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Debra Grega

Debra Grega, Ph.D. is executive director at The Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (CSCRM) in Cleveland, Ohio. CSCRM is a part of the Ohio-based National Center for Regenerative Medicine, which is the 4th largest stem cell research organization in the U.S. Bringing together a diverse array of experts, CSCRM provides comprehensive stem cell research aimed at delivering breakthroughs in treating a range of human diseases. CSCRM is comprised of researchers and clinicians from leading Ohio-based medical institutions: Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, The Cleveland Clinic, Athersys Inc. and The Ohio State University.

With efforts focused on regenerative medicine, including first-in-the-nation adult stem cell clinical trials and innovative tissue engineering programs, CSCRM is ultimately concerned with the application of its research findings. CSCRM strives to apply its breakthrough research to clinical and commercial settings in order to help improve the health of people suffering from various types of diseases or injuries. Clinical applications that CSCRM is currently exploring include heart disease, cancer, genetic disorders and neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis or stroke.

Building on the 30-year history of adult stem cell research in Northeast Ohio, CSCRM was created in 2003 with a $19.4 million award from the State of Ohio as a Wright Center of Innovation from the Ohio Third Frontier Program, an unprecedented and bipartisan state commitment to create technology-based products, companies, industries and jobs. In 2006, CSCRM received an $8 million award, and again in June 2009, a $5 million award from the Ohio Third Frontier’s Research and Commercialization Program.

As executive director at CSCRM, Dr. Grega coordinates interdisciplinary research groups, biotechnology business and product development. Dr. Grega joined CSCRM in March 2004 after working for nearly 20 years in the commercial biotechnology industry. Prior to joining CSCRM, Dr. Grega was the senior manager of business development at Athersys Inc. where she managed strategic alliances with key pharmaceutical partners such as Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer. Dr. Grega was also employed for 14 years at Roche Diagnostics/Boehringer Mannheim Corporation. After beginning her career at Roche as a group leader in research and development, she later moved into more business-oriented positions, such as manager of business development, e-Commerce and director of global marketing.

Dr. Grega received her Ph.D. in Biology, from the University of Kentucky in 1982, and completed her postdoctoral studies at the University of Michigan and Colorado State University. She was an adjunct Professor of Neurobiology at Indiana University School of Medicine from 1988 to 2001.

Q: What has CSCRM been able to accomplish with funding from the Ohio Third Frontier? What did this mean to your industry?

A. With the help of Ohio Third Frontier, Ohio is now on the map as a research and clinical hub for stem cells and regenerative medicine. Through CSCRM and its sister Ohio Third Frontier-funded center, The Clinical Tissue Engineering Center (CTEC), The National Center for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM) was formed. NCRM is the 4th largest stem cell research organization in the U.S. CSCRM works with both not-for-profit and for-profit regenerative medicine institutions, creating an extensive network of researchers and clinicians. Through CSCRM, Ohio has provided a benchmark for other states interested in directing research into economic opportunities. In addition to Athersys, which was a founding partner of CSCRM, five new companies have been formed since CSCRM’s inception. CSCRM’s commercial partners have raised more than $83 million in equity that has significantly helped to advance stem cell and regenerative medicine research. To date, CSCRM’s hospital partners have conducted nearly 50 clinical trials, treated more than 330 Ohioans, and will start an additional five new clinical trials in the next 12 months.

Q. How do CSCRM’s efforts improve or change the industry overall?

A. CSCRM brought innovative cell therapy and regenerative medicine technologies to patients with cancer and blood disorders, immunological disorders, cardiovascular disease, and orthopedic and neuromuscular disorders. With the help of funds from Ohio Third Frontier, CSCRM provides a Cell Production Facility, currently part of the Cell Therapies Integrated Services (CTIS), which helps physician-researchers and companies prepare adult stem cells for use in early stage clinical trials. This capability is unique in Ohio and is a regional resource.

Q. What employment opportunities will be created in the state as a result of CSCRM receiving funding from the Ohio Third Frontier?

A. Thus far, 127 new jobs have been created as a result of the Ohio Third Frontier funding (63 for-profit and 64 not-for-profit positions at the partner institutions). The average salary is $62,900 per year.

Q. What partnerships have you created with Ohio academic institutions that have served CSCRM well?

A. CSCRM is based entirely upon partnerships: across schools within the university (Medicine, Engineering and Arts & Sciences) and among institutions (Case Western Reserve University, The Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals Case Medical Center and the for-profit companies). Additionally, with the help of the Ohio Congressional delegation led by Congressman Ralph Regula, NCRM obtained $6.4 million in federal appropriations. These dollars have been used to purchase jointly used equipment and to assist in new faculty recruitments.

Q. What is CSCRM working on right now?

A. CSCRM is working on expanding the number of clinical therapies and companies partnering here in Ohio. There are currently 17 adult stem cell therapy clinical trials that are recruiting patients and over 330 patients have been treated since CSCRM was formed. In the next 12 months, CSCRM clinicians and hospitals plan to begin five new clinical trials benefiting Ohioans with heart disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer and stroke.

Q. Overall, what does the Ohio Third Frontier mean to CSCRM?

A. The Ohio Third Frontier has provided the driving force to encourage and enable more cooperative progress in this area of regenerative medicine. The Ohio Third Frontier dollars have put Ohio on the map for stem cell and regenerative medicine and have enabled our members to develop new collaborations across our partner institutions. These partnerships have resulted in increased National Institutes of Health funding as well as equity investments.

Q. What does Ohio uniquely offer that you feel have helped make CSCRM successful?

A. Ohio offers financial incentives for cooperation among not-for-profit and for-profit entities. But most importantly, access to nationally recognized health care institutions and leading academic research facilities.