Today the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas announced the launch of the new Texas Cancer Plan. The Plan identifies the challenges and issues that affect our state and presents a comprehensive set of goals, objectives, and strategic actions to help inform and guide communities in the fight against cancer.  The DFW region’s healthcare providers are leading the way in cancer treatment and research for new and better treatments (hopefully some day a cure!), but, as the plan outlines, it will take individual responsibility and community action to prevent the more than 100,000 new cancer diagnoses’ per year in the State of Texas. Please take a look at the plan and engage in this effort.

The plan launch highlights the following:

The Texas Cancer Plan can help you save money, boost your energy and preserve your youth.

Of course, a few actions are required on your part. Eat your veggies. Get outside and move. Quit (or don’t begin) smoking. Volunteer. Stay up to date on your health screenings. You get the idea.

Sure, you’ve heard it all before, but have you heard that in 2012, it is estimated that more than 110,000 Texans will be told, “You have cancer”? Approximately 39,000 Texans are expected to lose their lives to cancer this year.

While these statistics are sobering, Texans aren’t the type to roll over and give in without a fight. The 2012 Texas Cancer Plan (“Plan”) outlines actions all Texans can take to help our state lead the nation in the fight against cancer.

The overall success of the Plan depends on you. It depends on us. Show your Texas pride by joining the fight against cancer and encouraging others to do the same. Whether you’re a hospital, a state or local agency, a school/university, an employer, a medical professional, a non-profit or community-based organization, a legislator, or simply an honest-to-goodness Texan, there’s something in the Plan for you!

For more information about the Plan, including tools for helping to realize its goals, please visit www.txcancerplan.org.

Dallas Regional Chamber member Children’s Medical Center-Dallas and UT Southwestern Medical Center announced the establishment of a unique $150 million venture that will bring together the finest scientists to pursue research with the potential to change scientific fields, as well as the way disease is treated in children and adults.

The Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern will focus on the discovery of transformative advances related to the understanding and treatment of cancer, birth defects and metabolic diseases. The institute will combine the comprehensive clinical expertise of Children’s Medical Center Dallas, a nationally ranked pediatric hospital system, and UT Southwestern, an internationally recognized center for medical research.

Children’s has committed to raise $150 million in endowment to support the new initiative, and as part of the institute’s ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Tuesday March 6 announced a $10 million gift – the second-largest ever made to Children’s Medical Center. The gift, from the Hamon Charitable Foundation, will establish an endowment to support the Children’s Research Institute. Dr. Sean Morrison, Ph.D., internationally acclaimed for his groundbreaking stem cell research, has been named founding director of the institute. In recognition of this gift, Dr. Morrison’s laboratory at the institute will be named the Hamon Laboratory for Stem Cell and Cancer Biology.

“The Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern is poised to lead the way in a new era of scientific discovery,” said Christopher J. Durovich, President and Chief Executive Officer of Children’s. “This will make treatments more effective and delivery of care more efficient. Ultimately, we will push the frontiers of pediatric medicine, help reduce suffering and save lives, a goal of Children’s for nearly 100 years.”

“The goals of the institute align with our focus on translating scientific advances into outstanding patient care,” said Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, President of UT Southwestern. “We look forward to this enhanced collaboration between UT Southwestern and Children’s Medical Center.”

The institute is located at 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard, on the UT Southwestern campus.

We’ve seen in the press and social media the dynamic growth of “consumer health”. While entrepreneurs and researchers are focusing on creating the “next big thing” that will make us rethink health care delivery and how it is linked to artificial intelligence, data, mobile devices, apps or even a printer. At the same time the largest health care providers do their best to adapt to new trends and new applications that will decrease costs and improve the service they deliver. In this era of the transformation of health care delivery, services and systems, the role of the Chamber in 2012 will focus on seeking to improve access to information, technology transfer and research, capital and industry connections.

One of our biggest projects will be the creation of our new Health Innovation Council. The council will focus on engaging C-level executives of pharmaceuticals companies, research institutions, health care providers, medical device manufactures and life science companies in activities that will assess the industry in order to develop new business models that if successful, will attract capital investment into the Dallas region. Another goal of the Council will be to assess the health care industry, understand its gaps and strive to increase competitiveness as it promotes the regional successes through different marketing efforts.

Becoming an industry convener has become a key role for the health care and life science industry. In 2010 the Chamber with UNT and Westar Trade Resources launched the Life Science Connection quarterly review. The review is an email publication that has linked 6000 industry players from non for profits, universities, government agencies and entrepreneurs to interesting discussions of trends and grant opportunities. We are hoping to grow our data base for 2012 as we partner with the region’s experts to create content and access to information. To signup for the LSC click here and select Health Care/Life Sciences as an interest.

