NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. (Dec. 21, 2011) – Burke Rehabilitation Hospital & Medical Research Institute in White Plains, recognized leaders in rehabilitation medicine and scientific research, have been named as founding members of NY BioHud Valley.
Founding members support the unifying efforts by the biotech industry in the Hudson Valley. The NY BioHud Valley campaign is designed to reinforce that the Hudson Valley is the epicenter of the biotech industry in New York.
According to Rajiv R. Ratan, MD, PhD, Executive Director of Burke Medical Research Institute and Professor of Neurology and Neuroscience at Weill Medical College of Cornell University, “It is clear that for Burke to continue to deliver on its mission to improve disability associated with a wide range of diseases from stroke to macular degeneration to diabetes that it will need to form essential partnerships with private companies and government agencies with convergent goals.”
“These synergies will be enhanced via the remarkable network that NY BioHud Valley has assembled and offer the opportunity for Westchester to be an epicenter for technology and rehabilitation research,” he added.
Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation recognizes the area has a growing cluster of biotech/pharmaceutical companies located in the lower Hudson Valley region. The NY BioHud Valley partners with the county, state and federal government levels to provide an environment allowing these businesses to expand while also attracting new businesses into the region by showcasing the existing infrastructure, highly educated workforce, proximity to world-class research, ready access to venture capital and competitive real estate opportunities. In addition NY BioHud Valley creates a pro-business advocacy campaign designed to reduce legislative burdens, foster collaboration among our biotech/pharmaceutical companies and educational institutions and assist companies with access to venture capital.
“We’re proud to have Burke be part of NY BioHud Valley as a founding member,” said Mike Oates, CEO and President of the HVEDC. “We are very excited to have a hospital like Burke that provides such excellence in research of rehabilitation therapies and in application of that research in the bedside care of patients who have neurological needs. They are doing truly outstanding things, which help make the Hudson Valley known throughout the country for its innovativeness in biotechnology.”
Since its inception, the breadth and depth of research going on at Burke has dramatically expanded. Today, fundamental research on molecules critical for brain repair and plasticity are coupled with drug discovery, novel cell transplantation approaches, human biomarker studies, non-invasive brain stimulation trials in humans, and robotics. These studies are providing an exciting new base of knowledge on which the rehabilitation therapies of tomorrow for stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury will be built. New programs in vision restoration, pain, and motor recovery have recently been developed headed by a world-class cadre of scientists and clinician-scientists.
“Burke exemplifies the best of Westchester County’s intellectual capital,” stated County Executive Robert P. Astorino. “Having such a prominent institution join the NY BioHud Valley initiative further strengthens the organization’s mission to turn the Hudson Valley into a world-class life sciences cluster.”
“Burke is internationally recognized in the field of medical rehabilitation, and their Research Institute’s collaboration with Weill Medical College of Cornell University only further solidifies their reputation as a world-class research institution,” stated Laurence Gottlieb, Westchester County’s Director of Economic Development and NY BioHud Valley Co-Founder. “Having Burke join BioHud as a Founding Member is proof-positive we are attracting the best and brightest to this innovative, industry-leading model for biotech cluster development.”
About Burke Rehabilitation Hospital & Medical Research Institute
Burke Rehabilitation Hospital is a private, not-for-profit, acute rehabilitation hospital. Founded in 1915, it is the only hospital in Westchester County dedicated solely to rehabilitation medicine. Burke offers both inpatient and outpatient programs for those who have experienced a disabling illness, traumatic injury or joint replacement surgery. Burke is both an acute rehabilitation hospital and medical research center. Burke’s world renowned doctors and therapists provide state-of-the-art treatment, while its research scientists explore the frontiers of neurological medicine. All share the Burke mission to ensure that every patient makes the fullest possible recovery from illness or injury regardless of their ability to pay.
About Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC)
HVEDC represents seven counties in Hudson Valley. This public-private partnership markets the region as a prime business location to corporate executives, site selection consultants and real estate brokers. HVEDC also helped start the branding and promotional effort for NY BioHud Valley. For more information on Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation or to review available business sites, visit www.hvedc.com or call CEO Mike Oates at 845-220-2244.
