Translating scientific discoveries into viable patient-ready therapies remains one of the most complex challenges in biomedical research, requiring coordination across drug discovery capabilities, translational infrastructure, funding, and cross-sector collaboration, according to OncoDaily coverage of the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI).
Understanding the IBRI Translational Research Model
Founded in 2013, the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) operates as an independent nonprofit research institute designed to bridge the gap between early academic discoveries and clinical development. According to IBRI CEO Alan Palkowitz, the institute was established through a coalition of Indiana life sciences companies, research universities, the state of Indiana, and philanthropic support from Eli Lilly and Company and the Lilly Endowment.
In practice, IBRI functions at the interface of academia, industry, and government. While academic laboratories often identify disease mechanisms without having the infrastructure to build drug candidates, and commercial companies focus on later-stage assets, IBRI targets the space in between. The institute’s teams combine disease biology, medicinal chemistry, cellular pharmacology, and data science to evaluate therapeutic hypotheses and optimize molecules.
Promising intellectual property developed at the institute can be advanced into new companies via Libris Innovations, a for-profit subsidiary, with proceeds reinvested back into the nonprofit research organization.
Current Disease Focus Areas and Oncology Programs
IBRI initially centered its research on diabetes and metabolic disease before expanding into diseases of aging, Alzheimer’s disease, and rare pediatric cancers. According to Palkowitz, studying these disparate conditions reveals shared underlying signaling pathways, allowing researchers to draw connections between metabolism, inflammation, and neurodegeneration.
In oncology, IBRI prioritizes rare pediatric diseases with high unmet medical needs and historically limited commercial investment. For neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)—where genetic mutations disrupt the tumor suppressor protein neurofibromin and can lead to malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs)—IBRI researchers have identified antibody candidates targeting DLK1. According to institute data, DLK1 serves as a potential biomarker for earlier detection of MPNSTs and a targeted delivery vehicle for tumors.
Additionally, the institute is developing a gene-targeted protein therapy to compensate for NF1 mutations and prevent malignant progression. For pediatric sarcomas, IBRI focuses on metastasis rather than primary tumors, identifying the platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) family as an early driver of lung metastasis. Researchers are currently developing monoclonal antibodies to block PDGFR activation and reduce or prevent metastatic lesions.
Did you know? IBRI’s Future Legends Lab incubator provides early-stage life sciences startups with shared lab space, infrastructure, and access to capital networks to help keep biotech founders rooted in Indiana.
Strategic Partnerships in Alzheimer’s and Veterinary Medicine
Collaboration remains central to the IBRI operating model. The institute participates in TREAT-AD, a National Institute on Aging initiative focused on characterizing and validating new drug targets for Alzheimer’s disease, leveraging IBRI’s capabilities in medicinal chemistry and iPSC-based pharmacology.
Building on that work, IBRI joined the Indiana University School of Medicine and Purdue University to secure a five-year, $11.3 million National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant aimed at advancing SHIP1 inhibitors as potential Alzheimer’s treatments. Furthermore, IBRI announced a partnership with Elanco to develop a feline iPSC-derived renal cell model for chronic kidney disease in cats, creating a platform with potential applications across both animal and human health.
Fostering Regional Talent and the Global Forum on Science
Beyond drug discovery, IBRI supports the regional life sciences ecosystem through the Future Legends Lab and its competitive internship program. According to institute figures, the internship program received more than 680 applications for just 30 positions, reflecting strong demand among students for hands-on translational research experience.
To address systemic hurdles in biomedical development, IBRI is hosting its inaugural Global Forum on Science, Philanthropy, and Investment at the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis. The event features a keynote address by Nobel laureate Dr. William G. Kaelin, Jr. and panel discussions examining how research, philanthropy, and investment must align to shorten development timelines and reduce financial risk in early-stage science.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI)?
According to IBRI leadership, the institute bridges the translational gap between early scientific discovery and patient-ready therapies by uniting academia, industry, philanthropy, and government.
What specific cancers does IBRI study?
IBRI focuses on rare pediatric cancers with high unmet needs, specifically neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), and metastatic pediatric sarcomas.
What is the purpose of the Global Forum on Science, Philanthropy, and Investment?
Hosted by IBRI in Indianapolis, the forum brings together researchers, philanthropists, and investors to discuss how aligned funding and strategic investment can accelerate translational medicine and reduce drug development risks.
Explore more OncoDaily coverage on translational research and drug discovery developments.
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