29 April 2021
4D Bio3 Program Designated as a USU Center for Biotechnology by the Uniformed Services University
The USU-4DBio3 Center for Biotechnology, administered by The Geneva Foundation, ensures warfighters are supported by cutting-edge biotechnologies.
BETHESDA, MD – The Geneva Foundation (Geneva) announces today the official designation of the Biotechnology, Biomanufacturing, and Bioprinting Program (4DBio3) as a Uniformed Services University (USU) Center. The USU-4DBio3 Center for Biotechnology, derived from the 4DBio3 Program and administered by The Geneva Foundation (Geneva), was established originally as a five-year program with funding by the Defense Health Program (DHP) to ensure that warfighters are equipped and supported with the latest advancements in biotechnology.
USU serves as the leadership academy for military health and the academic hub that supports and advances military medicine and the health of U.S. forces around the globe. “We are very pleased to have elevated this program from 4DBio3 to the new USU-4DBio3 Center for Biotechnology, based on their mission, strategic vision for the future, and the tremendous work they are doing at the forefront of biotechnology. This is the next step in their journey to advance cutting-edge research in support of our troops on the frontlines and in other austere environments, and our military readiness goals,” said USU President Richard W. Thomas, MD, DDS, FACS.
Led by USU-4DBio3 Center for Biotechnology Director Vincent B. Ho, MD, MBA and Chair of Radiology at USU, and Director of 4D Bio3 Strategic Engagement Kelli Blaize-Wise at Geneva, USU-4D Bio3 has three core objectives: to educate and train; to advance research, scholarships, and technology; and to develop operational and translational opportunities.
“The USU-4D Bio3 Center for Biotechnology not only provides research and development for emerging biotechnologies, but also provides a way to translate innovations into both civilian and military markets,” said Geneva’s President and CEO Elise Huszar, MBA.
The Center has three main programs:
- Fabrication in Austere Military Environment (FAME)
- On-Demand Blood (ODB) Program
- Organ-on-Chip
4D Bio3 initially started with developing and adapting biofabricated organ-on-chip models to investigate Department of Defense (DoD) research priorities which included radiation exposure, traumatic brain injury, trace metal exposure, Zika infection, gut microbiome, skin, and viral infections. Through guidance from USU and DHP leadership, as well as partnerships with other DoD and non-DoD entities, the program expanded to 3-dimensional (3-D) additive manufacturing, and the 4D Bio3 Fabrication in Austere Military Environments (FAME) program was initiated. In 2018, 4D Bio3 was challenged to resurrect the pilot Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) “Blood Pharming” red blood cells program with the intent of producing full range human blood products (ultimately “whole blood”) in austere environments and the 4D Bio3 On-Demand Blood (ODB) program was established.
The vision of the USU-4D Bio3 Center for Biotechnology is to be a leading DoD resource for innovation, integration, and application of biotechnologies. As a public-private partnership, the Center links industry, academia, DoD, and federal partners to provide biotechnology solutions and translation opportunities to commercialization partners.
The opinions and assertions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Uniformed Services University or the Department of Defense.
About USU-4D Bio3 Center for Biotechnology
The Uniformed Services University Biotechnology, Biomanufacturing, and Bioprinting Center for Biotechnology (USU-4D Bio3 Center for Biotechnology), an official USU Center, is at the forefront of emerging biotechnologies to equip and support U.S. warfighters. USU-4D Bio3 is a leader in biofabrication in austere military environments, on demand blood, and organ-on-chip technologies. Its research is supported by a cooperative agreement (HU0001-17-2-0031) between The Geneva Foundation and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).
About The Geneva Foundation
The Geneva Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that advances military medicine through innovative scientific research, exceptional program management, and a dedication to U.S. service members and veterans, their families, and the global community. Geneva is proud to have over 25 years of experience in delivering full-spectrum scientific, technical, and program management expertise in the areas of federal grants, federal contracts, industry-sponsored clinical trials, and educational services. http://www.genevaUSA.org
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