growing “critical mass” of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Our medical research relationships with the military were initially facilitated by Ray Friesenhahn of MSU TechLink, to whom we owe a debt of gratitude.” Dr. Baker stated. “As a Bozeman company, we are very proud to participate in AFIRM, as we contribute to Montana’s growing presence in leading edge biotechnology, medical device, and pharmaceutical technologies.”
Tags: Press release