DETROIT, Dec. 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gilbert Family
Foundation, a private foundation established by Jennifer and Dan Gilbert, today announced its
first major initiative around gene therapy research.
The Gilbert Family Foundation's goal is to accelerate the
development of curative therapies that address the underlying
genetic abnormalities in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients.
Over the next three years, $12
million in research grants from the Gilbert Family
Foundation will fund several renowned multi-disciplinary research
teams to identify which gene therapy techniques are most promising
for NF1. The Foundation utilized a rigorous and extensive process,
including peer review, to identify top researchers and projects in
each of the initiative's gene therapy focus areas.
The distinguished researchers and institutions chosen
include:
- Charles Gersbach, PhD,
Duke University
- Eric Pasmant, PhD, Paris
Descartes University
- Andre Leier, PhD, University of Alabama
- David Bedwell, PhD, University of Alabama
- Deanne Wallis, PhD, University of Alabama
- Robert Kesterson, PhD,
University of Alabama
- Allan Jacobson, PhD,
University of Massachusetts
- Miguel Sena-Esteves, PhD,
University of Massachusetts
The Gilbert Family Foundation believes that directly repairing,
replacing, or bypassing the NF1 gene mutation is an important piece
to curing NF.
"We are committed to funding revolutionary and big-idea
research," said Dan Gilbert,
Co-Founder of the Gilbert Family Foundation. "The teams we have
partnered with share this vision and our family is honored to be
working closely with this talented group of researchers and
physicians."
NF1 drug development has previously focused on addressing the
symptoms caused by the disease. This important initiative takes an
alternative approach by working to develop therapies that address
the underlying genetic causes of NF1. This includes gene
replacement, gene editing, RNA editing, exon skipping, and nonsense
mutation suppression.
The Gilbert Family Foundation launched with a $150 million commitment from Dan and Jennifer Gilbert to fund groundbreaking,
cutting-edge research to accelerate a cure for NF1, as well as
community efforts in the city of Detroit. In partnership with the Milken
Institute Center for Strategic Philanthropy, the Gilbert Family
Foundation has established initial focus areas guiding its research
efforts.
NF1 causes tumors to form on nerves anywhere in the body, which
can lead to disfigurement, blindness and cancer. NF1 can also
result in learning disabilities, bone deformities and
cardiovascular issues. The course of the disease is both
unpredictable and variable among individuals.
"We have been deeply impacted ever since our oldest son Nick was
diagnosed with NF1 as a toddler, and believe this research will
benefit numerous families affected by NF1 around the globe, as well
as our son," said Jennifer Gilbert,
Co-Founder of the Gilbert Family Foundation.
For more information on the Gilbert Family Foundation,
visit: gilbertfamilyfoundation.org
About the Gilbert Family Foundation
The Gilbert Family Foundation is a private nonprofit foundation
founded by Jennifer and Dan Gilbert
to accelerate a cure for NF1, a genetic disorder that causes tumors
to grow on nerves anywhere in the body. The Gilbert Family
Foundation supports groundbreaking, cutting-edge research in hopes
of eradicating the disease. NF1 affects nearly three million people
worldwide. The Foundation also supports philanthropic efforts in
Detroit, Michigan. For more
information on the Gilbert Family Foundation, please visit
gilbertfamilyfoundation.org.
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SOURCE Gilbert Family Foundation