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- Posted Tuesday May 6, 2014
TGen and George Mason University announce precision medicine alliance for patients with serious illnesses
$12 million in grants pursued by TGen-George Mason Molecular Medicine Alliance, leveraging institutes' expertise in genomics and proteomics
PHOENIX, Ariz. and FAIRFAX, Va.- May 6, 2014 - The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) and George Mason University today announced the creation of a strategic research alliance to benefit patients with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
The TGen-George Mason Molecular Medicine Alliance is a
groundbreaking effort in precision medicine, which recommends to
clinicians the best medications and treatments based on each
patient's molecular profile.
Both institutions are world leaders in exploring the underlying
fundamentals of disease by studying genes and proteins. By
combining efforts, George Mason and TGen look to develop a more
precise research strategy to help people afflicted by cancer and
other diseases, while pursuing additional research. The alliance is
the first of its kind in the field.
TGen, at the heart of Phoenix's Biomedical Campus, is recognized
as a pioneer in studying genomics, or DNA, to uncover the
underlying molecular causes of disease. Mason, strategically
located outside the nation's capital, has one of the world's most
advanced labs for studying proteins: the Center for Applied
Proteomics and Molecular Medicine.
The alliance already has submitted applications for more than $12
million in research grants for projects that each institution might
not have pursued alone, but are now well positioned to accomplish
by combining their complimentary expertise.
"This is a timely and exceptionally forward looking research
effort between George Mason University and TGen. The Molecular
Medicine Alliance is an opportunity for two highly regarded
institutions to integrate their complementary knowledge and human
resources to help patients by using state-of-the-art technology to
advance new therapeutics options," said Dr. Jeffrey Trent, TGen
President and Research Director.
"This is a major achievement for science and health care," said
Dr. Ángel Cabrera, President of Mason. "By joining forces,
researchers can understand disease at a more refined level and more
people can be helped. This is the level of research that all
universities and companies strive to achieve."
Both institutions embrace translational medicine - moving new
laboratory discoveries as quickly as possible into new treatments
for patients. Both institutions pursue precision medicine -
recommending the best medication based on each patient's molecular
profile.
The alliance extends both Mason's and TGen's footholds to the
other sides of the nation, expanding each other's network of
collaborators and clinical trials, and advancing new treatments to
the public.
Using genomics to sort out genetic changes that lead to disease,
TGen has conducted extensive clinical trials that have led to new
treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Using that model, Mason has the opportunity to use proteomics to
develop new FDA approved treatments, including finding new uses for
already approved FDA drugs.
By integrating genomics and proteomics, the alliance will
initially focus on discoveries in four specific areas of
research:
• New treatments for patients with breast cancer
or melanoma.
• Treatments for patients with breast cancer
that has spread to the bone and brain.
• Biomarkers that can help diagnose traumatic
injuries, such as brain concussions.
• Developing a better understanding of
infectious diseases and the human immune system, leading to new
vaccines.
Through the alliance, Mason and TGen will have the opportunity to
develop new discoveries, benefitting patients through new
technologies. Mason students will have opportunities to intern at
TGen. And the partners hope the alliance will have significant
economic impact, creating jobs and new commercial businesses both
in Arizona and Virginia.
The alliance will be celebrated at an event Friday, May 9, in the
Mason Inn, Junior Ballroom on the Mason campus in Fairfax,
Va.
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About George Mason University
George Mason is Virginia's largest public research university.
Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls more than 33,000
students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown
rapidly over the last half-century and is recognized for its
innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity and
commitment to accessibility. Mason is also one of the best values
in higher education, producing graduates who lead all Virginia
schools with the highest annual salaries. For more information,
visit: www.gmu.edu.
Media Contact:
Michael Sandler
Director of Strategic Communications
703-993-8815
[email protected]
*
About TGen
Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix,
Arizona-based nonprofit organization dedicated to conducting
groundbreaking research with life changing results. TGen is focused
on helping patients with cancer, neurological disorders and
diabetes, through cutting edge translational research (the process
of rapidly moving research towards patient benefit). TGen
physicians and scientists work to unravel the genetic components of
both common and rare complex diseases in adults and children.
Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical
communities literally worldwide, TGen makes a substantial
contribution to help patients through efficiency and effectiveness
of the translational process. For more information, visit: www.tgen.org.
Press Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]