UF's Biotech blows Governor away

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Florida
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<p>Gov. Jeb Bush is a recently converted Gator fan - and not just because of UF's winning basketball team. </p>

<p>Bush, who visited Gainesville on Wednesday, said he became a UF fan thanks to the university's innovations in bioscience. He spent the day attending the grand opening of a UF research complex and giving a speech at a conference at the UF Hilton. </p>

<p>"This is a heck of a lot more exciting than an undefeated basketball team," Bush said at the opening of UF's new Cancer and Genetics Research Complex. "It just blows me away." </p>

<p>Although officials have been working at the new center for about four months, UF's vice president for research finally cut the ribbon on the $84.5 million complex Wednesday afternoon. </p>

<p>Bush was invited because of his contributions to Florida's bioscience industry, which he worked to develop when the state's "economy was in a slight economic downturn" from its lack of tourism after Sept. 11, he said. </p>

<p>During his speech at the ceremony, Bush said UF's new complex is the biggest research building in the state of Florida - although its size will soon be surpassed by a research building in Palm Beach. </p>

<p>The complex boasts a five-story wing of the UF Shands Cancer Center and a six-story Genetics Institute wing, according to a press release. </p>

<p>Bush joked that while he could never explain the science behind the centers, he hoped their scientists could. In an interview after the opening, he noted several achievements the state Legislature supported in the field of bioscience. It granted $45 million to "advance research agendas at UF and FSU," he said. </p>

<p>Bioscience "puts the state in better shape, and UF is the centerpiece of that," he said. </p>

<p>Dr. Doug Barrett, UF's senior vice president for health affairs, said the new building epitomizes the "essence of collaboration" among scientists. </p>

<p>Bush said research initiatives need to continue "so Florida becomes the envy of the states." </p>

<p>"It looks really cool," he said. </p>

<p>Earlier that afternoon, at the 2006 BioFlorida Conference at the UF Hilton, Bush discussed the importance of the bioscience industry in Florida. He addressed more than 400 public officials and representatives from bioscience companies, who dined on sirloin steak and Key lime pie before Bush spoke. </p>

<p>During his speech, Bush said he was proud of the great successes UF had achieved in biotechnology. That research field uses biology to manufacture drugs or other products. </p>

<p>He said most universities tend to "toot their horn louder than they need, but UF doesn't toot their horn loud enough." </p>

<p>"UF is a world-class institution and it's time to let the rest of the world know it," he said. </p>

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<p>TALLAHASSEE - Governor Jeb Bush today applauded the University of Florida on its most recent spin-off venture, the Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation (AGTC). AGTC joins a growing list of Florida success stories engaged in world-class research and innovation, which has placed Florida as a major player in the global biotechnology arena. Working out of the University of Florida Sid Martin Biotechnology Development Incubator, AGTC licensed the University's groundbreaking gene therapy technology which, in collaboration with biotech giant Genzyme Corporation, will develop Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) vectors into gene therapies. </p>

<p>"Today's news is truly inspiring and an example of where we are striving to take Florida," said Governor Bush. "The AGTC team, in partnership with the University of Florida, its Center of Excellence in Regenerative Health Biotechnology, and the Sid Martin Biotechnology Development Incubator, will serve to advance life improving gene therapies to new levels, while solidifying Florida's place in the future of biotechnological innovation and discovery." </p>

<p>Aimed at developing unique treatments for cardiovascular disease, central nervous system disorders, immune-mediated disorders and other ailments, the research partnership between the Massachusetts-based Genzyme and AGTC will focus on novel gene therapies. Genzyme expects its new Florida venture to produce highly productive manufacturing capabilities with the potential to support future clinical trials and product development. AGTC, which has licensed the University of Florida's groundbreaking gene therapy technology, will lend its expertise in developing AAV vectors into gene therapies. Genzyme also will make use of AGTC's high-yield AAV vector manufacturing capabilities to reach its goals. </p>

<p>Governor Bush continues to emphasize fostering the development and growth of emerging technologies, protecting Florida's defense and military sector and bringing the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) Permanent Secretariat to Miami. Last year, Governor Bush announced the state's successful effort to attract the world renowned Scripps Research Institute to locate its East Coast sister campus in West Palm Beach, as well as led in the establishment of university-based Centers of Excellence aimed to generate unique, world-class high technology research and development. </p>

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