This is Arizona Bioscience Week, and there is no better time to spotlight the significant wins for bio-based businesses in Northern Arizona. From groundbreaking medical advancements to a growing bioscience ecosystem, the region is strengthening its position as a leader in innovation in the sector.
Here are some of the recent highlights:
Last month, Northern Arizona Healthcare announced it had entered into a cancer care coordination agreement with City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the nation, to help treat complex or rare cases of cancer in northern Arizona. The model will increase access to cancer care for northern Arizonans, and allow them to get expert support from City of Hope providers without having to leave NAH oncology care.
Earlier this year, W.L. Gore received FDA approval for a groundbreaking endovascular device designed to treat complex aortic aneurysms. The EXCLUDER® Thoracoabdominal Branch Endoprosthesis or TAMBE is the first off-the-shelf endovascular solution for the treatment of complex aneurysmal disease involving the visceral aorta.
Poba Medical, a leading medical balloon developer and manufacturer that specializes in angioplasty style balloon and catheter development, acquired its first business this year, purchasing the assets and creating a strategic partnership with Byond Medical. The partnership brings together complementary balloon and complex catheter design expertise and adds to the continuing expansion of Poba Medical.
Meanwhile, Northern Arizona University continues to do important research in the bioscience space, including a new National Science Foundation-funded project co-led by an NAU biologist to examine dynamic muscle function of humans and animals. The research aims to understand the intricate mechanics of muscle control during rapid, unsteady movements in complex environments with the goal of creating improved physical therapy and rehabilitation programs and mobility assistance devices.
The ECoNA 5-year Strategic Plan identifies biosciences and healthcare as key sectors for future growth in northern Arizona. With the development of the Northern Arizona Technology Park in Flagstaff and the anticipated colleges of medicine and nursing planned for NAU, the biosciences will continue to be a singularly important part of the region’s economic landscape.
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