The University of Pittsburgh has received a substantial gift of $53.5 million from the Orland Bethel Family Foundation to enhance its orthopedics research capabilities. This funding is part of a broader commitment that has seen the foundation contribute nearly $100 million towards the establishment and expansion of the university’s musculoskeletal research initiatives.
This latest funding, announced on March 6, 2024, aims to bolster the Orland Bethel Family Musculoskeletal Research Center (BMRC), which began operations earlier this year following an initial donation from the foundation. Orland Bethel, the founder of Hillandale Farms, a prominent U.S. egg producer, is also a spinal surgery patient treated at UPMC.
Anantha Shekhar, the senior vice chancellor for health sciences at the university, emphasized that this multi-dimensional gift will transform the BMRC into a leader in research and training, while also serving as a significant economic driver for the region. The funding will establish three new endowed professor positions, initiate a mid-career research award program, and enhance the recruitment and retention of BMRC staff.
With a focus on various musculoskeletal disorders, including osteoporosis and spinal disorders, the BMRC is positioned to make substantial advancements in treatment and care. Wednesday’s announcement marks the third major contribution from the Orland Bethel Family Foundation, following a $25 million donation in 2023 for the creation of the research center and an additional $18.5 million last year to launch the center’s biobank.
Bethel’s connection to the university is personal; he underwent treatment by UPMC orthopedic surgeon Dr. Joon Lee for spinal stenosis, a condition that narrows the spinal canal and can lead to severe discomfort. Bethel expressed gratitude for the care he received, stating, “When Dr. Lee and the others took over my care nearly a decade ago, it transformed my life and gave me new hope.”
Expanding Research and Commercial Opportunities
The latest donation will significantly enhance the BMRC’s capabilities, particularly in its biobank, which has already collected 12,000 specimens from 350 patients. This biobank allows researchers to better understand diseases and develop personalized medicine approaches. Dr. Lee noted that the new funding will enable the creation of a comprehensive database that links Pitt’s various biobanks, thereby enriching research possibilities.
The BMRC is also set to establish an online searchable database of tissue samples for broader research use. This initiative aims to facilitate collaboration with external researchers, thereby enhancing the impact of the center’s findings.
Moreover, the focus of the BMRC is shifting towards commercializing its research. Dr. Lee highlighted the importance of engaging pharmaceutical companies and other commercial entities to translate research into practical treatments. He acknowledged the complexities involved but expressed optimism that the new funding would streamline the path from research to market.
The establishment of a risk capital fund will provide essential support for early-stage innovations with high potential. This fund is expected to make the transition from research to market more efficient. Additionally, relocating seven of the BMRC’s eleven laboratories to a new 25,000-square-foot facility within Pitt’s biomedical science tower will enhance research capabilities. This facility will also feature a new surgical training suite for UPMC’s orthopedic surgery residents.
Dr. Lee conveyed his enthusiasm for the potential impact of the BMRC’s work, stating it could lead to personalized care for a wide array of diseases, from preventive strategies to targeted therapies. Bethel echoed this sentiment, expressing hope that the research supported by his foundation will lead to longer, healthier lives for many individuals. “I am so enthused… what these people are doing and what they’re going to do,” he said.
The Orland Bethel Family Foundation’s generous contributions position it among the largest donors in the history of the University of Pittsburgh, setting a precedent for philanthropic support that could rival that of other notable families in the region. With this latest gift, the foundation continues to play a pivotal role in advancing healthcare research and innovation at Pitt.
