Arizona competing with 3 cities to play host to cancer research organization

PHOENIX - UA officials are getting closer to learning if Arizona will be chosen to play host to the International Genomics Consortium, an organization that lawmakers hope would help faculty find cures for diseases.

This week, a report by Price Waterhouse Coopers will show how much money is needed for the three state universities to create the Arizona Bioscience and Biomedicine Institute, which would conduct research and share data with the consortium.

Margie Emmermann, director of the Arizona Department of Commerce, said she believes it will take at least $75 million - up from the original price tag of $50 million.

Supporters have already pledged more than $69 million, including $5 million approved March 12 by the Legislature to be spread out over the next 10 years for bioscience research.

The centerpiece of the state's planned biotechnology advancements is the genomics consortium, which Arizona is competing with Baltimore, Atlanta and Houston to house.

If Arizona wins, the three state universities would all help play host to the group - a non-profit, biomedical organization involved in a wide range of projects, including applying data from studies of the human genome to cancer research.

But University of Arizona President Peter Likins said last month that even if the state loses the battle to house the consortium, the bioscience institute would still be a priority for the state.

Democratic Sen. Ruth Solomon, chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, said Arizona is still in peril over losing the deal because not all the pledges have been approved and more funding is needed to remain competitive with other states vying for the consortium.

"It's stiff competition," Solomon said. "Georgia and Maryland have strong programs already in place for biotechnology research. But bringing the project here would be such a boost to Arizona's economy. I think we have a real shot at it if we can find funding."

University officials say they will do what it takes to woo the genomics group to the state, but budget cutbacks have limited their actions.

"This is such an important project for the school that we wish there were more funds available to help out," said Greg Fahey, UA associate vice president for government relations.

But he said with the lagging economy and more than $15 million in state-imposed cuts, the university is too financially strapped.

Instead, university officials are showing their support by backing the Legislature's bill that will allocate a small portion of the money.

"We are also helping the Department of Commerce with ideas for funding," he said.

Fahey said the biotech center is important for UA because it could change the face of the university by being forward-thinking in drug discovery and development.

"It would help instructors in the medical department continue studying what new drugs to use and develop," he said. "It would also enhance UA's appeal and bring more faculty here.

"It's a very exciting project that would bring the university into the biotechnology revolution."