Recent Life Science Investments
- A $170 million expansion of the Van Andel Institute: New research specialties related to Parkinson disease, Alzheimer’s and other chronic illnesses
- A $27 million, 182,000 square-foot medical complex
- A $30 million neurosciences center
- A $100 million medical complex that includes an $80 million cancer center
- A $137 million cardiovascular center
- A $250 million expansion to a regional children’s hospital
- A $155 million hospital complex and health care village
The region ranks #9 in the nation in Biopharmaceuticals due to the Van Andel Research Institute, a $200 million world-class-medical research institute focusing on molecular oncology, and pharmaceutical companies such as Alticor, J B Laboratories, Perrigo, Pfizer, Welch Laboratories, and Zeeland Chemicals.
Life Sciences in Greater Grand Rapids
With nearly $1 billion in life science investment in less than a decade, Greater Grand Rapids has emerged as a center for excellence in research, education and patient care. Downtown, you'll find a "Medical Mile" of new life science development anchored by the Van Andel Institute, an internationally recognized, independent research organization focusing on the genetic and molecular origins of cancer.
Here you will also find:
- More than 100 life science firms specializing in Medical Devices/Biotechnology, Nutriceuticals, and Bioinformatics
- The nation's 6th largest Biopharmaceuticals cluster
- More than 850 open and approved clinical trials; and more than $100 million in public dollars applied to active research projects
View our online database for a complete listing.
Patient Care
- Spectrum Health: one of the nation’s top integrated healthcare delivery systems.
- Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital: one of the nation’s top rehabilitation and orthopedic hospitals.
- The Lack’s Cancer Center at St. Mary’s: recognized for its multidisciplinary, team-centered model of care; also unique in the region for its integration of holistic therapies and spiritual care into the care-giving experience
- Metro Health: one of the nation’s Top 25 teaching hospitals training more than 100 osteopathic physicians and students annually
- Michigan Medical PC: the largest physician-owned, multi-specialty group in West Michigan, and one of the state’s largest physician partnerships
Research & Education
- The Van Andel Research Institue conducts biomedical research, focusing mainly on cancer and Parkinson disease, with an emphasis on translating scientific research results into clinical applications.
- The Michigan State University College of Human Medicine is expanding to Grand Rapids with the opening of the $80 million Secchia Center, a partnership between MSU and Spectrum Health, Saint Mary's Health System and the Van Andel Institute
Biopharmaceuticals
- Alticor
- JB Laboratories
- Perrigo
- Pfizer
- Welch Laboratories
- Zeeland Chemicals
- Corium International
- The Core Technology Alliance, a statewide collaborative of advanced research and technology facilities developed for use by scientists, universities and life science firms. These technologically sophisticated centers of excellence are fee-for-service laboratories to support biomedical research in the areas of genomics, proteomics, structural biology, animal models, bioinformatics, bio-imaging, high-throughput screening, and antibody technology.
- The Center for Molecular Medicine
- An FDA-approved Good Manufacturing Practices Lab
- West Michigan Science and Technology Initiative offering state-of-the-art, wet lab incubator space and collaborative opportunities for researchers and entrepreneurs.