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University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships
University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships
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MTRAC awards $2.1M to biomedical research

4/18/2025

Twelve innovative biomedical research projects including novel therapeutics, diagnostic tools and medical devices recently received more than $2.1 million from the Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization Life Sciences Innovation Hub. 

These projects, led by researchers from the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Northern Michigan University, seek to improve patients’ quality of life through innovative healthcare solutions.

The MTRAC Life Sciences Innovation Hub is supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and co-managed by Innovation Partnerships, and Fast Forward Medical Innovation, based in the Medical School Office of Research.

“The MTRAC Life Sciences Innovation Hub continues to be a catalyst for biomedical innovation across the state,” said Kelly Sexton, associate vice president for research – innovation partnerships and economic impact. 

“We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support from the MEDC, the Office of the Vice President for Research and the Michigan Medicine Office of Research. Their commitment helps unlock the full potential of Michigan’s academic research ecosystem to drive economic growth and improve lives”

Since 2014, the life sciences hub has provided more than $22.5 million to support projects led by Michigan-based researchers that range in scope from medical devices and therapeutics to diagnostics and health information technology. Projects supported by the hub have yielded more than $398 million in follow-on funding, launched more than 46 startups and created over 300 high-tech jobs. 

“The MTRAC Life Sciences Innovation Hub has funded high-impact biomedical research for more than ten years,” said Larry Herriman, university technology program director for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

“This funding, combined with the mentorship and resources dedicated to these projects, has resulted in returns through follow-on funding, job creation and technology licensing. I have no doubt that the projects selected in our most recent round will continue this proud tradition.”

Awardees were selected by the MTRAC Life Sciences oversight committee, which is composed of experienced technologists, entrepreneurs, industry partners and venture capitalists developing and investing in life sciences technologies. Applicants and awardees benefit from access to experienced mentors-in-residence, commercialization education programming and feedback from an extended network of professionals.

“The economic impact of the projects emerging with support from the MTRAC Life Sciences Innovation Hub is incredible,” said Meghan Cuddihy, program director for MTRAC Life Sciences. “The ability to source and fund high-impact biomedical technologies from across Michigan is a powerful means to support not only the continued economic growth of our state, but also our leadership in biomedical research and innovation.”

Mid-stage funding awards were presented to the following seven projects:

  • Karthik Ramani and Albert Shih (U-M): DialySafe Needle
  • Shinichi Fukuhara, Jeff Plott and Gardner Yost (U-M): Remora Aortic Septal Fenestration Device
  • Jonathan Haft, Jeff Plott and Gardner Yost (U-M): Bone Dry Sternal Closure Device
  • Tamara Reid Bush and Justin Scott (MSU): SitSense Recliner
  • Peter Tessier and Colin Greineder (U-M): Efficient Modulation of Neuronal Gene Expression Using Peripherally Administered Bispecific Antibody-Nucleic Acid Conjugates
  • Sharan Srinivasan and Jason Rech (U-M): Circuit-based Therapies for Spinocerebellar Ataxia
  • Jason Spence and Charlie Childs (U-M): GastroScreen – an Intestinal Fibrosis Drug Screening Platform

MTRAC Life Sciences also announced early-stage funding support for five “Kickstart” grant awardees:

  • Patricia Bloom (U-M): Hear HE App: Automated Speech Analysis to Diagnose Hepatic Encephalopathy
  • Daniel Ehrmann (U-M): OTTO MCP: Obtaining Transparent Therapeutic Optima Multidirectional Communication Platform
  • Matthew Jennings (NMU): Validation of the Diagnostic and Predictive Tool, D2HGlo, for the Quantification of the Oncomatabolite D-2-Hydroxyglutarate (D-2-HG) in Glioma
  • Xiaopeng Li and Ashlee Brunaugh (MSU, U-M): Developing Novel Formulation of Vonoprazan as an Inhalation Therapy for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment
  • Matthias Truttmann (U-M): Novel FICD Inhibitors to Treat Pathologic Cardiac Hypertrophy

“The MTRAC Life Sciences awardees are a testament to the power of innovative research and collaboration across the state of Michigan,” said Arthur Lupia, interim vice president for research and innovation. “We look forward to seeing the impact of these projects not just in our local communities, but across the globe.”