Educational programming will be as important to understand from first hand experts the direction of the industry by hosting the 4^th Annual Health Care Conference which will focus on updating the health care and life science community on legislative updates, health and wellness as well as the latest technologies in consumer health. And last and as important, our efforts will continue to focus on corporate recruitment and marketing the health and life science industry.

We’re excited about the growth of the health care and life science industry, from Reata’s success, to growth of DFW hospital systems and the great potential of incubators and accelerators supporting the entrepreneurs of our region. 2012 will definitely bring new opportunities in the industry and the Chamber is ready to take on an ambitious program of work.

To learn more about the Chamber’s health care initiatives contact Anakarina Pina at apina@dallaschamber or at 214-712-1968

In July, 2011, Remeditex Ventures was conceived and funded by Lyda Hill to foster a biotechnology industry in Texas, advance promising research-stage technologies to commercialization, and ultimately, bring cutting-edge therapies to the medical market place for the benefit of mankind.  Remeditex is not a classic venture finance group. It willing engage with university investigators at extremely early stages of technology development and to structure companies that are attractive as investments to both out-of-state venture capitalists as well as local, individual investors.

The importance of such an investment approach was demonstrated by Reata Pharmaceuticals, a company that was incorporated as a spin-out of UT Southwestern Medical Center in 2002.  Reata since secured over $200 million in financing, in large part from local individuals and private equity investors – investors who brought patient capital to the table, as well as desire to keep the company in Texas.  Today the company has over 150 employees and is engaged in phase 3 clinical trials, testing a drug that holds the promise of reversing diabetic kidney disease.  Recently, the company closed the largest off-shore partnering deal in the history of the biotechnology industry.

Prior to Reata, it was extremely difficult to anchor biotechnology companies in Texas. While Texas universities rank in the top tier with respect to quality of research, the reputation of their investigators and resulting intellectual property, a paucity of classic venture funds and angel investors historically limited the development of local biotechnology companies.  Especially, the success of companies seeking to develop pharmaceuticals was hampered. These capital-intensive investments have been beyond the reach of local investors, and out-of-state venture firms have often forced these initiatives to relocate in proximity to the capital, thus thwarting the growth of the industry in Texas and depriving the region of an important new sector.

Remeditex now hopes to build upon the success of Reata and advance the biotechnology industry in Texas.

Dave Stiles is a veteran of nearly 30 years in the Medical Device Industry.  After graduating from San Diego State University with a degree in Marketing, Dave pursued a sales and marketing career with leading medical device companies such as Medtronic and Zimmer. Responsibilities included product management, new product development, marketing, sales management, strategic planning and international market development. Market areas have included orthopedic implants, surgical saws and radiation oncology products. He rose to the level of VP of Sales and Marketing.  In 2007, he partnered with Elizabeth White R.N. to start ErgoNurse. The ErgoNurse Patient Lifting System is a revolutionary no-lift product that eliminates nursing injuries from manual lifting.

Name and Company
ErgoNurse Inc.
 
What does Ergonurse do and how is it differentiated from its competition?
ErgoNurse is a patient repositioning system that stands behind the hospital bed and is used for all on-bed movement of bed-ridden patients; including pulling up in bed, turning for pillow placement to avoid pressure ulcers and turning fully to the side for clean-up and linen changes.  The ErgoNurse will also elevate the patient off the bed to change the linen, off-set large patients to the side before turning and to place transfer slings or mattresses under the patient.  The ErgoNurse transforms the bed linen into a sling to gently move the patient by simply lowering the bed.  There is not another product on the market that moves patients on the bed in such a simple truly no-lift manner.
 
What is your company’s mission?
To provide an array of innovative Safe Patient Handling products to save hospital caregivers from injury.
 
When was Ergonurse founded and what was your role starting the project?
We funded in June of 2009, but had been in partial operation for two years prior to that.  I am the President and CEO and led the fund-raising efforts.
 
How long have you been working on this project?
I joined ErgoNurse as an independent contractor on October of 2007.

What were the skills from school or any work experience that helped you develop your company?
I have a marketing degree and MBA from San Diego State University.  I have 30 years’ experience in the Medical Device industry.  My last position was as VP of Sales and Marketing for an oncology company.
 
