|
|
Recruited Henk-Jan Schuurman, PhD, an experienced researcher and executive in xenotransplantation, as CEO (April 2006); Dr. Michael J. Martin, a well recognized expert in advanced swine reproduction technologies as Director Animal Facilities, and Dr. Adrienne Schucker, a veterinarian with broad experience in regulatory affairs of swine husbandry as Director of Veterinary Medicine (September 2006). Attracted Mack Traynor as CFO, who has broad experience in management of small business and start-up companies (June 2007).
|
Introduced Cesarean-derived piglets into Spring Point Project's Multiplier Facility in eastern South Dakota to build the genetic basis of the progenitor animals for future programs (April/May 2006).
|
Convened Spring Point Project�s Safety Advisory Board, a group of world-renowned scientists in swine health management and infectious diseases. The Board gave valuable assistance in a regulatory submission to the Food and Drug Administration (April 2006), and is regularly consulted for health management and husbandry of the animals.
|
Established a Master Research Collaboration Agreement with the University of Minnesota describing the partnership with the University in bringing pig islet cell transplantation towards clinical trials and subsequently to a broadly available procedure at an affordable price (August 2007).
|
Purchased a suitable property in western Wisconsin on which to build a Source Animal Facility, suitable for the production of animals meeting all regulatory requirements (April 2006).
|
The 21,000-square-foot, $6.2 million facility, constructed by Ryan Companies, started operations (February 2007).
|
Acknowledged the $6.2-million grant by the Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation (DRWF) by giving the name �DRWF Islet Resource Facility, home of Spring Point Project� to the facility.
|
Entered the first population of high health, medical grade pigs in the facility shortly after its opening. Completed the population by November 2007, and initiated the internal breeding program. The first piglets in the second generation were born in April 2008.
|
Passed the $13-million mark in funds raised, more than 45 percent of goal (2006-2008), thanks in large part to the Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation (January 2007).
|
|
|
