(Breaking up the paragraphs to make it easier for some to read.)
PRESS RELEASE Viral Genetics Successfully Secures Grant for New Lyme Research Study
Last update: 12:58 p.m. EDT March 18, 2009
SAN MARINO, Calif., Mar 18, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Viral Genetics, Inc. a biotechnology company that discovers and develops immune-based
therapies, announced today it has successfully secured $75,000 in grant funding from the Turn The Corner Foundation for an upcoming Lyme disease study.
The study headed by Viral Genetics Head of Research, Dr. M. Karen Newell and her research group at the University of Colorado in collaboration with Dr. Steven Harris of Pacific Frontier Medical, Redwood City, California and Dr. Peter Richards of San Francisco, will commence this week.
The study involves testing and further exploration of a newly-discovered mechanism in Lyme disease founded upon the targeted peptides being developed by the Company and Dr. Newell.
"The ultimate goal of our research is to identify and optimize a new therapy for Lyme Disease that inhibits chronic inflammation and focuses the immune response," said Dr Newell.
"I am thrilled that the Turn the Corner Foundation has chosen to fund our research about the potential molecular mechanisms involved in chronic Lyme Borreliosis.
My lab, Viral Genetics, and I, feel a profound sense of responsibility to honor the trust that has been placed in our research by the dedicated and passionate members of the Turn The Corner Foundation."
[ 03-19-2009, 09:50 AM: Message edited by: brf ]
Posted by Sojourner (Member # 9424) on :
Totally , Cool!
Imagine, a researcher who feels a "profound sense of responsibility" to actual people!!! Three cheers to Dr. Newell.
Posted by imagine2 (Member # 3136) on :
Great news...awesome article. Thanks so much for posting!
Posted by brf (Member # 8748) on :
I'm thinking that the Dr. Steven Harris who is involved with this is related to Nick Harris who operates Igenex.
My memory is not at all well these days. Can someone confirm or refute this please.
Posted by Sheryl777 (Member # 17804) on :
$75,000 seems like peanuts.
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Dr Steven Harris is Nick Harris's son. You might say, a very involved family!
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
brf, thanks for breaking up.
could you edit LONG link causing this to go superwide and use the www.tinyurl.org site.
just ocpy long link there, and it will make a tiny one for you.
copy the tinyurl HERE, and DELETE YOUR LONG one by clicking on pencil.
PASTE tiny url here! done; width is back to normal and we all thank you for this.
Posted by oxygenbabe (Member # 5831) on :
Yes, $75K seems like peanuts-- I'm interested in what they're doing and hear that Luc Montaigner (sp?) is associated with them as his son has/had lyme. *However* I am *very* leery of manipulation of the immune system. That's what some major drugs like Tysabri for M.S. do--and T-cells get downregulated and symptoms improve, but the immune system is vulnerable. People have died of PML.
I would rather see manipulation of the spirochete--give it something to adhere to besides our cell membranes/epithelial lining, *or*, something to interrupt its cycle.
In addition, is lyme really the gatekeeper infection? I tend to think so but don't know. If the other infections carried by ticks are equally virulent then we have a long way to go still.
Posted by nenet (Member # 13174) on :
Agreed oxygenbabe - I am very curious what they plan to address via the immune system.
Has anyone any information on any of these scientists' previous research trends? I'm trying to do some digging today. I'll post links to whatever I find that might be of interest.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
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Yes, I am concerned about their intent in manipulating the immune system rather than going after the actual bacteria.
I see that as especially difficult because most lyme patients have multiple infections that their body is fighting. If you change the immune response to borrelia, what happens in patients who have other infections ?
What happens when that immune response does not keep on track and the infection is still in the body ?
I hope they can answer these - and all the other questions. It is good to see that someone is working on this and so hope they find something that works. But there are some huge questions here to first explore.
NENET - or anyone else - I'd love to hear more about the researchers' philosophies and professional affiliations.
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Posted by lou (Member # 81) on :
Yes, peanuts. But a start, maybe. The immune system is very complicated and very involved in lyme pathogenesis and chronicity, and development of autoimmune markers. It is certainly a key, hope they will make some progress.
Posted by MY3BOYS (Member # 17830) on :
can understand the concers posted here. buy got to say very good to hear of new research !!!
from medical/ scientific view, I do believe looking at immune response and inflamation reposnses is good !!! one step forward imo.
if immune response in long term infection can be mapped out so to speak I think this opens the doors for more research and understanding !!
research like this may very well give proof of the chronic nature..sorry for long post
Posted by nenet (Member # 13174) on :
So far I have only found Dr. Newell to be involved in immune response studies in viral infections. Nothing Lyme-related yet, which is a little odd to me.
I need to keep looking and hopefully have enough brain power to read the studies for context, and also need to look up the other scientists' research backgrounds.