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The Scripps Research Institute to Open Major Science Center in Palm Beach County, Florida

La Jolla, California, October 9, 2003 - The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) today announced plans to establish a major science center in Palm Beach County, Florida, focusing on biomedical research, technology development, and drug design.

The announcement comes after months of discussions with Florida Governor Jeb Bush and state and local leaders. The facilities and initial staffing for the new center will be supported by Florida state and local government.

The Scripps Research Institute, one of the world's largest, private, non-profit biomedical research organizations, will continue to operate and expand its activities and programs at its campus in La Jolla, California.

"Based on our history and experience in La Jolla, the extension of Scripps activities will increase the scope and depth of significant research in biomedical science," said TSRI President Richard A. Lerner, M.D. "The synergy between Scripps biomedical research in California and Florida is expected to lead to major new developments to improve human health."

"Scripps is the brand name in biomedical research and we are honored they have chosen Florida to expand their current research facilities," said Governor Bush. "Already known for breakthroughs for cancer and Alzheimer's disease, this new bi-coastal presence will bring even greater opportunities for life-saving and life-enhancing research."

The expansion is expected to boost Florida's economic development in biotechnology, just as the Scripps campus in La Jolla has served as the seeding ground and economic stimulus for the burgeoning bioscience industries in Southern California.

TSRI will also collaborate with and support local industry and businesses, the university system, and school districts in the region, as it has done in San Diego.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Beginning in 2004, TSRI expects to occupy temporary laboratory space while it constructs a state-of-the-art, 364,000 square-foot facility on 100 acres to be occupied in 2006.

"The Scripps Research Institute is grateful to Governor Bush, and the people of Palm Beach County and Florida for this exciting, challenging opportunity to expand our knowledge of biomedical science and to contribute to the improvement of human health," Lerner said.

The Scripps Research Institute At A Glance

Founded: 1924 as the Scripps Metabolic Clinic through a gift of philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps.

Governance: President Richard A. Lerner, M.D., a chemist; 32-member Board of Trustees; Scientific Board of Governors.

Location: La Jolla, California, a part of the City of San Diego.

Facilities: More than 1 million square feet of laboratory space in 12 buildings.

Staff: Approximately 3,000 including 288 principal investigators (three Nobel Laureates), 775 postdoctoral fellows, 230 graduate students, 1,500 technical and administrative staff.

Specialties: TSRI stands at the forefront of basic biomedical science that seeks to comprehend the most fundamental processes of life. It is internationally recognized for its research into immunology, molecular and cellular biology, chemistry, neurosciences, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases and synthetic vaccine development. Its research has significant implications for a host of medical conditions including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, AIDS, blindness, addiction, and neurogenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's.

Organization: Seven scientific departments; several centers and institutes; the Kellogg School of Science and Technology offering Ph.D.'s in chemical and biological sciences; science education programs for high school students and middle/high school science teachers.

FY 2003/4 Operating budget: Approximately $280 million.

Funding sources: National Institutes of Health and other federal agencies (ranks #1 in NIH funding to independent research institutions), collaborative partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies such as Novartis, philanthropic support from foundations, health-related associations, individuals, and licensing of technology to private industry.

Spin-off companies: Approximately 40 companies have grown out of Scripps research and technology developments.

More information: http://www.scripps.edu

For more information contact:
Keith McKeown
10550 North Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, California 92037

Tel: 858.784.8134
Fax: 858.784.8118
kmckeown@scripps.edu