One of the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center’s leading researchers has been selected to participate in the inaugural cohort of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded Institutional Development Award (IDeA) Regional Entrepreneurship Development (I-RED) Program.

Jill Kolesar, Pharm.D., is a University Research Professor of Pharmacy in the UK College of Pharmacy. She is also the director of the Markey Cancer Center Precision Medicine Clinic, the co-director of Markey’s Molecular Tumor Board and co-leader of its Translational Oncology Program.

XLerateHealth (XLH), a nationally recognized health care accelerator headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, in partnership with UK through UK Innovate, selected nine innovators across the Southeast IDeA State region. Their technologies include medical devices, therapeutics, diagnostic and pharmaceutical solvents.

Kolesar, the only innovator from Kentucky, was chosen for her work founding VesiCure Technologies to develop a novel cell therapy to treat advanced-stage ovarian and other cancers.

“My research is focused on bringing hope where it’s needed most — to cancer patients seeking advanced care in our facilities,” said Kolesar. “It’s a commitment I share with many of my colleagues at the Markey Cancer Center. I am thankful to be among this select group of innovators and look forward to enhancing therapies that can make an immediate impact on the health and well-being of our Commonwealth.”

“As the lead academic institution of the XLerator Network, we are thrilled that this I-RED pilot program could select and fund so many promising technologies across the Southeast IDeA states. In particular, Kolesar’s research and technology exemplifies the incredible biomedical discoveries in the region and at UK, and the potential impact that a program like this can have,” said Ian McClure, J.D., associate vice president for research, innovation and economic impact and executive director for UK Innovate.

IDeA is a congressionally mandated program that builds research capacity in states that historically have had low levels of NIH funding. Kentucky is one of 24 eligible states.

The program's aim is to enhance an institution's capacity to bolster biomedical research, increase the competitiveness of researchers in obtaining research funding, and facilitate clinical and translational research focused on addressing the requirements of medically underserved communities.

The goal of the I-RED program is to help selected participants acquire the fundamental business and entrepreneurial skills needed to successfully commercialize their technologies.