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The collaborative agreement will result in funding for a vector study by Derek A. Persons of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
by Craig Butler
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October 25, 2007- The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) is pleased to announce that it will partner with the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation (CAF) to fund a medical research grant in gene therapy for thalassemia. The $60,000 research grant, which will be called the AHEPA Cooley’s Anemia Foundation Grant, has been awarded to Derek A. Persons, MD, PhD, of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for a project entitled “Hematopoietic Stem Cell Gene Therapy for Beta-Thalassemia using Foamy Viral and Lentiviral Gamma-Globin Vectors.”
 | | | Derek A. Persons | |
Definitions
Hematopoietic – relating to the formation of blood cells. Hematopoietic stem cells are primal cells that give rise to all the blood cell types; they are found in the bone marrow.
Vector – A vector is a tool used to deliver genetic material into cells. A lentiviral vector is one that is created by taking a virus such as an HIV virus; destroying that part of it which creates HIV; and using this viral “shell” to help get into both dividing and non-dividing cells. A foamy viral vector is created in the same way, but with a foamy virus as its base. |
In his application statement, Dr. Persons described the work he will be doing as “critical to the eventual success of a gene therapy approach to Cooley’s anemia… A gene therapy approach would utilize the patient’s own hematopoietic stem cells obtained from their bone marrow…(which will be) treated with a viral vector that encodes a protein, human gamma-globin, which allows formation of fetal hemoglobin, known to ameliorate Cooley’s anemia.” The study would compare two separate vectors – tools used to deliver genetic material into cells – in animal models to provide a head-to-head comparison which “will be important in helping decide which system should be used to treat Cooley’s anemia patients.”
CAF and AHEPA have been working to form a partnership whereby the two organizations could better utilize its resources in pursuit of a common goal: winning the fight against thalassemia. AHEPA is the leading association for the nation’s 1.3 million American citizens of Greek ancestry, and Philhellenes. Its mission is to promote Hellenism, education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence,
“AHEPA is firmly committed to raising awareness of thalassemia among the Greek-American community and to supporting research which will accelerate the search for a cure,” AHEPA Supreme President Ike Gulas said. “We look forward to working with the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation and know that our combined efforts will make a big difference for everyone with thalassemia.”
“We are delighted to announce this very important partnership agreement,” says Gina Cioffi, Esq., CAF National Executive Director. “Because of AHEPA’s unique position within the Greek-American community, they have long had an interest in issues related to thalassemia. This new alliance between our organizations means that we will be able to combine our energies in a manner that is more productive for both of us – which can only benefit our patients.”
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Cooley's Anemia Foundation, Inc. TEL: 800 522-7222 FAX: 212 279-5999 info@cooleysanemia.org |
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| ©2001 Cooley's Anemia Foundation. All rights reserved |
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