How would you describe the success of ErgoNurse?
We funded in June of 2009 and launched the product nationally with manufacturers’ representatives.  We were profitable in 2010 and continue to grow.
 
How is your company funded and have you won any grants or contracts?
We did a preferred offering that was sponsored through the North Texas Angel Network.  Our investors include members of NTAN and individual Angel investors we met through our involvement with NTEC.  Our manufacturing partner Rico Mufacturing of Medina OH is also a major investor.
 
Can you tell us about the experience on grant writing and challenges if applicable
We did not apply for any grants
 
Please describe your newest accomplishment of the company.
We gained a contract with a major west coast health care system and are having good results as we introduce the product into their system.
 
How does working with an incubator impact your success?
Yes, NTEC was a key to our early success.  Their assistance with fund-raising and other business contacts was invaluable.
 
What is the role of the incubator now at this stage of your project?
We continue to office out of the NTEC facility and still have some contact with the staff.
What is ErgoNurse goal for the future?
Growth and to become recognized as the standard for patient repositioning in hospitals
 
What were the challenges when forming Ergonurse?
The economy, we started our fund-raising in September of 2008.  The economies impact on hospitals and their available dollars for capital equipment.  Selling a truly new concept into a market where nurses have been manually moving patients (and injuring themselves) for hundreds of years.
 
Is there any advice that you would give to the entrepreneurs and researchers about how to be successful on developing their companies or projects?
Don’t under estimate the old axiom about cutting your sales projections in half and doubling your expenses.  And you can’t raise too much money or be too careful how you spend your money.
 
Can you give a suggestion to Universities and Government of ways in which their programs could improve in order to support companies such as yours?
If the government wants to spur the economy and create jobs and innovation then they should support a 1000 NTECs around the country and stop providing bail-out and tax credits to giant companies.
 
Why did you decide to locate in the North Texas area?
First customer was here, grand kids were here, cost of living is low, the economy was better than where we came from in Calf and it’s a major city with all the opportunity needed to get a business started.
 
What are the advantages of the North Texas region in comparison with other cities in the U.S. for an entrepreneur?
Market size, breadth of industries, low taxes, low cost of living, major airport hubs, friendly to business and start-ups, still has a base of wealth for investors.

The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is responsible for the provision and oversight of public health and behavioral health services in Texas. DSHS utilizes whole-population strategies to address the health of 25 million Texans. The agency’s mission to improve health and well-being spans the spectrum of health related issues that could not be addressed without the development of sustainable partnerships with constituents across the Lone Star State.

The agency’s work in cancer is an example of an area in which partnerships are essential. DSHS’ efforts are focused on upstream prevention to help communities and individuals reduce their risks for cancer through healthier lifestyle choices and targeted screening. DSHS also leverages resources with individual health organizations like the Texas Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition, which is comprised of over 30 members representing cancer control stakeholders.

DSHS administers The Texas Cancer Registry, one of ten specialized state cancer registries in the United States. This nationally recognized, gold standard registry is the source of statistics that provide information about where cancers occur and who they affect. Funded for Comparative Effectiveness Research through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Agency for Health Research and Quality, the registry gauges progress in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.

The Registry receives data from hospitals and cancer treatment centers, pathology laboratories, ambulatory surgery centers, physicians, and death certificates to support clinical, epidemiologic and health services research and investigations. As a cornerstone for activities funded through the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), data from the Registry is used for groundbreaking cancer research, prevention programs and services and as a major resource for the Texas Cancer Plan to be published in 2012.

The expertise of practitioners and researchers continues to make the Texas Cancer Registry a primary resource center for cancer data. DSHS often acts as the state’s health catalyst and convener. As such, the agency strives to foster productive partnerships with academic institutions, business enterprises, and community based organizations to promote health and support the state’s priorities for cancer prevention and research.

The following is a sampling of the diverse funding opportunities available for cancer research arranged by organization:

Department of Defense
www.grants.gov

Small Grants Program for Cancer Epidemiology n 

Funding Opportunity Announcement Number PAR-12-039

This funding opportunity announcement (FOA), issued by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), encourages the submission of Small Research Grant (R03) applications for research on cancer etiology and epidemiology. The overarching goal of this FOA is to provide support for pilot projects, testing of new techniques, secondary analyses of existing data, development and validation of measurement methods, linkage of genetic polymorphisms with other variables related to cancer risk, and development of innovative projects for more comprehensive research in cancer etiology and epidemiology.Using the NIH Small Research Grant (R03) funding mechanism, this FOA focuses on different types of projects including, but not limited to: (1) pilot and feasibility studies; (2) secondary analysis of existing data; (3) small, self-contained research projects; (4) development of research methodology; and (5) development of new research technology. The R03 mechanism is critical for collection of pilot data that can be used for larger grant applications such as the Research Project Grant Mechanism (R01). R01 studies in cancer epidemiology usually require large sample sizes, complex logistics, extensive fieldwork, acquisition of bio specimens, and, sometimes, the acquisition of sensitive information such as reproductive histories.

