University of Florida Formalizes Commitment to Locate Research Facility in Orlando

Lake Nona Medical City Location Facilitates Collaboration with Burnham Institute
ORLANDO, Fla.--(Business Wire)--
The University of Florida (UF) has reached a milestone in its efforts to build a
research facility in Orlando at the emerging Lake Nona Medical City. A ceremony
marking the official signing of the agreements was held immediately preceding
the formal dedication of Burnham Institute for Medical Research`s (Burnham) Lake
Nona campus.

"As our scientists work with Burnham's to ultimately deliver therapies and cures
to patients, the partnerships between UF, Burnham and other institutions are
helping to create a new economic base for Florida -- a solid one grounded in
science and research," said UF President Bernie Machen. "There's no way to lose
with that combination."

The UF Academic and Research Center at Lake Nona will house three major
activities relating to the mission of the University: A unique Comprehensive
Drug Development Center; the UF College of Pharmacy doctoral program in
Pharmacy; and biomedical research laboratories.

"The University of Florida`s plans for Lake Nona provide a perfect complement to
Burnham`s focus in Orlando," said Dr. John Reed, President and CEO of Burnham.
"Their drug development center is a logical extension of our work in drug
discovery. Our mutual interest in the field of metabolomics will accelerate our
progress and enhance the resources of both organizations."

"Through this collaboration, UF and Burnham scientists expect to accelerate the
pace of translational research in such fields as diabetes and aging,
complementing each other`s strengths for the benefit of patients everywhere,"
added Win Phillips, UF`s vice president for research.

In 2008, the Florida Legislature appropriated $6 million to begin planning for a
$61 million, 100,000 square-foot biomedical research facility to be located at
Lake Nona. The University of Florida facility will join the Orlando VA Medical
Center, Nemours Children`s Hospital, MD Anderson Orlando Cancer Research
Institute and the UCF College of Medicine at Lake Nona`s Medical City.

Rasesh Thakkar, Senior Managing Director of Tavistock Group, the developer of
Lake Nona said that finalizing the commitment of UF to locate in the Medical
City added a special touch to the dedication of the Burnham facility. "When I
look around Lake Nona Medical City, and see the partners who are building
together, not just facilities, but the networks and collaborations that will
provide the foundation for our progress in medical research, I am in awe of the
growing sophistication in Orlando in this sector."

Other high-profile partners in the Medical City are also enthusiastic about the
newest member of the cluster. Dr. John Hitt, President of the University of
Central Florida, which is building a health sciences campus at Lake Nona,
commented that additional research facilities provide more opportunities for
training and education. "UCF`s world-class scientists and researchers
enthusiastically welcome our UF colleagues to Lake Nona Medical City. This
partnership demonstrates the rich educational, research and economic
opportunities the Medical City brings to our community," said Hitt.

Joseph Kays
University of Florida
joekays@ufl.edu
352-392-8229
or
Deborah Robison
Burnham Institute for Medical Research
drobison@burnham.org
407-745-2073
or
Jessi Blakely
Consensus Communications
407- 608-5905
Jessi@Onmessage.com

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