Volume 2 Issue: #15August, 2012
Bio District New Orleans main image
BF Mag
Business Facilities ranks
Louisiana as 
#10 Emerging Bio Hub!
Greetings!

On behalf of the BioDistrict New Orleans Board of Commissioners and staff, it is my pleasure to publish this biweekly newsletter about the plans, opportunities and activities of the BioDistrict.

In our last issue of our newsletter we focused on the Creative Endeavor, where and how it takes place. It is happening in New Orleans without most of us seeing the change.  

Today we are pleased to announce the launching of a new venture to be based in the BioDistrict -- Capra Health led by Mr. Blaine Lindsey JD, MPH. We will also expand the conversation and look at the research core that makes up the majority of the research dollars that are received in Louisiana.
  
We ask for your continued support of our mission, as we launch into the implementation phase of creating thousands of new, high paying jobs, better healthcare and new educational opportunities in a sustainably built environment. Building the ecosystem necessary to support this industry is difficult but critical work that will be the reason this effort, unlike past efforts, will succeed. 

Please share this newsletter with a friend, colleague or loved one looking for positive news about the future of New Orleans as the center of Southeast Louisiana's Super-Region and the emergence of a fourth pillar to our economy.


Sincerely,
 
James P. McNamara
President & CEO

Upcoming Events

Third Annual Biotech Day Luncheon 

Tuesday October 23, 2012

 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM CDT

 

We are pleased to present this update on the activities of the District and our plans for the development of the biosciences industry that will provide world-class biosciences research and development; local, regional, and global healthcare delivery; and stable, high-paying jobs for professionals, managers and workers representing a wide range of skills. 
 
Mr. Tom Murphy, a Sr. Resident Fellow, ULI/Klingbell Family Chais for urban development and former Mayor of Pittsburgh will speak on the need for cities to build  the Innovation Economy through education and the commercialization of university research and innovation.
 
Click on the quick video of Mr. Murphy speaking on the topic in 2011: 

 

 

Murhy
Building the
 Innovation Economy


The final chapter about the post Katrina rejuvenation of New Orleans has not been written yet. We have the opportunity to take the step into the global marketplace by making informed, intelligent decisions about what are future will be.
 
 
BioDistrict New Orleans: A Leading Center of Scientific Research 
Bioscience research dominates university research for Louisiana's Southeast Super-Region in several key areas. In this issue -- Infectious Diseases 
 

As the world becomes an interconnected place, we know that infectious diseases have gained prominence in the 21st century in both developed and developing nations. Global travel has proven to be a critical element in how fast infection can spread and how it can grow undetected by public health agencies before discovery. Issues related to global health and infectious diseases are on the agendas of world leaders, health policymakers, philanthropies and citizens. This attention has provided for the needed focus on both the scientific challenges such as vaccine development and deployment as well as the deleterious effects that infectious diseases have on economic development and political stability. Global Health has been receiving an increased amount of financial support, which combined with recent technological advances, provides extraordinary opportunities for infectious disease research at Tulane, LSU, Ochsner and Xavier. New Orleans institutions are rich with accomplishments that have had an impact on the successful diagnosis, prevention and treatment of a wide array of infectious diseases. Programs like the Louisiana Vaccine Center (LVC) and the South Louisiana Institute for Infectious Disease Research (SLIDR) are collaborative initiative between LSU, Tulane and Xavier Universities. 

  

A side benefit of the collaboration between the LVC and SLIIDR and the New Orleans BioInnovation Center has been that some of the translational research has lead to commercialization of new technology and start-up biotechnology companies. 

  

The Scope of the Problem

The World Health Organization cites infectious diseases as the leading cause of death in middle and low income countries and the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years worldwide. It also cites infectious diseases as the third leading cause of death in the United States behind heart and lung disease. Among these infectious diseases causing death worldwide, acute lower respiratory tract infections, HIV/AIDS, diarrheal diseases, tuberculosis and malaria predominate. Clearly, infectious disease remains a dominant domestic and international public health issue for the 21st century. In fact, the continual evolution of emerging and reemerging diseases, particularly the acceleration of the HIV/AIDS and other animal born pandemics in developing countries, will heighten the global impact of infectious diseases in this century.  

 

HIV/AIDS 

Despite the fact that the HIV/AIDS pandemic exacted a terrible toll in deaths and human suffering, the full impact of this disease will be realized in the 21st century. As of the end of 2011, there were 34.2 million people worldwide living with HIV infection down slightly from a high of 36 million in 2000; 90% of them live in developing countries, and 60% live in southern Africa down from the high of 70% in 2000 meaning the disease is spreading more broadly. There have been 25 million cumulative deaths due to AIDS.   

 

Dengue and West Nile  

Other examples of reemerging infectious diseases that cause considerable concern in the United States are Dengue and West Nile fever. Dengue has appeared infrequently in the United States since the 1940s but is a growing concern as temperatures rise and warmer seasons grow longer. It remains a threat because the mosquito vectors for dengue are widely dispersed in the United States, particularly in the states bordering the Gulf of Mexico. On June 21, 2012 the Center for Disease Control issued a Report  that in summary said that more than one-third of the world's population is living in areas at risk for transmission and Dengue infection is a leading cause of illness and death in the tropics and subtropics. As many as 100 million people are infected yearly. Dengue is caused by any one of four related viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. 

 

In contrast, West Nile fever had never been seen in the United States before 1999, when there were 65 cases and 7 deaths identified in the New York City area. West Nile fever is caused by a flavivirus that is transmitted by mosquitoes, with a variety of birds serving as intermediate hosts. It is indigenous to the region of the West Nile River and is seen commonly in Middle Eastern countries. The virus seems to have peaked in 2002-03 with a high of 9,862 infected and 264 deaths. It is unclear how serious West Nile fever will be in the United States; however, it is clearly a new infectious diseases problem that must be dealt with, and it illustrates the constant threat of reemergence of old diseases in new epidemiological settings.    

 

Biodefense

It is important that we acknowledge that a bioterrorism attack against the United States population is a very real possibility. We cannot be certain of what agents may be utilized or what areas will be targeted, but we know that is of the utmost importance that we are as prepared as possible. The threat of bioterrorism underscores the importance of a rapid pathogen genome sequencing project site to quickly run the diagnostics that will be critical to formulate an effective response to an attack. The availability of research in the disciplines of genomic sequences of microbes that will most likely be used in a bioterrorism attack will allow for the development of computer modeling of gene chips for sensitive, rapid, and accurate diagnosis for an effective response. Further, with this knowledge we will someday have the ability to produce vaccines that are effective in protecting substantial numbers of the population after initiation of the attack. Hence, within our bio hub the development of new and improved vaccines will be important components of the effort against bioterrorism in the coming decades.

 

In the Long Term 

The scientific research at the BioDistrict member universities enables us to be positioned to attract industry interested in infectious disease research and commercialization. Moreover, we see a future in the sequencing of human and microbial genomes and advances in functional genomes as the underpinning of significant research into the understanding of our predisposition to diseases, microbial pathogenesis and the development and deployment of new diagnostics, vaccines and therapies.

  

Our goal is to attract more companies interested in the research and commercialization aided by the States Digital Media Tax Credit using 3-D imaging to model these diseases and develop the new diagnostics, vaccines and therapies at a faster pace and for less money.

  

Click here to review the complete report of BioDistrict university members research strengths 

  

Introducing New Commissioner 
Ms. Kelisha Garrett, Business Owner and Resident of Mid City will serve as Community Representative 

 

K. Garrett
Commissioner
Kelisha Garrett

Kelisha Garrett is currently the Co-Owner and General Manager for Ur Way Yogurt & Coffee Bar, a full service soft-serve yogurt & gourmet coffee bar in the heart of Mid-City New Orleans. She received her MBA from the University of Phoenix in April of 2007, and also has a B.S. in Business Administration and obtained her nursing license in 1998. Previously she has worked in the public sector as Director of Public Relations and Special Projects for , District "C" New Orleans City Councilmember Kristin Palmer, and prior to that in the private sector as a Financial Advisor for Merrill Lynch and Thomas Waddell & Associates. 

 

Her career began in the medical field where she worked in the pharmaceutical research industry as a director of business development, a legal nurse consultant, as well as in the traditional hospital and home health industry settings. In addition, she also owns and operates Gen-X Consulting Group, a business management firm focused on working with entrepreneurs and small business owners during the conceptualization phase of business development.

 

Kelisha is a graduate of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute 2011 and the Brian Bell Leadership class of 2010. She serves as editor for the Mid-City Neighborhood Catalog, co-chair for the Greater New Orleans Women's Breakfast, and is a member of the GNO, Inc. NextGen Council, the Urban League Greater New Orleans Young Professionals and the National Black MBA Association - New Orleans Chapter. Garrett is also an advisory board member of Dress For Success-New Orleans, a collaborative partner of 504ward and a steering committee member of EngageNOLA. Kelisha resides in the Mid-City area of New Orleans with her family.

 

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Job Profile: Medical Coding Professional
Currently there is a nationwide shortage of certified medical coders in hospitals, physician practices, and other healthcare facilities. According to the United States Bureau of Labor, employment of medical record and health information technicians is expected to grow much faster than the average field. 
medical coding  

Delivering quality healthcare depends on capturing accurate medical data in a timely manner. A medical coding professional (or coder) is responsible for translating healthcare providers' diagnostic and procedural phrases into coded form. This form becomes your medical record and is commonly called Electronic Health Record (EHR).  

 

A coding professional is responsible for reviewing and analyzing health records to identify relevant diagnoses and procedures for distinct patient encounters by the care providers analysis.

 

Coding professionals must possess a thorough understanding of the health record's content in order to find information to support or provide specificity for coding. A certified medical coder has training in anatomy and physiology of the human body and disease processes in order to understand the etiology, pathology, symptoms, signs, diagnostic studies, treatment modalities, and prognosis of diseases and procedures to be coded. 

 

In New Orleans we are fortunate to have nationally ranked Delgado Community College School of Allied Health that offers training to become a certified medical coder. 

Delgado
For More Information on becoming a Certified Medial Coder

 

 

BioDistrict New Orleans: In the News  
BioDistrict New Orleans' growing brand recognition and product development produces positive results  

 

Capra Health Chooses to launch in BioDistrict New Orleans over several other established bio hubs  

  Capra Health

Capra Health announced the launch of a new consulting firm dedicated to providing reimbursement, regulatory and compliance consulting services to healthcare entities seeking to survive and thrive in an era of dwindling financial resources.

 

Capra Health is led by Blaine W. Lindsey, JD, MPH, a seasoned healthcare executive and a member of the Emerging Leadership with the BioDistrict, Capra Health specializes in the area where providers, payers, and governments intersect.

Blaine Lindsey
Mr. Blaine Lindsey, JD PPH

 

Mr. Lindsey, a BioDistrict Emerging Leader, said the BioDistrict gave Capra Health the opportunity to expand in New Orleans. "I am not sure that we could have done this in New Orleans even a few years ago. The momentum that the BioDistrict has created for our industry sector is something that we really want to be a part of," Lindsey said.

 

"We are so pleased to welcome Capra Health into the BioDistrict," said James P. McNamara, BioDistrict president and CEO. "The launching of Capra Health is a perfect example of the BioDistrict's commitment to bettering the New Orleans community by attracting, developing and helping companies build capacity as we foster job growth in the Innovation Economy."

 

Based in New Orleans, Capra Health's mission is to enable healthcare science stakeholders to rise to the challenges of a dramatically-evolving regulatory and reimbursement landscape without expending limited capital and energy best focused on patient care.In addition to manufacturing and healthcare provider jobs, white collar professional and service opportunities will increase exponentially as the BioDistrict grows. Capra Health aims to have five employees located in the BioDistrict within one year.

    

 

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BioDistrict President and CEO James McNamara discusses the impact of the Built Environment on health, crime and economic development.

 

The 411   

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BioDistrict Start-up InnoGenomics Technologies, LLC earns $1 million from NSF to complete prototype of their patented DNA ID kit 
innongenomics

InnoGenomics is lead by Dr. Sinha is currently CEO and President of InnoGenomics Technologies, LLC. 
Sidur

He is also an adjunct Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Tulane University's School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Criminology at the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg, Florida.





 
BioDistrict New Orleans: In the Community  
BioDistrict New Orleans' recognizes the growing emphasis on science, health and bioethics  

 

Deadly Medicine Exhibit at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans

 

Deady Medicine
For More Information

The traveling exhibit, sponsored locally by Tulane University School of Medicine, speaks to a number of bioethical issues facing the research community. 

 

Thanks to United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National WWII Museum, Tulane University and Dr. Ben Sachs for their leadership for showcasing this exhibit on the horrors of deadly medicine. Click on the link below for a complete list of panel discussions and lectures regarding various topics like how modern bodies of law and regulations of research are developed in response to the Nazi atrocities; reproductive science and the state; ethics in medicine and research from a survivor.   

   


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GCPA
Save the Date
 Fall Meeting
New Orleans, LA  
October 19, 2012

 

DID YOU KNOW?
 
The BioDistrict is growing. New construction proceeding and new investment in the offering  
In every way we are succeeding in creating the positive buzz and increasing in size the number of commitments to attract outside investment and provide for quality, better paying jobs and economic opportunity for New Orleanians.
 
BioDistrict New Orleans has created a special group on LinkedIn called Bio New Orleans where professionals and employers can post job opportunities, discuss research findings or industry trends and network with other professionals in the biosciences industry. The aim is to create a bioscience community.

As of today, we have posted 12 new job openings and more will follow as the community builds. In five months, more than 429 (up 27 since the last newsletter) multi-disciplined professionals have joined and started sharing ideas, leads, knowledge and contacts. Some are locals, some ex-pats and some have never been to New Orleans and are sharing in our growth and want to stay in touch. 
 
This is how industry hubs are formed, thrive and take on a life of their own.
 
Are YOU in the game or on the sideline?
 
View our profile on LinkedIn
 
Building the Ecosystem
Core Elements - Promoting Quality Teaching in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Core Elements
Core Element supplies teachers with the tools to ensure students will be ready for the opportunities ahead.
Building the Ecosystem of Support: 

 

To be competitive in the Innovation Economy, we must make sure school children have the basic skills in science, technology, engineering and math.  The BioDistrict will open more jobs for individuals with training in these areas.

 

As a nonprofit 501(c)3 Core Elements supplies teachers with the tools to ensure students will be ready for the opportunities ahead. 

  

One way you can support Core Elements is by attending the August 15 fundraiser sponsored by the Society of Petroleum Engineers:

 

 
  
SPE Casino
Last Chance for Tickets!!
 

  

For more information, please visit www.BioDistrictNewOrleans.org
In This Issue:
BioDistrict: A Leading Center of Scientific Research
Introducing New Commissioner Ms. Kelisha Garrett
Job Profile; Medical Coding Professionals
BioDistrict in the News
BioDistrict in the Community
Building the Ecosystem
CVB
Meetings, Conventions and Conferences
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BioDistrict Quick Links

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Office

BioDistrict
1515 Poydras St
Suite 150
New Orleans 70112
 
Come by to see 
renderings of the new
proposed developments within the BioDistrict


BioDistrict Logo

Vision and Value Proposition for New Orleans:

The Vision  

 

In 20 years BioDistrict New Orleans (the BioDistrict) will become a thriving and highly livable business, education, science and health destination, regarded throughout the City and the nation as the premier revitalized urban district of choice. The BioDistrict will be known for its walkable scale, new and historic neighborhoods, excellent schools and services, vibrant retail, accessible open space and transit, as well as a range of

stable well- paying bioscience and health industry jobs. 

 

The BioDistrict will become a national model for urban revitalization and the Built Environment for healthier living, job creation and economic and industry development.

 

With visionary leadership and long-term commitment, the BioDistrict can expect a host of economic benefits through the successful implementation of the Action Plan, including:

 

* Direct and indirect job creation 34,000 jobs

* Construction jobs 3,600 jobs

* Local Economic investment $3.3 billion

* Increased local personal earnings $2 billion

* Increased local tax revenue $1.4 billion

* Increased state tax revenue

$1.9 billion
* New and renovated buildings

11.6 million SF 
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A STRONG FOCUSED SCIENCE BASE THAT IS GROWING 
 + 
Positive Business Environment

Top Rankings
 
Just Released:
 
#1 - Louisiana Ranked Top State in Economic Growth Potential  - Business Facilities, August 2012
 
#1 - New Orleans is America's Fastest Growing City - Bloomberg -- U.S. Census Bureau
 
 
16 Years and Counting:
 
#1 - Xavier University graduates more pre-med students that actually attend medical school than any other university in the country! 
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Other Notables: 

#1 - Hospital project in the world! - Combined UMC/VA under construction on Canal Street in the BioDistrict

#1 - Coolest Start-up City in America - Inc.

#1 - Brain Magnet in America - New Geography

#1 - Major Market of the Year (tie) - Southern Business & Development

#1 - IT Job Growth - Forbes

#1 - Educational Reform - Thomas B. Fordham Institute

#1 - State of the Year - Southern Business & Development

  +
District Demographics
 
Transparency and predictability are critical issues for individuals and businesses thinking about investing in a community. We are making available data about the District and the expanded area around us. This is also an effective tool for the District to determine the effectiveness of its programming. We invite you to follow the link and customize your query. 
 
Select Biodistrict
  +
HOUSING Built
 
 A wide array of beautifully transformed homes of all sizes offer flexibility and comfort to anyone from artists, researchers, families and singles. Most of our units are conveniently located to employment opportunities and have easy access to public transportation.
BLue Plate Artist Lofts 
Click on the above image for more information
Canal Housing
Click on the above image for more information

 
 +
CAFES AND RESTAURANTS
Pj's
PJ's on Poydras 1515 Poydras Street
 
 and 
 
Ur Way Yogurt & Coffee
in the BioDistrict
3001 Tulane Ave
Shops at the Crescent Club

Ur Way
 
 Great treats and good eats! Free WIFI for customers.


 +
SPECIALIZED FACILITIES 
 Facilities
 
Construction Cam
Real-Time
Construction Cam
 
NOBIC
New Orleans 
BioInnovation Center
 
UMC
Rev. Avery C. Alexander, Jr. Academic Research Hospital
 
 
 
LCRC
Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium
 
 Click here for 
more information 
on either the BioInnovation 
or the LA Cancer 
Research Centers  
    
Click here to inquire 
about business 
opportunities and partnerships.
 
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Partners In Trade 
NOW logo
The BioDistrist is a Founding Member of the Workforce Collaborative

World Trade Center- New Orleans
World Trade Center
New Orleans
New City
NEWCITY Neighborhood Partnership is a coalition of over fifty stakeholders in the Treme/Lafitte and Tulane/Gravier neighborhoods of New Orleans.
  
 

 

 

 

 

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