AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ The state is giving $50 million from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund to the Texas A&M University System for a new center to combat diseases like cancer and diabetes.
A university system official says the center will be a prototype for developing new vaccines and therapeutics in a quick, cost-effective way. Vice Chancellor for Research Brett Giroir also said the center will be important in protecting against bio-terror threats.
Gov. Rick Perry said Monday that the money will help create the National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing.
But the leader of the Texas House Appropriations Committee brought up the grant last week and questioned whether the amount is excessive. The bio-manufacturing facility will be a partnership with the pharmaceutical industry and the government.