Chicago Medical School

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., Oct. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- U.P. Oncolytics, a company in Rosalind Franklin University's Helix 51 biomedical incubator, has been awarded Orphan Drug designation by the FDA's Office of Orphan Products Development for its oncolytic virus-based therapy to treat malignant glioma. Orphan diseases are rare conditions that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. and are often serious or life-threatening. Orphan drug designation is given to drugs showing promise in treating, preventing or diagnosing orphan diseases. "We are pleased by the FDA Orphan Drug designation," said U.P. Oncolytics CEO Dr. Richard Rovin. "It, along with the SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) grant, are strong validations of our science and our approach to bring new treatments to this highly resistant cancer." RFU announced on Sept. 30 that U.P. Oncolytics had earned a $500,000 NIH award as part of a Phase I-Phase II SBIR Fast-Track grant. The award will fund the company's proposed in vitro and in vivo IND-enabling studies on the "Validation of a novel treatment for glioblastoma using oncolytic Zika virus." Aimed at minimizing funding gaps, fast-track grants are awarded to projects that have a high potential for commercialization. About 80,000 people are newly diagnosed with primary brain tumors each year in the United States. Approximately 25% of those tumors are gliomas. Gliomas form when glial cells grow out of control. They usually grow in the brain but can also form in the spinal cord. Difficult to reach and treat with surgery, they can grow into other areas of the brain. Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), the most malignant and pervasive subtype of glioma and the most common primary brain tumor in adults, is included within the scope of the Orphan designation by the FDA. In 2023, nearly 10,000 people in the United States are estimated to have died from glioblastoma, according to the National Brain Tumor Society. The most common form of malignant brain cancer, glioblastoma accounts for 50% of all malignant brain tumors. The five-year relative survival rate for the disease is 6.9%. Median survival is eight months. FDA Orphan Drug designation provides numerous benefits to companies, including: market exclusivity for up to 7 years; fast-track review; regulatory guidance; exemption from user fees; and clinical trial expense tax credits. RFU Interim VP for Research and Dean of the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Joseph DiMario, PhD, said the orphan designation represents an important milestone in the development of U.P. Oncolytic's drug candidate. "U.P. Oncolytics' progress in developing this novel therapy for GBM brings new hope to patients and their families suffering from this terrible disease," Dr. DiMario said. "We are greatly encouraged by their development plans and recognition by key regulatory and scientific authorities." About Rosalind Franklin University Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. Recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, diabetes, obesity, and gait and balance, RFU encompasses the Chicago Medical School, College of Health Professions, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Learn more at rosalindfranklin.edu. About U.P. Oncolytics U.P. Oncolytics focuses on the development of oncolytic viral therapies for cancers, like glioblastoma, that are resistant to traditional treatments. Learn more at U.P. Oncolytics. Office of Marketing and Communications [email protected] SOURCE Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

