Research Institutes Partner to Develop a Global Center for Transformative Nanomedicine

Two internationally renowned biomedical research institutions have agreed to collaborate in the establishment of a virtual center to boost development of nanotechnological techniques for diagnosis and treatment of disease.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Israel) and the Cleveland Clinic (OH, USA) announced a five-year commitment to raise at least 15 million USD as initial funding to establish the virtual Center for Transformative Nanomedicine. This center will sponsor interdisciplinary research at the Hebrew University in combination with the Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Biomedical Engineering with the goal of developing nanotechniques that will facilitate therapy and new ways of diagnosing diseases.

Research efforts will encompass a wide range of illnesses including cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, and cancer. Investigators involved in the program will endeavor to develop nanomethods for drug transport that will allow delivery of large doses of drugs to be released at a specific site and only to that site, causing fewer side effects than traditional treatments. In addition, they plan to develop inexpensive nanoscale devices to facilitate therapy and diagnosis.

“Our two institutions will leverage resources and begin to combine our scientific knowledge,” said Dr. Menahem Ben-Sasson, president of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. “These powerful interactions will expedite better medical treatments, more rapid, cost-effective diagnostics, and improved healthcare delivery for people the world over.”

“We are honored to join with Hebrew University to advance the emerging field of nanotechnology,” said Dr. Toby Cosgrove, president and CEO of the Cleveland Clinic. “The new Center for Transformative Nanomedicine will ensure development of novel therapeutics to improve longevity, enhance patient well-being, make medical care more cost-effective, and provide dynamic solutions to global health concerns.”

The initial development stage will be directed by Dr. D. Geoffrey Vince, of the Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Simon Benita of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Related Links:
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Cleveland Clinic