The most high-profile biomedical research at the University of Georgia is the cloning work of Steve Stice, one of the world's most accomplished and respected cloning researchers. A part of the team which successfully cloned the first cattle in 1997, Stice's research at UGA focuses on agricultural production and the possibility of treating such diseases as Parkinson's. In the past several years, his team of researchers has cloned a number of cows, and KC, the first calf to be cloned from cells removed after slaughter. The success of this process holds promise for improving breeding stock by allowing cells to be selected for cloning from carcasses that have already gone through the USDA grading process. Stice has also cloned pigs.
Recently the U.S. Federal Drug Administration approved the drug RESTASIS™ for chronic dry eye in humans. The prescription drug is based on UGA research conducted by veterinary ophthalmologist Renee Kaswan.
Renee Kaswan
Veterinary Ophthalmologist, University of Georgia
A VentureLab graduate company, Qcept Technologies Inc., has developed a breakthrough, patented sensing technology called the Scanning Contact Potential Difference (CPD) sensor, which senses electrical fields to discern minute physical and chemical features of surfaces.
CardioMEMS, located in Georgia Tech's ATDC Biosciences Center, recently raised nearly $14 million to fund continued development of its implantable wireless medical sensor.
Vivonetics is the first true living cell gene expression imaging company. The technology, based on research by Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering Gang Bao, standing, has applications in drug discovery, molecular biology research, medical diagnosis and prediction of pharmaceutical treatment efficacy based on genetic analysis.
Instead of sending the discoveries of MCG scientists out of state, we can develop them into bio-businesses that contribute to the region's economy. MCG is currently working with companies that have grown from the work of MCG researchers, including: CyberCare, a telemedicine company with locations in Florida and Georgia, Accelerated Pharmaceuticals, which conducts molecular modeling ( Augusta ), and Zygogen, which focuses on gene control of organ development ( Atlanta ).
Dr. Matthew Kluger
Vice President for Research, Medical College of Georgia
Augusta, Georgia