The Kansas Bioscience Authority (KBA) has just announced at the 2009 BIO International Convention, held in Atlanta, GA, that it has approved more than $11 million in new investments as part of a $581 million initiative to help researchers and businesses flourish in Kansas.

According to a press release on the KBA's website, the funding will create bioscience centers for biomaterials and plant biology, expand cancer drug development efforts, and create a bioenergy research partnership between the University of Kansas and the Archer Daniels Midland Company.

Some of the more significant awards include:

--$4 million for the Center of Innovation for Biomaterials in Orthopaedic Research to create medical instruments, medical devices, and composite implants that will improve the practice of orthopedic medicine. The partners for this center are Wichita State University, the National Institute of Aviation Research, the Wichita Composites Advisory Board, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University, and Via Christi Health. The KBA says the center is expected to increase employment in Kansas by 2,000 over 10 years.

--$195,000 to Lenexa-based CyDex Pharmaceuticals for commercialization of re-formulated drugs that address limitations of existing therapies. A particular focus will be improving a cancer drug for patients with multiple myeloma.

--$50,000 to CritiTech and SCF Technologies of Lawrence, KS, 000 to further develop a novel approach to converting drugs into dry, sterile powder form. The investment is a partial match to a $100,000 grant from the National Cancer Institute.

--$50,000 to Manhattan, KS-based NanoScale in KBA matching funds to expedite the testing of nanoparticles for diagnostic and therapeutic uses in fighting cancer.

--$500,000 to the University of Kansas Cancer Center and Scripps Research Institute for research on reduction of toxicity associated with chemotherapy and improving the treatment of breast and prostate cancers.

Adapted from a press release by the Kansas Bioscience Authority.

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