CEO Dr. Tim Bertram Discusses Leadership at Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine of the National Science Foundation
The National Science Foundation's Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine (PTRME) is making strides in improving access to regenerative medical technologies, driving costs down, and increasing efficiency for the manufacturing of advanced regenerative medical treatments.
At the helm of PTRME is Dr. Tim Bertram, a seasoned executive with a rich background in the biotech industry. He has founded and led several companies focused on cell-based therapies and regenerative medicine, such as ProKidney, inRegen, and Twin City Bio. In his current role as CEO of PTRME, Dr. Bertram leads one of 10 US-based Regional Innovation Engines aimed at overcoming development and commercialization barriers in cell, gene, and tissue engineering technologies.
PTRME engages with over 140 companies to advance discovery, development, registration, and commercialization of advanced therapeutic modalities. Dr. Bertram's role involves expanding the regenerative medicine ecosystem in the Piedmont Triad region and ensuring sustainable economic growth through increased partner investments and collaboration.
Recently, PTRME announced a $2.5 million investment in the region's regenerative medicine industry. This investment is not just funding; it's a statement about the Piedmont Triad's role at the forefront of regenerative medicine. The grants provided by PTRME are instrumental in attracting companies such as Biospherix, which is relocating a segment of their company from New York to North Carolina.
The PTRME's focus expanded to regulatory challenges and potential commercialization between 2015 and 2018. During this period, the organisation created a workforce development project, built an accelerator involving access to advanced manufacturing technologies, work and laboratory space, and recently, clinical trial offerings, and regulatory consultation.
Six innovative companies have been awarded grants to support the commercialization of regenerative medicine products by PTRME. One of these companies, BMI Organ Bank, is serving as a commercial developer of PTRME's technologies, aiming to reduce the transplant organ waiting list.
Dr. Bertram's contributions to the biotech industry are extensive. He has over 150 publications and over 100 patents to his name. He has also participated directly in the development and registration of eight medical products while serving as a scientific leader and senior executive at Pfizer Inc., SmithK/ine Beecham Pharmaceuticals, and The Procter & Gamble Company.
PTRME's future goals include driving innovation, recruiting manufacturing/supply chain companies, and workforce development focused on regenerative medicine. The organisation is dedicated to expanding engagement within the regenerative medicine ecosystem, ensuring sustainable growth that serves as an economic driver for the 16-county region of service centered in the Piedmont Triad region and beyond.
In addition, a CEO Roundtable has been established, comprising CEOs attracted to the region, representing organic growth of companies that will hire people. This roundtable, along with the attraction of companies like FetTech, will create business interactions with a local company, contributing to the region's economic growth.
The vision of the NSF/PTRME is to build an industrial regenerative medicine industrial center, attracting many companies that can help make medicine, create jobs for people, and provide economic growth. With Dr. Tim Bertram at the helm, PTRME is well on its way to achieving this vision.
The idea for the PTRME came together in 2014, initiated by the Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM). Since then, PTRME has been responsible for leading one of 10 US-based Engines developed to ensure supply chain and manufacturing security for the US. Dr. Bertram has also served on the board of directors of Nexlmmune, Inc. and multiple private clinical-stage therapeutic companies.
As Dr. Bertram got involved with the PTRME team on a pro bono basis in April 2024, it is clear that his passion for regenerative medicine and his expertise in the industry will continue to drive the success of PTRME and the Piedmont Triad region.
- Dr. Tim Bertram, with his vast experience in the biotech industry, leads PTRME, a US-based Regional Innovation Engine focused on regenerative medicine.
- PTRME's recent $2.5 million investment in the regenerative medicine industry serves as a testament to the Piedmont Triad's position as a leader in this field, attracting companies like Biospherix to relocate.
- In addition to overcoming development and commercialization barriers, PTRME engages with over 140 companies in health and wellness, technology, and personal finance to advance regenerative medicine commercialization.
- Beyond driving innovation and workforce development, PTRME aims to create an industrial regenerative medicine center, providing jobs, economic growth, and attracting numerous companies, transforming the 16-county region in the Piedmont Triad.
