Southern Research is hoping that its new biomedical science-related initiative is a “catalyst” for better healthcare throughout Alabama.
At a press conference in Montgomery on Tuesday, Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, leaders from Southern Research, and State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris were on hand to launch the new statewide genetics testing initiative that will soon be available to all residents in the state free of charge. The testing will provide patients across Alabama with access to free genetic tests and clinical insights about medications and risks for certain chronic diseases.
“The goal of Catalyst is to offer all Alabamians access to the cutting-edge technologies that can hopefully improve their health and their medical outcomes,” Josh Carpenter, CEO of Southern Research said. “We want to make sure that the latest health innovations are available not just in urban medical centers but also in rural, underserved communities across our state.”
Carpenter shared appreciation for Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth’s role in making the initiative possible.
“Catalyst gives us the opportunity the improve the health of our friends and neighbors throughout Alabama, making sure our research is directly connected to every corner of the state. We are fortunate to have state leaders like Lt. Gov. Ainsworth who saw this potential and were willing to make this investment to benefit people across our state.”
Ainsworth spoke to the economic development potential for the new undertaking alongside its health benefits.
“The clinical trials industry is expected to reach $80 billion by 2030, and Catalyst can help Alabama attract a sizable portion of that investment,” Ainsworth said. “Equally important is the prospect of creating high-paying, long-lasting, 21st Century jobs in a sector that is already ripe for explosive growth.”
According to Dr. Khalilah Brown, vice president of Medical Affairs and Patient Advocacy for Southern Research, the testing will help both individuals and research.
“In addition to getting access to genetic risk information that can be used to inform their own care, patients participating in Catalyst can contribute to the important work of drug discovery that will benefit patients everywhere,” Brown said. “Catalyst is a bridge between the great work that is already happening at Southern Research and the patients who ultimately benefit from our research.”
Catalyst will allow patients to receive testing ordered through their primary care providers. There will be kickoff events hosted in Selma, Tuskegee, Demopolis, and Jasper as well as Florence, Dothan, and Mobile.
Southern Research currently has an annual statewide impact of $300 million, and the organization also has $120 million in active construction projects.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
