By Alex Gaughan
Recently, the University of Louisville added a $44 million, 50,000 square foot Center for Predictive Medicine to the ShelbyHurst campus. Set to begin operation later this year, the facility will focus on developing vaccines and treatments for modern infectious diseases.
According to the CPM’s director, Dr. Colleen Jonsson, the facility will allow opportunities to study rare and emerging pathogens, such as avian influenza, which continue to be a source of growing health concern.
“The mission of the Center will [be to] provide the greater community and nation with our scientific expertise and facilities in the event of a pandemic or bioterrorism emergency,” stated the mission statement of the CPM.
Residents near the CPM site expressed initial concern about sharing their community with some of the world’s most infamous and life threatening pathogens. U of L officials hosted panels from 2004 to 2008 to alleviate concerns and highlight security precautions, as well as explain the positive community impact that CPM promises to deliver.
To prevent incidents, the lab will employ a crash resistant gate, security alarms, cameras and around-the-clock security for protection. Special cabinets in the facility were made to contain infectious material. To prevent the spread of the pathogens, ultra high temperatures will disinfect any material before it is discarded. A 25,000-gallon underground fuel supply will provide energy in the event of a power failure.
The CPM will only handle Class 3 pathogens, officials stressed. These pathogens are infectious diseases that can be fatal in humans, but have existing treatments or vaccines.
In addition to concerns about the safety of the new lab, some students have shown concern about the cost of adding another major medical center to the university.
According to university officials, the cost of building the lab will be only $12.6 million, after grants and additional funding received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
“That’s enough funding to put a lot of kids through school,” said Katie Taylor, a junior anthropology major.
However, James Ramsey, U of L president, believes the new research facility will benefit the community.
“Not only will it create more high-tech jobs and help us attract more federal research dollars, but new drugs, tests and vaccines will create licensing opportunities and spur creation of new, locally-based technology companies,” said Ramsey in an interview with The Courier-Journal.
Jonsson agreed that the CPM is university money well spent.
“Major areas of societal health burden in the U.S. include infectious disease, cancer and cardiovascular illness,” said Jonsson. “U of L has outstanding centers of excellence in cancer and cardiovascular studies and, hence, this complements these ongoing programs to move forward in the vision to become a premier urban university.”
