Oklahoma State University - Center for Health Sciences

PROJECT PURPOSE

This project builds upon successful investment from industry, non-profit investors and other universities, as well as collaboration with the Oklahoma Pandemic Center for Innovation and Excellence. Funds will be used to establish a biotech R&D laboratory in Tulsa with broad neuroscience capabilities aimed at pain and addiction solutions. $48 million will be used for the design and construction of an 80,000 square-foot research facility, $9.6 million for laboratory equipment and furnishings and $2.4 million for startup support for recruiting nationally-recognized scientists. Existing research assets, unique to OSU, will boost this investment into a research-based and data-driven laboratory that optimizes the successful translation from research bench to clinical practice. This research, combined with medical education opportunities, delivery of innovative patient care, and industry and academic partnerships, will save lives and prevent substance use disorders for generations. Given the unique presence of the National Center for Wellness and Recovery, the existence of assets including 50,000 human blood/DNA samples and the opportunity to draw pharmaceutical industry research to bear through two significant bio-tech hubs of innovation, this project will have a transformational impact on all of Oklahoma?s citizens and on those impacted by the global opioid pandemic.

EVIDENCE

Oklahoma State University?s existing National Center for Wellness and Recovery brings biomedical and clinical research, medical education and innovative patient care to bear on the vital challenge of opioid addiction and recovery. Through its multidisciplinary team of scientists, physicians, researchers and educators, the Center develops answers for chronic pain and substance use disorders while safeguarding future generations from addiction through research, medical education and community advocacy. With innovative patient care methods, the Center increases healthcare access to all Oklahomans and delivers hope to those suffering. Now, in the wake of COVID-19, a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity exists to build on the Center?s research and treatment prowess and to drive economic opportunity in Oklahoma?s two major urban areas: a new Tulsa-based biotech sector focused on drug development to address opioid disorders and pain management, and a meaningful infusion in biotech start-up momentum to complement ongoing work in Oklahoma City?s Innovation District.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Oklahoma ranks forty-eighth in overall health outcomes, driven by the prevalence of heart disease, obesity, and mental health and addiction. These problems are further exacerbated by the lack of access to primary care in rural parts of the state. Much of the State?s medically-underserved population lives in rural areas ? a fact that makes them 87% more likely to receive an opioid prescription than their urban counterparts. As the leader in training the State?s rural healthcare providers ? including physicians ? OSU is naturally-positioned to help leverage new research in pharmaceuticals for the benefit of rural and underserved populations who suffer disproportionately from the opioid epidemic. According to an Oct. 1, 2021 report by Kaiser Health News, about 1 in 434 rural Americans have died of COVID thus far, compared with roughly 1 in 513 urban Americans, the institute?s data shows. And though vaccines have reduced overall COVID death rates since the winter peak, rural mortality rates are now more than double urban rates ? and accelerating quickly.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

The project effectiveness will be measured by the discovery of novel molecules that act through non-traditional opioid mechanisms to treat pain without harmful side effects, including addiction. Additionally, the project will be measured by the amount of sponsored research funds received through federal and private sources. Lastly, the project will produce a significant number of scientific publications and US patents that will further attract external collaborators, including industry, which in turn will accelerate the development and commercialization of new approaches for the treatment of pain and addiction.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma