Kansas biomanufacturing initiative receives federal funding

Image courtesy of Kansas State University

An artist's rendering of the new Biomanufacturing Training and Education Initiative facility planned at Kansas State University

Kansas State University has announced a $7 million federal investment in support of its’ Biomanufacturing Training and Education Initiative. The funding for the program will be directed toward construction of the university’s new Biomanufacturing Core and Training Facility, 1 of 4 state-of-the-art facilities considered integral to the initiative.¹

The facility, to be built on the university’s campus in Manhattan, Kansas, has an emphasis on production and training. It will be used to support partners in the advancement of diagnostics, prophylactics, and therapeutic countermeasures used to combat infectious animal diseases.^1,2 It will also place a focus on zoonotic and foreign animal diseases, while providing Kansas State research students with crucial, hands-on experience.

“As Kansas continues to grow its’ animal health corridor, Kansas State University is uniquely equipped to train the workforce need for this industry,” Jerry Moran, US Senator for Kansas, said in a news release.¹ “I worked to secure federal resources to bolster [Kansas State’s] efforts to build Manhattan into a premier location for biotechnology and biodefense companies looking to expand.”

By focusing on advancements in biomanufacturing, the university hopes to strengthen Kansas’ economy, attracting jobs and industry partners to the state. Currently, according to the Kansas Department of Commerce, the state’s animal health industry contributes more than $2.2 billion to Kansas’ total gross domestic product (GDP), with more than 14,000 Kansans currently employed in animal health related industries. Additionally, Kansas is home to the Animal Health Corridor, which has the largest concentration of animal health companies in the world, accounting for 56% of the total worldwide animal health, diagnostics, and pet food sales.³

“We are incredibly grateful to Senator Moran for supporting us to receive this federal funding. With it, [Kansas State] is positioned to have a lasting impact on both the health of Kansans, and the health of the economy,” Richard Linton, Kansas State University President, said.¹ “Our work in biomanufacturing not only addresses current health challenges but will also pave the way for future innovation as the next-generation land-grant university.”

The university’s Biomanufacturing Training and Education Initiative features 3 additional facilities as part of its long-term plans:

• Biologics Development Module at the Biosecurity Research Institute. With emphasis on research, development, and pilot production, this facility will be used to develop diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics intended to safeguard food security and public health.2
• Biologics Development Module at the College of Veterinary Medicine. This facility will focus on research and development, specializing in advanced cell culture techniques and the lyophilization of protein and viral antigens. Additionally, the facility will emphasize protein purification and adjuvant production.2
• Biomanufacturing Laboratory and Training Facility. This facility will be used for hands-on skill-building in biomanufacturing production, using its advanced biomanufacturing laboratory equipment. Through this training program, the goal is to create a strong pipeline of talent for the biomanufacturing industry.²

References

1. A safer future for Kansas and beyond: K-State announces $7M in federal funding to drive Biomanufacturing Training and Education Initiative. News release. Kansas State University. August 26, 2024. Accessed August 28, 2024. https://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/2024-08/New-federal-funding-supports-KState-Biomanufacturing-Training-and-Education-Initiative.html?_gl=1*1pvudvs*_gcl_au*MTg5MTA5NzcxOC4xNzI0ODY5NzI4
2. Biomanufacturing Laboratory and Training Facilities. Kansas State University. Accessed August 29, 2024. https://www.k-state.edu/biomanufacturing/facilities/
3. Animal Health. Kansas Department of Commerce. Accessed August 29, 2024. https://www.kansascommerce.gov/industry/animal-health/