Memphis, TN

Memphis ' Medical Clusters Pave the Way for Bio Success

The Memphis region has medical research momentum that's positioning the southern belle to become a premier biotech cluster. In fact, the Memphis region is home to five important medical clusters that support the goals of a life sciences agenda. From hospitals, to medical schools to research centers, Memphis has laid the foundation for a bright tomorrow.

The Memphis region has the three interactive medical functions necessary to become a medical hub: major hospitals, medical schools and research centers. Research conducted at the medical school, metro and regional hospitals and independent facilities provides the cutting-edge knowledge. There are also several renowned clinics in the bio-med field serving the region and manufacturers.

There are five important medical clusters in the Memphis region. The largest cluster of medical facilities and research centers in the region is located in the Memphis metro area. It includes the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , Veterans Hospital , Baptist Memorial HealthCare System, the Regional Medical Center - The Med, Methodist Healthcare, the MERI (Medical Education Research Institute) and the Southern College of Optometry.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , for example, is one of the world's premiere centers for research and treatment of catastrophic children's diseases, primarily pediatric cancer. St. Jude has a world-class staff including a Nobel Prize winner for Physiology and three members of the National Academy of Sciences. This extraordinary facility is currently undergoing a $1 billion expansion to increase its research and care capability and will hire 400 new researchers. The new areas of research to be conducted include chemical biology, molecular biotechnology and human immunology and immunotherapy.

In addition to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , medical research in the region is conducted at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) and the University of Memphis . While some research is done collaboratively, each institution has its own research focus. Potential research relationships also exist between the UTHSC and the medical schools in Little Rock and Nashville and the research center at Oak Ridge .

Currently, UT has funding for $50 million in research with plans to expand to $200 million in 5 years. The University of Tennessee has a program to work on projects with the Oak Ridge Research Center . Important research within the region is also taking place at University of Mississippi , which has just received a $60 million grant, and at ASU, which is focused on bio-agriculture research.

Of course, commercialization of research is the foundation for developing the bio-med component of the economy. The logistics infrastructure and diverse medical functions of the region have encouraged the expansion of a bio-med component of the economy. Tri-Star Center , for example, is a joint operation of UTHSC and the University of Tennessee established to facilitate the commercialization of technology in the Memphis region.

The center has the resources and environment necessary for startup businesses to develop a presence in the bio-med market. The region has already been successful in attracting medical specialty companies such as Smith & Nephew, Sofamor-Danek, Wright Medical and Planet RX. A continued emphasis on technology commercialization will attract other medical companies to the region. The region is poised to significantly expand its bio-med base.

For more information about the Memphis Region, call the Memphis Chamber 901.543.3523, send e-mail to adaniels@memphischamber.com or visit www.memphischamber.com.