Alfred Mann Foundation for Biomedical Engineering Launches New Web Site Designed to Help University Researchers Bring Biomedical Advances to Market

VALENCIA, Calif., Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Biomedical Engineering (AEMFBE), a philanthropic organization created by billionaire Alfred E. Mann to establish university-based commercialization- enablement institutes at elite universities, designed to facilitate biomedical product development for the benefit of society, today announced the launch of a Web site (http://www.mannfbe.org).

Features of the web site include:

-- Overview of Alfred Mann Institutes for Biomedical Development (AMIs), including the infrastructure and process that are created by the minimum of $100 million endowment to establish each Institute. To date, three Alfred Mann Institutes have been endowed: University of Southern California (Los Angeles), which became operational in 2001 as a test-bed for the development for future AMIs; the Technion (Haifa, Israel), 2007; and Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana.), 2008.

-- Background and accomplishments of Mr. Mann, who has dedicated most of his career to bettering the quality of life for those who suffer from life debilitating disorders through the development of innovative medical devices.

-- "Commercialize Your Idea," which provides insight into the developmental steps for a biomedical technology including proof of concept, FDA regulatory approval, reimbursement strategies, technology licensing considerations, etc., with an emphasis toward researchers involved in this space.

"The AMI concept has drawn a phenomenal response, both nationally and internationally, as a new model for technology transfer, a form of venture philanthropy," said A. Stephen Dahms, Ph.D., President and CEO of the AEMFBE. "The Web site addresses researchers' frequently asked questions and provides an overview of the AMI selection and creation process."

About Alfred Mann

Alfred Mann's philanthropic mission is to create and expedite the delivery of life-improving biomedical products to patients. Mann is chairman of the boards of directors for the Alfred Mann Institutes for Biomedical Development at USC, Purdue and the Technion. Mann also is chairman and chief executive officer of MannKind Corp.; chairman of Advanced Bionics Corp, Second Sight LLC, Bioness Inc., Quallion LLC and Implanted Acoustics; and chairman emeritus of Pacesetter System Inc. and MiniMed. All of these highly successful companies were founded by Mann.

About the Mann Foundation for Biomedical Engineering

Headquartered in the 167-acre Mann Biomedical Park in Valencia, Calif., the Alfred Mann Foundation for Biomedical Engineering (AEMFBE) is a philanthropic organization that establishes university-based institutes (AMIs) designed to enable biomedical product development for the benefit of mankind. The AEMFBE supports the AMIs with a variety of services, including market analysis and due diligence, valuation and exit strategy, regulatory and reimbursement guidance, cost of goods analysis and other product development activities required to expedite technologies from development to commercialization.

     Contact:

     Nancy Patterson
     Vice President
     626-993-4106
     Nancy.patterson@mannfbe.org