Background

The main mission of the Epidemiology and Genetics Research Program (EGRP) is to increase our understanding of the determinants of cancer and cancer-related outcomes in human populations. This mission includes using an epidemiologic approach to facilitate movement of discoveries in the basic sciences and improved technologies to studies in human populations, discoveries about the determinants of cancer and cancer-related health outcomes after cancer into clinical and public health practice, and the movement of scientific knowledge from clinical and public health to human studies and basic biology. Cancer occurrence is usually measured by development of an incident cancer. Health outcomes after cancer include recurrence, survival, second primary cancers, new health conditions, and mortality. Determinants of cancer occurrence and health outcomes include behavioral, environmental, infectious, medical, and social and cultural factors and life events and experiences that have a health impact as well as genetic factors and other personal susceptibility factors.

The deadline for this funding opportunity is November 18, 2014

More information can be found at:

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-12-039.html

Science and Technology and other Research and Development Grant

In FY 2012, NSF in collaboration with the Office of Physical Sciences-Oncology (OPSO) of the National Cancer Institute will accept and review investigator-initiated proposals related to the application of physical and engineering sciences knowledge towards understanding cancer diseases.

The deadline for this funding opportunity is February 15, 2012

More information can be found at:

http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf12514

Validation of Molecular Diagnostics to Predict Patient Outcomes Using Specimens from Multi-Site Cancer Trials

Funding Opportunity Announcement Number PA-12-014

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), issued by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), encourages the submission of Exploratory/Developmental Research Project Grant (R21) applications from institutions and organizations to validate the clinical utility of new molecular diagnostics for determining prognosis or predicting response to therapy or toxicity for cancer.

The Cancer Diagnosis Program (CDP) and the Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP) at the NCI are cooperatively sponsoring this FOA with the purpose to transition of candidate biomarkers from initial correlative observations into diagnostics that are suitable for use in clinical trials to assess the clinical validity of a marker. This program will support pilot research projects to improve clinical decision-making in the care of cancer patients and as such will support studies that use tumor specimens linked to specific treatment and clinical outcome information. This FOA is not appropriate for molecular diagnostics discovery projects.

The deadline for this funding opportunity is January 8, 2015

More information can be found at:

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-12-014.html

SBIR Phase IIB Bridge Awards to Accelerate the Development of Cancer Therapeutics, Imaging Technologies, Interventional Devices, Diagnostics, and Prognostics Toward Commercialization (R44)

Funding Opportunity Announcement Number RFA-CA-12-001

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) solicits Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) applications from small business concerns (SBCs) that seek additional funding to support the next stage of development for projects that were previously funded by NIH SBIR Phase II awards. Projects proposed in response to this FOA must be applicable to one of the following areas: (1) cancer therapeutics; (2) cancer imaging technologies, interventional devices, and in vivo diagnostics; or (3) in vitro and ex vivo cancer diagnostics and prognostics. The purpose of this FOA is to facilitate the transition of SBIR Phase II projects to the commercialization stage.

The deadline for this funding opportunity is March 27, 2012

More information can be found at:

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-CA-12-001.html

National Cancer Institute Program Project (P01)

Funding Opportunity Announcement Number PAR-12-005

With this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), the National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications for investigator-initiated program project (P01) grants. Proposed program projects may address any of the broad areas of cancer research, including (but not limited to) cancer biology, cancer treatment, cancer diagnosis, cancer prevention, and cancer control. Basic, translational, clinical, and/or population-based studies in all of these research areas are appropriate. Each Program Project application must consist of at least three component projects. The component projects must share a common central theme, focus, and/or overall objective.

The deadline for this funding opportunity is January 7, 2015

 More information can be found at:

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-12-005.html

Roundtable

On Friday, December 2nd, the Dallas Regional Chamber and the Innovation & Technology Council hosted its 11^th Annual State of Technology Luncheon & Innovation Showcase at the Irving Convention Center, featuring keynote speaker Paul Mascarenas, Chief Technical Officer and Vice President of Ford Research & Innovation at Ford Motor Company.

