IBRI receives $1 million research grant from Cook Medical to support growth of Institute

The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) today announced a $1 million research grant from Cook Medical to support the next phase of growth for the Institute dedicated to discovery science and applied research leading to innovation targeting cardio-metabolic disease, diabetes, and poor nutrition. The donation will be matched through a grant from the Lilly Endowment.

"We are extremely pleased to have Cook Medical join the IBRI as a founding stakeholder," said David Broecker, President and CEO of the IBRI. "What makes the IBRI unique is broad-based support from Indiana's diverse set of leading life sciences and technology companies. Cook Medical is an innovative global company, and not just in medical devices. Cook is creating interesting capabilities and products in areas of regenerative medicine and cellular therapies and we are excited by the potential treatment options this could provide for patients. We look forward to working with Cook scientists and engineers in this area."

Cook Medical joins other leading life science companies including Dow AgroSciences, Eli Lilly and Company, and Roche Diagnostics as Institute Founders and scientific advisory board members. Other Institute Founders include the State of Indiana, Lilly Endowment, Indiana University Health, and the Indiana University School of Medicine.

"We're proud to support the IBRI and their pursuit to attract the best and brightest to Indiana to develop and discover the next generation of medical breakthroughs," said Steve Ferguson, chairman of the board of Cook Group. "The partnership with IBRI provides opportunities to improve patient care while stimulating Indiana's economy through the life sciences industry."

The IBRI is an independent research institute focused on attracting top entrepreneurial researchers who are pursuing on breakthrough science and innovation. This so-called "Discovery With Purpose" is what motivates institute scientists to translate research in collaboration with a variety of others including philanthropic, academic and industry partners.

The institute was established in 2013 with initial funding of $25 million from the State of Indiana and an additional $25 million from the Lilly Endowment and other leading life sciences entities. The Lilly Endowment and the Lilly Foundation provided an additional $85 million in support and matching commitments in early 2016.