A first-of-its-kind ranking has placed the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation among the nation’s top 25 biomedical research institutes and centers for its ability to translate scientific discovery into real-world healthcare impact.
The inaugural Cure Innovation Index, which evaluated 303 universities, hospitals and other research organizations, ranked OMRF 21st among institutes and centers in the United States. The index assesses how effectively U.S. biomedical research institutions convert their work into therapies, companies and measurable health outcomes.
To arrive at each institution’s ranking, the Cure Innovation Index integrated validated data from federal and commercial sources, proprietary inputs from surveys of more than 3,000 researchers and industry leaders, and institutional audits. The index measured biomedical research entities in three core areas: research capability, entrepreneurial readiness and market translation.
“OMRF’s ranking reflects our success in converting scientific discovery into clinical application,” said OMRF Director of Technology Ventures Hemangi Pakala, Ph.D., who leads the foundation’s collaborative efforts with biotechnology and healthcare partners. “Three drugs and two disease management tests born in OMRF’s labs are currently in use in hospitals and clinics across the U.S. That’s a remarkable track record.”
The drugs and tests originating in OMRF’s labs are:
- Adakveo, the first drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat the pain crises in sickle cell disease.
- Soliris, an I.V. therapy for a blood disorder as well as a neurodegenerative disease.
- Ceprotin, a plasma-derived concentrate for patients with severe congenital protein C deficiency.
- Vectra, a test that assesses disease activity and treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis.
- aiSLE DX, which comprises two tests for lupus: one for insight into the risk of a disease flare, and a second for assessing disease activity and treatment options.
“Our recognition of OMRF in the Cure Innovation Index reflects its leadership in translating scientific discovery into real-world impact,” said Seema Kumar, CEO of Cure. “While traditional measures emphasize funding, publications or patents, the index evaluates the full set of capabilities required to move innovation from concept to cure.”
OMRF President Andrew Weyrich, Ph.D., said the ranking confirms that OMRF remains true to its mission. “We were founded 80 years ago to help people live longer, healthier lives,” he said. “By consistently making discoveries that lead to life-changing tests and therapies, our scientists are doing just that.”