$1.2 Million Distributed by Mary Kay Ash Foundation Will Fund Promising Cancer Researchers at Top Universities Advancing Cures For Women-Related Cancers NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., Oct. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosalind Franklin University cancer biologist Erin Howe, PhD, has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Mary Kay Ash Foundation — part of a $1.2 million research funding initiative aimed at advancing cures for women-related cancers. Dr. Howe, an assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology in RFU's Center for Proteomics and Molecular Therapeutics and Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, is a distinguished expert in the field of breast cancer metastasis research. The new grant will help fund her study, "Rab11 family interacting proteins control immune recognition of brain cancer metastases." "Our lab focuses on dissecting the molecular mechanisms driving metastatic breast cancer," Dr. Howe said. "Understanding how cancer cells interact with the metastatic niche and evade the immune system will ultimately identify novel therapeutic options and next-generation immunotherapies for patients with devastating breast cancer metastases." The lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is one in eight for American women, and metastasis is responsible for over 90% of breast cancer related morbidity and mortality, Dr. Howe said. Dr. Howe earned her PhD in cancer biology from the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus. She completed graduate and postdoctoral fellowships sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Cancer Institute (NCI) under the competitive NIH National Research Service Award (NRSA). The NRSA "helps ensure that a diverse pool of highly trained scientists is available in appropriate scientific disciplines to meet the nation's biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research needs," according to the NIH. Dr. Howe is also exploring a collaboration with Dr. Nicole Ferrara in RFU's Center for Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders to examine a potential link between stress and the incidences of triple negative breast cancer in African American women. "African American women tend to get this disease at a younger age compared to other racial groups," Dr. Howe said. "It's more metastatic, and they are more likely to die from it. Dr. Ferrara and I are interested in exploring the effects of stress on this at-risk population." According to the American Cancer Society, one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, with over 900,000 women estimated to have received this devastating news in 2021. Cancer is the second-leading cause of death among women, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control. Recognizing this pressing need, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has made it a priority to fund research at renowned medical schools and research facilities across the country that takes aim at cancers that specifically impact women. As part of its 2024 annual cancer research grant cycle, the foundation has awarded $1.2 million in grants to 12 researchers. The grants will support innovative and translational cancer research efforts that focus on the detection, prognosis, and treatment of cancers that predominantly affect women. Since 1996, the foundation has granted over $29 million to more than 290 researchers nationwide. "Creating a safer, healthier world for women means ensuring those on the front lines of groundbreaking cancer research and essential domestic violence services have the life-saving resources they need," said Michael Lunceford, President of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation Board of Directors. RFU Interim Vice President for Research Joseph DiMario, PhD, said Dr. Howe's work will help lay the foundation for the development of targeted therapies for metastatic breast cancer. "We're grateful for the work of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation, for its commitment to cancer research and its support of Dr. Howe," Dr. DiMario said. About Rosalind Franklin University Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. Recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, diabetes, obesity, and gait and balance, RFU encompasses the Chicago Medical School, College of Health Professions, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Learn more at rosalindfranklin.edu. About the Mary Kay Ash Foundation ® Guided by Mary Kay Ash's dream to enrich the lives of women everywhere, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation® raises and distributes funds to end domestic violence and invest in breakthrough cancer research to find cures for women-related cancers. Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has contributed more than $96 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission. In addition, the Foundation supports awareness initiatives, community outreach programs, and advocates for legislation to ensure women are healthy and safe. Learn more at marykayashfoundation.org. Office of Marketing and Communications [email protected] SOURCE Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

DEERFIELD, Ill., June 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Jeffrey W. Sherman, MD, FACP is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member for his contributions to Medical Innovations and Advocacy. Dr. Jeffrey W. Sherman, a distinguished figure in the medical field, continues to make significant contributions to healthcare through his expertise in biopharmaceuticals, education, and advocacy. Continue Reading Jeffrey W. Sherman With a Bachelor's degree in biology from Lake Forest College and an MD from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science/The Chicago Medical School, Dr. Sherman has undergone rigorous training in internal medicine and infectious diseases. He completed his internship and residency at Northwestern University and a fellowship in infectious diseases at the University of California-San Francisco (UCSF). Board-certified in internal medicine and infectious diseases by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), Dr. Sherman's expertise is widely recognized. He is affiliated with prestigious organizations such as the American College of Physicians (FACP), Erie Health Foundation, and Center for Healthcare Innovation (CHI). Dr. Sherman's influence extends beyond clinical practice. He has served as a liaison to the FDA Clinical Trial Transformation Initiative (CTTI) Steering Committee and on the Board of Advisors of the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP), shaping policy and advancing clinical research methodologies. His philanthropic efforts include involvement with the Global Genes Medical and Scientific Advisory Board and engagement with the National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD) and the European Organization for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS), highlighting his commitment to addressing rare diseases. Throughout his career, Dr. Sherman has been dedicated to developing new medicines and advocating for patients with rare diseases. He attributes his success to the support of his mentors, Dr. Lewis Smith at Northwestern and Dr. John Alexander at Searle, and his unwavering dedication to his family. When not immersed in his work, Dr. Sherman enjoys spending time with his five grandchildren, finding joy in family moments. Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Sherman embraces the philosophy of "never say never," and "patients come first," embodying resilience and determination in his pursuit of medical innovation and advocacy. Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected] SOURCE The Inner Circle