Empire State Development announced on Apr. 15 the completion of the Niagara University Biomedical Research Institute Laboratory, located on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus at 73 High Street. The new laboratory provides students with facilities to conduct research and experimentation in precision medicine and applied synthetic biology.
The opening of this laboratory is seen as a step forward for student research, STEM workforce development, and collaboration among regional institutions. Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “This new laboratory is a powerful example of how strategic investment can accelerate innovation and create opportunity in Western New York. With the support of Governor Hochul, Niagara University is giving students a front-row seat to the future of medicine. I am proud to see this facility open its doors, as it will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for life-saving research and strengthen our position as a premier hub for the health sciences.”
A $78,750 grant from Empire State Development’s Regional Council Capital Fund Program supported the project by funding advanced equipment and building out offices and lab spaces. The completed facility includes areas for analytical instrumentation, cell culture work, chemistry with chemical fume hoods, and multiple lab benches.
Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., President of Niagara University said, “This new laboratory is a direct extension of Niagara University’s mission to drive clinical research that improves human health and wellness… This investment from Empire State Development ensures our research into groundbreaking therapeutics like the Cholestosome will continue to flourish right here in Western New York.” The institute was established in 2023 with a focus on developing an innovative drug delivery system called Cholestosome aimed at advancing anti-viral therapeutics.
Dr. Mary McCourt manages the lab at Niagara University; her work centers on Cholestosome technology—holding 14 patents—and biomarker analysis related to breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease diagnostics.
Local officials highlighted both educational opportunities for students and potential impacts on public health innovation in their statements about the project’s completion.
