ABQ, NM…May 26, 2011 – Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, located in ABQ, NM, was named by the Texas A & M University system to be a strategic partner to establish a National Center for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing.  The purpose of the Center will be to develop medical countermeasures and ensure domestic vaccine manufacturing surge capacity for emerging infectious diseases, pandemic influenza and other threats during public health emergencies utilizing flexible, multiproduct technologies.

The Center will also provide research, education and workforce development programs for students entering diverse careers released to vaccine and medical counterrmeasure development, manufacturing, testing and approval.   The effort is in direct response to a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) request for proposal published March 30, 2011.

The A & M System’s potential team includes major biomedical and biotechnology companies from around the world.

Dr. Brett Giroir, Vice Chancellor for strategic Initiatives at the A & M System and Project said, “This team represents some of the world’s finest scientists, engineers, corporations and educators in the field.  I believe that this distinguished group offers the best opportunity for our country, and indeed the globe to achieve security against pandemics and bioterror threats, and in the process, significantly improve global health.”