events Archives - Page 7 of 10 - Sanford Burnham Prebys

Tag: events

Institute News

Top neuroscientists gather at Sanford Burnham Prebys’ annual symposium

AuthorMonica May
Date

November 18, 2019

Symposium organizers Jerold Chun (fourth from right), Randal Kaufman (second from left), Barbara Ranscht (third from right) and Huaxi Xu (far left), pose with the speakers

A mother who no longer remembers her son. A daughter who took doctor-prescribed pain medication and slipped into addiction. A father who has trouble grasping a pen and eventually becomes unable to walk. Neurological disorders are some of the most painful and complex conditions our society faces today. Yet much about the brain remains unknown, hindering our ability to help people with these disorders.

To help shed light on the brain’s mysteries, on November 1, 2019, more than 250 neuroscientists gathered at Sanford Burnham Prebys’ one-day symposium to share their latest discoveries. Organized by professors Jerold Chun, MD, PhD; Randal Kaufman, PhD; Barbara Ranscht, PhD; and Huaxi Xu, PhD, the event attracted scientists from around the world eager to learn more about biological clues that are leading to effective therapies. Read the full list of the invited speakers and their talks.

“Nearly every day we read about the toll neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, mental health disorders and more take on our society,” said Kristiina Vuori, MD, PhD, president of Sanford Burnham Prebys, in her introductory address. “Our symposium brings together scientists at the frontiers of brain research who share their latest discoveries to open new paths toward new and better treatments.”

More than 50 million Americans are affected by neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, addiction and more, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Most of these conditions are not well addressed by current medicines.

At the symposium, world-renowned scientists from Stanford University, Mount Sinai, University of Vienna and other top-tier institutes gave talks describing their strategies to uncover the molecular basis of brain disorders and how these discoveries are advancing potential therapies. A national plan to address Alzheimer’s and other dementia types was described by Eliezer Masliah, MD, the National Institute of Aging’s director of the Division of Neuroscience.

“This was my first scientific conference, and it was perfect for learning about a wide range of cutting-edge brain research,” said attendee Jaclyn Beck, a PhD student at UC Irvine who studies the role of the brain’s immune cells, called microglia, in Alzheimer’s disease. “I have several pages of notes from the talks detailing findings I want to investigate and people I want to contact.”

For the past 40 years, our Institute has invited leading experts on one scientific topic to share their latest research at an annual symposium. By encouraging connection and collaboration, we hope to inspire insights that improve human health. The 41st annual symposium will take place in November 2020 and focus on the biology of organelles, specialized pouches within cells that carry out critical functions such as generating power and breaking down waste, and its role in health and disease.

Institute News

Advancing life-changing science at Sanford Burnham Prebys’ 2019 gala

AuthorMonica May
Date

November 13, 2019

From left to right: Honorary co-chairs Jeanne Jones and Reena Horowitz pose with our namesake Denny Sanford at our annual gala.

On November 2, 2019, more than 170 supporters of Sanford Burnham Prebys stepped into a winter wonderland at our Institute’s “Nordic Nights”-themed gala.

As attendees enjoyed the festivities—including an ethereal violinist on stilts and dancing ballerinas—the evening’s goal was never far from everyone’s mind: advancing biomedical research that will transform the future of human health. Thanks to guests’ generous donations our scientists can accelerate their efforts to understand and treat serious diseases such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease, cancer and more.

Watch Helen share her breast cancer story
(video shown at the gala)

Institute News

On the path to personalized breast cancer treatments

AuthorMonica May
Date

October 24, 2019

Fleet Cancer series-breast cancer

Ruth Claire Black wasn’t entirely surprised when she was diagnosed with breast cancer six and a half years ago. Her mother had died at age 52 of breast cancer, only two years after she was first diagnosed, Black explained at our recent Fleet Science Center event. New treatments have allowed Black’s story to differ from her mother’s—but as breast cancer experts from Sanford Burnham Prebys and UC San Diego Health explained, there is still a long way to go. 

“There is a great misconception that breast cancer is extremely easy to treat and is always cured. But the truth is that one in three women with early-stage breast cancer will relapse and eventually die from the disease,” said speaker Rebecca Shatsky, MD, a breast cancer oncologist at UC San Diego Health. “We are learning there aren’t one or two kinds of breast cancer—there are up to 30 different subtypes. To cure breast cancer, we need to look at treatments through a personalized lens.” 

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in American women. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, and more than 40,000 women die each year from the cancer. Targeted treatments—such as those that block the HER2 receptor—and hormone-based therapies have extended survival. However, 30% of people with estrogen-positive breast cancer, the most common form, eventually stop responding to standard-of-care treatments, for reasons that are largely unknown.

