Bioscience focus areas are important part of Memphis' economic growth

Memphis Business Journal
July 6, 2007
By Steven J. Bares

Bio-economy, bioscience, biophysics, biochemistry, bioterrorism and biologistics. It seems like we hear a new "bio" term every day. In Memphis, we usually refer to the industry as the "biosciences." The reality is that there are three distinct categories of bioscience upon which Memphis' economic strategies are focused -- biologistics, biomedical and bioagriculture.

These three areas are important because they allow us to build our future bio-economy on Memphis' current strengths. The region has long been renowned for its logistics capabilities, excellent health care, research and agricultural production. As natural extensions of industries for which Memphis is already known, biologistics, biomedicine and bioagriculture represent new opportunities for economic growth.

Biologistics

The world leader in logistics, Memphis already has many of the shipping capabilities needed to meet the demands of a bio-economy. We have the ability to ensure smooth clearance of packages and materials, excellent customs operations, the necessary infrastructure and the specialized warehousing to meet a variety of differing product needs.

But what about the "bio" part of the equation? A world of personalized medicine is one in which speed, security, counterfeit protection, confidential tracking and the biology behind the treatment are each equally important. Pharmaceutical companies, researchers and scientists will need the ability to quickly manufacture, pack and ship medications and other medical supplies to points around the world.

One of the Memphis Bioworks Foundation's goals is to attract biotechnology companies that can build upon our biologistic capabilities. Research laboratories, specialized storage facilities, medical operations and drug manufacturers are all needed in the time-sensitive creation and distribution of personalized medicines and materials. As such, they should be considered an important part of the biologistics chain.

Biomedical

Just as it is a logistics powerhouse, Memphis is the health care heart of the Mid- South. Pediatric oncology, infectious disease research, orthopedic surgery and devices and clinical development are all areas of excellence found in Memphis.

Home to InMotion Musculoskeletal Institute, Medtronic, Smith & Nephew, Inc., and Wright Medical Group, Inc., Memphis is the second-largest producer of orthopedic devices and a leader in musculoskeletal research. Renowned research institutions include St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Methodist University Hospital, UT Health Science Center, Memphis College of Optometry, University of Memphis and Memphis Veterans Hospital.

To leverage the medical strengths in Memphis into biomedical assets, we must focus efforts into several key areas -- supporting new research; translating that research into commercially viable products; attracting entrepreneurs and investors to Memphis to take new discoveries to market; and developing the necessary infrastructure for manufacturing new bio products.

Bioagriculture

Industrial biotechnology companies use biological molecules and micro-organisms to discover new ways to manufacture industrial raw materials, intermediates and consumer goods from plants and agricultural waste, often called biomass. These new discoveries have applications in manufacturing and processing a variety of products, including pharmaceuticals, adhesives, inks, fertilizers, absorbents, fibers and apparel.

Our region offers clear advantages for the development of industrial biotechnology. Memphis has excellent inbound and outbound logistics; fertile land on which to grow a multitude of biomass crops; a long harvesting season; a broad-based, regional chemical manufacturing industry; a 1,000-acre pilot facility at the Agricenter; and strong research programs in area universities.

These assets are vital in developing a thriving bioagricultural industry. Agricultural science is poised to undergo a dramatic change as it becomes intertwined with other biotechnology and bioscience disciplines.

As a result, we will see new industries and distribution channels for agricultural products and technology. Those areas include new seed development in food and nonfood products (including biofuels), new environmentally friendly chemical processes and new treatments for diseases.

Building Memphis bioscience

While each of our bio-industries may seem vastly different, all three have much in common. The same genetic tools and skills used in research labs for infectious diseases can be used to create vaccine intermediates from plant materials or enzymes to produce biofuels. Or waste materials from the production of biofuels can be sold to make new fibers for textiles. Because of the interconnectivity found throughout the biosciences, we can successfully focus our development efforts to benefit the entire community. All three bioscience disciplines require the same resources -- skilled workers, funding to develop new technologies and entrepreneurs to take those technologies to market.

Recognizing that we can't be all things to all people, the city of Memphis, Shelby County, the Memphis Regional Chamber and Memphis Tomorrow have all endorsed the $63 million Memphis Fast Forward economic plan, which focuses our economic development on specific industries.

These three bioscience areas are a vital part of the Fast Forward growth strategy. Focusing on nurturing our core assets into bio-strengths will result in a stronger community with more businesses, more jobs for everyone from farm laborers to scientists and a new, vibrant economic base.

STEVEN J. BARES is executive director and president of the Memphis Bioworks Foundation. For more information, visit www.memphisbioworks.org or www.utbaptistresearchpark.com.