BIDDEFORD — The Maine Technology Institute (MTI) has awarded MaineHealth $2 million to create the state’s first Clinical Research Unit (CRU).

"The CRU, a dedicated space for both early- and late-phase clinical trials, promises Maine patients greatly expanded access to groundbreaking therapies and advanced care options close to home," said MaineHealth, in a news release. "This investment reflects the state’s broader strategy to grow Maine’s life sciences sector, advanced by the Maine Life Sciences Center (MLSC), a statewide initiative housed within MTI."

According to the news release, while MaineHealth currently offers a range of clinical trials, its ability to enroll patients locally has been limited by the lack of dedicated clinical research infrastructure required for certain studies, particularly those that require observation after treatment.

MaineHealth’s CRU, which will be located at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Biddeford (MHMMC Biddeford), will include observation rooms that can be used for overnight stays, as well as a dedicated pharmacy and easy access to common clinical trial needs such as lab work, imaging and other diagnostics.

The space will be compliant with both the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). MaineHealth anticipates the CRU will focus its first several years on common conditions in Maine and is exploring areas such as oncology, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, and mental and behavioral health.

“We believe patients should have access to top-notch therapies no matter where they live, and this CRU has the potential to be a game-changer as we work to improve health equity for our patients in rural communities,” said Dr. Doug Sawyer, MaineHealth’s Chief Academic Officer and Principal Investigator for the CRU, along with MaineHealth medical oncologist Dr. Scot Remick. “We are incredibly grateful to MTI and the state for recognizing the real need for expanded research capabilities in Maine and providing the funding to get this project off the ground.”

“Maine has not historically had the infrastructure needed to support early-phase clinical trials, which has limited both patient access and our ability to participate fully in the clinical research ecosystem,” said Sarah Delmar, MLSC’s founding director. “This investment begins to change that. It’s a critical step toward building the infrastructure Maine has been missing to fully support clinical research and bring new therapies closer to home.”

"Cancer care is evolving quickly, and many of the most promising advances reach patients first through clinical trials,” said The Jackson Laboratory Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jens Rueter. “Through the work of The Jackson Laboratory’s Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative, we’ve seen how powerful it is when clinicians have direct access to clinical trials, and MaineHealth’s Clinical Research Unit will significantly enhance options for cancer patients here in Maine."

The CRU also will benefit early-career researchers by allowing them more opportunities to design clinical trials and engage in clinical research, an approach that benefits learners both at MaineHealth and at other Maine medical schools and nursing programs.

“The CRU touches all aspects of MaineHealth’s mission of providing high-quality affordable care, educating tomorrow's caregivers and researching better ways to provide care,” said MaineHealth Vice President of Research Jessica Chertow, PhD, MBA. “Clinical trials conducted in this space have the potential to make significant contributions to human health, life sciences, innovation and the advancement of biomedical technologies. We’re excited for the possibilities.”

“Access to clinical research infrastructure like the CRU is crucial for training students to shape the future of Maine’s health care workforce,” said Karen L. Houseknecht, vice president of Research and Innovation at the University of New England. “By connecting education, real-world clinical research, and patient care, the CRU gives trainees a direct role in meaningful clinical studies while also expanding patient access to cutting-edge clinical care in Maine and the region.”

The CRU project at MHMMC Biddeford is scheduled to be underway no later than December with a goal of providing care to patients in 2027. The investment is one of several targeted efforts to strengthen Maine’s life sciences ecosystem by expanding critical infrastructure, growing talent and enabling new opportunities for research, care and innovation across the state.

About MaineHealth

MaineHealth is a not-for-profit, integrated health system whose vision is, “Working together so our communities are the healthiest in America,” and is committed to a mission of providing high-quality affordable care, educating tomorrow's caregivers and researching better ways to provide care. MaineHealth includes a Level 1 trauma medical center, eight additional licensed hospitals, comprehensive pediatric care services, an extensive behavioral health care network, diagnostic services as well as home health, hospice and senior care services. With more than 2,000 employed providers and approximately 23,000 care team members, MaineHealth provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. MaineHealth hospitals include MaineHealth Behavioral Health at Spring Harbor in Westbrook, MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington, MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital in Damariscotta, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland, Biddeford and Sanford, MaineHealth Memorial Hospital in North Conway, N.H., MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital in Rockport, MaineHealth Stephens Hospital in Norway and MaineHealth Waldo Hospital in Belfast. MaineHealth also includes the MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland, MaineHealth Behavioral Health in Westbrook, MaineHealth Home Health and Hospice in Saco, the MaineHealth Institute for Research in Scarborough, the MaineHealth Medical Group and MaineHealth NorDx in Scarborough. MaineHealth affiliates include MaineGeneral Health in Augusta and Waterville. It is also a significant stakeholder in the MaineHealth Accountable Care Organization in Portland and a joint venture partner in the New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Portland.

About the Maine Life Sciences Center (MLSC)

The Maine Life Sciences Center (MLSC) is a statewide initiative housed within the Maine Technology Institute (MTI) focused on accelerating the growth of Maine’s life sciences sector as a driver of economic development. MLSC works to define where Maine can compete and win, advance high-impact initiatives that create jobs and attract investment, and advocate for the state as a growing, investable life sciences market. MLSC collaborates with industry, research institutions, and healthcare partners to strengthen Maine’s innovation ecosystem and position the state for long-term growth.

About MTI

Founded and funded in 1999 by the Maine State Legislature, MTI offers grants, loans, equity investments, and services to foster Maine’s innovation economy. MTI supports new ideas, products, or methods with the potential to grow and diversify Maine’s economy and increase the number of quality jobs throughout the state through direct support of innovators and through support of programs and infrastructure that encourage innovation. MTI bolsters and promotes innovators and innovative technologies in order to generate high-quality jobs across Maine, grow and accelerate revenues, and attract and leverage additional capital or other investments. MTI plays a key part in the State’s economic development strategy and is a significant driver in expanding research and development, creating new innovative ventures. Since its founding, MTI has distributed over $372 million across more than 4,000 distinct projects throughout the State of Maine.