Speaker Svasti Haricharan, PhD, assistant professor at Sanford Burnham Prebys, is working to change these realities. Her work centers on a breast cancer subtype caused by defects in DNA repair machinery—a genomic “spell check” that normally corrects DNA copy errors during cell division. Nearly 20% of people who do not respond to breast cancer treatment have mutations in this machinery. Working with Shatsky, Haricharan’s team identifies breast cancer samples that have DNA damage repair defects. Then she tests these samples against thousands of FDA-approved treatments—with the goal of finding an effective treatment. 

For people like Black, these advances can’t come soon enough. 

“We have so much information about breast cancer. We have great diagnostics. Because of these tests, I know I’m a carrier of the BRCA2 mutation. I also know that it’s only a matter of time until my cancer returns,” said Black, who is a member of Sanford Burnham Prebys’ Community Advisory Board. “But doctors don’t know what to do with all of this information. That’s why I’m so supportive of the work taking place at Sanford Burnham Prebys. They are taking this information and doing something with it.” 

This event was the third of our five-part “Cornering Cancer” series. Register today to join us for discussions on pancreatic cancer in November and pediatric brain cancer in December. 
 

Institute News

Sanford Burnham Prebys welcomes U.S. Congressman Mike Levin

AuthorMonica May
Date

October 22, 2019

Congressman Mike Levin visits SBP

On October 1, 2019, U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) toured Sanford Burnham Prebys and met with several faculty members to learn more about the innovative biomedical research taking place in his backyard. Levin represents California’s 49th Congressional District, which includes North County San Diego, South Orange County and neighbors our La Jolla campus. 

The visit kicked off with a visit to a lab working to find medicines for a heart arrhythmia condition called atrial fibrillation (AFib), a disorder that hits home for Levin: His grandmother struggled with the disease. Levin peered into a microscope to view beating heart cells and learned how a team of experts from Sanford Burnham Prebys and Scripps Clinic are working to develop personalized treatments for the condition, which affects nearly six million Americans (meet the A-team.)

“Sanford Burnham Prebys is a great example of the vibrant biomedical research taking place in San Diego that has the potential to improve the quality of life for families across the country,” says Levin. “Seeing the Institute’s critical research up close and hearing firsthand how National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding has accelerated medical discovery only strengthens my commitment to supporting biomedical science. Following my visit to Sanford Burnham Prebys, I was proud to introduce legislation that would invest $10 billion in the NIH to support biomedical research, and I will continue to fight for this much-needed funding.”

Following the lab tour, Levin met with faculty members who—thanks to federally funded research—are working to find treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and addiction, and study the aging process to address age-related diseases such as cancer. The visit wrapped up in the lab of Hudson Freeze, PhD, the director of our Human Genetics Program, who studies a rare childhood disease called congenital disorders of glycosylation, or CDG. 

“Americans today are living longer and healthier lives because of federally funded medical research,” says Chris Larson, PhD, the adjunct associate professor of Development, Aging and Regeneration at the Institute who arranged the visit. “We are grateful that Mike took the time to sit down with us to learn about our NIH-funded work and how he can help support us on our mission to find cures for human disease.”

Editor’s note: Shortly after his visit Levin introduced legislation that calls for a $10 billion investment in biomedical research. 

Institute News

“We are desperate for new therapies”

AuthorMonica May
Date

September 23, 2019

Fleet Science Center: Cornering Cancer

Experts discuss AML during the Sanford Burnham Prebys community lecture series 

Bill Veljovich had never been sick in his life. “Not even joint pain,” shared the 80-year-old retired engineer at our recent Fleet Science Center discussion about acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a life-threatening type of blood cancer. He was joined by experts from Sanford Burnham Prebys and UC San Diego Health.
 
However, his doctor noticed that his white blood cells counts were off during a routine blood test. He was diagnosed with a blood cancer called myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), which progressed to AML (this occurs in one out of three people with MDS). Fortunately, Veljovich responded well to a then off-label treatment that only recently was approved for older patients with AML. 

“The truth is, we are desperate for new therapies,” said speaker Rafael Bejar, MD, PhD, a clinician at UC San Diego who specializes in blood cancers. “AML typically occurs in people over the age of 60, who often aren’t able to tolerate intensive chemotherapies.” 

Until two years ago, the treatments for AML remained the same as those used in the 1970s: a chemotherapy combination and perhaps a bone marrow transplant. Only 24% of adults with AML remained alive five years after treatment. 

Now, thanks to foundational research that revealed the underlying genetic drivers of AML, eight new drugs have been approved in the past two years. Several more targeted therapies are nearing potential FDA approval. 