Prior to the luncheon, Mascarenas hosted a private roundtable discussion with member CIO, CTO’s and VIP’s for a peer-to-peer discussion about the role of innovation in their industries and how to better leverage new technology to advance their organizations.

Innovation Showcase

Also prior to the luncheon was an exhibit hall featuring more than 50 booths showcasing innovative products and services which included an electric vehicle, the newest mobile gadgets, and even a company that created art from brain waves! The North Texas RCIC hosted 20 local companies for our Entrepreneurial Aisle!

During the luncheon, Mascarenas discussed how Ford Motor Company has utilized technology and innovation to further excel in the global marketplace and the challenges and opportunities the future holds for industry. Mascarenas said, “We have come to think of ourselves as a technology company – rather than simply a car company.”

Luncheon

Read more from the Dallas Morning News at http://www.dallasnews.com/business/autos-latest-news/20111202-ford-working-to-develop-smart-cars.ece?action=reregister.

Thank you to all who attended and contributed to the success of this event.  We hope to see you all next year!  A complete list of all exhibitors and event sponsors can be found www.dallaschamber.org/sot.  Click here to view photos from this event.

Hi, my name is Charity and I am a senior at Berkner High School in the Richardson ISD. This semester I was given the privilege of interning here at the Dallas Regional Chamber through Richardson’s professional internship program. After being selected for the program through a combination of applications and interviews I was assigned to work here, not knowing much, if anything, about the Chamber’s mission. Throughout my experience, I have learned how much the Chamber supports growing businesses in the area giving them great opportunities to network and establish a respected name; and that this really does make Dallas a great place to live for businesses and families alike. The consistent dedication of the employees here makes the every part of what they do seem easy and enjoyable.

Personally, I have helped with the production of three events; the Momentum Awards held in October, the Sustainable Innovation Summit held in November, and most recently the State of Technology just last week. Each of these gave me unique experiences and skills that I can now take with me (and continue to develop) to virtually any future job I might acquire. From making phone calls to printing name tags, I have accomplished tasks that have really allowed me to contribute to each different event, and then eventually see the final results. I am so thankful to each employee I have worked with, and am especially glad that I have been given the opportunity to intern here at the Chamber.

As my senior year rushes by, I am determined to select a college that will give me the best opportunities possible, hoping that they will include study abroad programs and further internships. As of now, I have applied to SMU, Austin College, TCU, Baylor, and the University of Texas. I have not decided on a specific field of study yet because I believe that it is more important for someone who is unsure, like me, to gain some experience in many different areas before committing to just one. This experience here at the Chamber is definitely one that I will remember when making any decisions because I know that it will guide me on the best path for my future.

The Dallas Regional Chamber is regularly recruiting interns to support Chamber staff and our membership. The DRC’s internship program offers the opportunity to work with a diverse group of hard-working, organized, and dedicated individuals and provides an opportunity to work in an environment that fosters collaboration, outstanding opportunities for professional growth, and a chance to make a positive impact in our Region.

If you are interested in applying for this volunteer internship opportunity, please contact Amy Gibson at agibson@dallaschamber.org or 214-746-6724.

Erica Flores, Industry Clusters & Economic Development

On December 2^nd, Ford Research & Innovation’s  Chief Technical Officer and VP, Paul Mascarenas will host a private members-only CIO Roundtable to discuss how Ford keeps pace with consumer technology as well as Ford’s research initiatives including: the cloud connected car, in-car health and wellness technologies and car-to-car communications.

The Dallas Regional Chamber invites all member-company Chief Information and Chief Technical Officers to participate in this exclusive event, being held in conjunction with our 11^th Annual State of Technology Luncheon & Innovation Showcase on December 2^nd.

To request an invitation, please email Anakarina Pina at apina@dallaschamber.org and your RSVP will be confirmed.  To learn more about the 11^th Annual State of Technology, including registration, please visit www.dallaschamber.org/sot.

About the CIO Roundtable
The CIO Symposium brings together chief technology executives for private, peer-to-peer, networking and educational programs.  These invitation-only events feature high-profile executives addressing issues impacting the industry and the technology role within companies.  Past topics have included: social media and its effect on the chief technology executive; innovation during uncertainty; and the five technology sectors that are driving the future.  Approximately 70 executives attend each event and attendance is strictly limited to CIO, CTO and direct reports only.  Companies in attendance have included Microsoft, AT&T, Mary Kay, Siemens PLM Software, and 7-Eleven.  This program is hosted by the Dallas Regional Chamber’s Innovation & Technology Council.