Mass General, Schepens consider merger, partnership
Officials at Massachusetts General Hospital and the nation's largest independent eye research center are beginning talks that could lead to a merger or some other formal partnership, the institutions said yesterday. Michael Gilmore, chief executive of the Schepens Eye Research Institute, said greater collaboration with the institute's larger neighbor could allow scientists to find new treatments for diseases such as macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness for people over 55.
Last year, Mass General researchers moved into 350,000 square feet of new research space in Charles River Plaza immediately adjacent to the 110,000 square feet of research space at Schepens, prompting scientists at both institutions to consider the possibility of working together, Gilmore said.
(By Scott Allen, Globe staff)
