Focus on Innovation:
LifeNet Health Breaks Ground on Institute of Regenerative Medicine
 LifeNet Health took the first steps in developing the next generation of medical solutions by breaking ground on the Institute of Regenerative Medicine on April 20, 2011. The facility, which will be completed in the fall of 2012, will house key scientific and discovery operations on the LifeNet Health campus in the Princess Anne section of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
"As we break ground for the Institute, we are investing in state-of-the-art technologies to provide innovative products for patients around the world who suffer from injury or disease," remarked LifeNet Health President and CEO, Rony Thomas.
Once completed and functional, the Institute will house more than 50 medical, scientific and research staff members focusing on the science of developing regenerative medicine products for patients all over the world and will serve as a global center of excellence for research and development. The new Institute will focus and solidify LifeNet Health's efforts in developing cellular therapies, tissue engineering and new medical applications for allografts to maximize the gift of donation.
"The Institute will continue to advance the sciences in regenerative medicine and help LifeNet Health save lives and restore health to patients across the globe," said John Herre, M.D., Chairman, LifeNet Health Board of Directors.
High winds didn't whisk away the enthusiasm of the following individuals who participated in the ceremonial groundbreaking representing the many lives that will be touched by the Institute of Regenerative Medicine (left to right): Martina Natoliand, recipient and volunteer; John Herre, MD., Chairman, LifeNet Health board of directors; Rony Thomas, President and CEO; William D. Sessoms, Jr., Mayor, City of Virginia Beach; and Larry Gilmer, donor family member and volunteer.
More than 200 people attended the groundbreaking ceremony including staff from the Virginia Beach home office, dignitaries, physicians, partners, donor families and transplant recipients. Guest of honor William D. Sessoms, Jr., Mayor of Virginia Beach was among the speakers at the event and expressed the pride of the City for the innovative new facility. "The Institute will put the City of Virginia Beach in the forefront of life sciences and biotechnology."
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