The Core Mission of the Pleiades Foundation is to accelerate the diffusion of biomedical technology primarily for acute stroke intervention.

A cascade of emerging therapies can halt or even reverse strokes while they are in progress. These intervention procedures are complemented by neuroprotectants and prevention therapies that provide a comprehensive approach to stroke care. Since the Pleiades Foundation is based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this region has the opportunity to become a model for comprehensive acute stroke care by way of developing a regional Stroke Center.

In 2005 the Pleiades Foundation On-Line Continuing Medical Education (CME) offerings will encompass a wider universe of neurological disorders. These include cerebrovascular and neuro-muscular degenerative disease, along with other disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Specifically, sleep disorders, migraines, rehabilitative medicine, Parkinson’s disease will be highlighted.

With unique offerings of On-Line CME, the Pleiades Foundation also expanding to serve a burgeoning global constituency of physicians and medical schools.

Introducing biomedical technology at a faster pace than the normal R&D cycle requires a knowledge and skills base, starting in the Chattanooga area, that can rapidly assimilate this type of biomedical innovation.

As a matter of concrete programs, this agenda translates to:

• Training and skills acquisition throughout the entire the health care delivery system, from EMT rapid response to cath-lab
• Information infrastructure to update physicians and staff on treatment and clinical trials
• Logistical support to transport patients to appropriate care facilities

A strategy of synchronizing education and organization is expected to permit the Pleiades Foundation to function as a technology "driver".