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Research and Economic Opportunity UM research has paved the way for new products, new software, and new methods of doing things that are improving the lives of the citizens of the nation and the world. Through assistance with patent applications, licensing, start-up businesses, venture funds, and direct marketing of software, the UM helps move ideas and discoveries from the lab to the marketplace. In the process, technology transfer creates funds that can be funneled back into research, as well as stockholder equity and jobs in the many businesses that benefit from university-based research. A Statistical Snapshot of UM Technology Transfer Over the Last Five Years, the Technology Management Office has: Handled more than 600 disclosures for licensing Completed 190 major agreements with outside companies Licensed 1,400 software programs Since 1951, 155 companies have spun-off from the UM. In 1997, UM spin-offs generated more than $374.5 million in revenue/sales in Michigan, and employed more than 3,300 people. Some research that has moved into the commercial realm: Shot-free Flu Vaccine: UM researchers altered an influenza virus to create a vaccine that can be adapted to combat new strains of influenza almost as fast as they arise. It can be administered by being inhaled through the nose rather than by injection. The molecular genetic technology was licensed to Aviron, which used it to develop FluMist, a nasal spray vaccine. Aastrom Biosciences, Inc.: This company has developed technologies that are leading to more cost-effective, patient friendly, and potentially clinically superior bone marrow and stem cell transplants used in cancer therapy. With their patented system, a small bone marrow sample can be easily and rapidly multiplied to provide enough cells to "seed" and thus repopulate the bone marrow. The system has already replaced the traditional bone marrow transplant procedure at four major U.S. cancer centers. Spun-off by the UM in 1991, Aastrom became a public company in 1997. IntraLase Corporation: Formed in 1997 in collaboration with Escalon Medical Corporation, IntraLase develops ultrafast lasers for use in eye and other delicate surgery. The laser technology, with pulses of light quadrillionths of a second long, was invented through NSF-sponsored research at the UM. The IntraLase laser will be used to correct vision and in corneal transplants. The technology might also be used in glaucoma and cataract surgery. The ultrafast laser may provide more effective surgery than lasers now used in such procedures, and will be less expensive to own and operate. A PDF version is available, if you would like to view or print this document as it was originally formatted: Economic Opportunity Other pdf briefing documents available: UM Facts and Graphs, Federal Funding by Agency For more information, contact the University of Michigan Washington office: (202) 554-0578 Fax (202) 554-0582 1999