However, AML, which usually arises in cells that turn into white blood cells, is an incredibly complex and fragmented disease. Genome sequencing has revealed that more than 30 genes drive the cancer. Many different treatment types will be needed to truly conquer AML.

Peter Adams, PhD, a professor in Sanford Burnham Prebys’ National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Cancer Center, hopes to find a treatment that works for a broader AML population. He focuses on a protein called p53, often called the “guardian of our genome.” This protein senses DNA damage and kills the faulty cell—protecting us from developing cancer. However, to scientists’ surprise, 90% of people with AML have a normal p53 gene. 

“Emerging research suggests that AML inactivates p53 through other means,” said Adams. “My team is working to develop a drug combination that could reactivate the protective powers of p53—and thus fight AML.”

New research advances can’t come soon enough for people living with the cancer. 

“I’ve always taken the approach of learning as much as possible—and then fixing the problem,” said Veljovich, who designed and tested rocket engines before he retired. “I have learned that blood cancers are extremely complex. I wish there was a simple solution, but there isn’t. I’m grateful that we have smart folks like Dr. Bejar and Professor Adams who are working on these tough problems to find better medicines for AML.”

This event was the second of our five-part “Cornering Cancer” series. Join us for discussions on breast cancer (October 20), pancreatic cancer (November 17) and pediatric brain cancer (December 8). Register today.

Institute News

18th Annual Fishman Fund Award ceremony celebrates the next generation of biomedical trailblazers

AuthorSusan Gammon
Date

September 23, 2019

2019 Fishman Fund Award winners, left to right: Jennifer Hope, PhD, Aaron Harvas, PhD, Mafalda Loreti, PhD

Three talented early-career researchers were presented with a prestigious Fishman Fund Award at the annual ceremony on September 19. More than 100 generous benefactors, past award winners and family and friends joined the celebration held at the Sanford Consortium. The awards honor the Institute’s founders, Dr. William and Lillian Fishman.

Reena Horowitz, who along with her close friend Mary Bradley established the Fishman Fund Awards, welcomed the audience and shared how the Fishmans truly believed that young researchers need a boost from time to time—and that these awards do exactly that. Recipients who are selected from a pool of Sanford Burnham Prebys postdocs use the $10,000 stipend to attend workshops, network and travel to national and international conferences to learn about the latest developments in their research fields. 

“The young researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys make discoveries that have an impact in San Diego as well as helping advance science and health around the world,” said Horowitz. “The Institute motto could not ring truer: From Research the Power to Cure.”

Professor Hudson Freeze—one of the very first Fishman Fund Award winners and now director of the Institute’s Human Genetics Program—shared how his nearly 40 years of research has established him as a magnet for a global community of families seeking treatments for rare childhood diseases. He encouraged this year’s winners to take advantage of working in a world-class research center and to pursue meaningful research that will open new avenues to improve human health.

Jennifer Hope, PhD, was presented with the Lenka Finci and Erna Viterbi Fund Prize by Horowitz and Institute supporter Judy White. Dr. Hope works in the laboratory of Professor Linda Bradley, where she is studying cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive the development of T cells that attack cancer. Jennifer’s career goal is to become an independent investigator focused on research to promote patient responsiveness to cancer therapies.

Mafalda Loreti, PhD, was presented with the Jeanne Jones and Kathryn Fishback Fund Prize by Fishman Fund co-founder designee Jeanne Jones and longtime Institute supporter Sam Horowitz. Dr. Loreti is studying the mechanisms that promote muscle growth and repair in the laboratory of Associate Professor Alessandra Sacco. Her career goal is to become an independent researcher in an academic setting, where she will explore the biology of muscle pathologies and approaches to improve muscle health.

Aaron Havas, PhD, received the Reena Horowitz and Mary Bradley Fishman Fund Prize from Horowitz and Institute supporter Doreen Schonbrun. Dr. Havas works in the lab of Professor Peter Adams, where he studies how aging affects gene regulation. His career goal is to work in the biotech industry exploring drugs that target the process to promote healthy aging.

Since the fund’s inception in 2001, 64 prizes have been awarded. Every other year, a 24-month fellowship that provides salary support is given to a deserving postdoc. The fellowship was awarded in 2018, so it will be given again at next year’s ceremony.

The generosity of our Fishman Fund donors enables the tradition of providing career advancement opportunities. On behalf of all of us at Sanford Burnham Prebys, we thank you for your support.

Institute News

Fleet Science Center cancer series kicks off with lung cancer discussion

AuthorMonica May
Date

August 22, 2019

Fleet Science Center-Garth Powis, Steven Snyder, Hatim Husain

New lung cancer treatments are making a difference for patients. Pill-based, personalized medicines and immunotherapies are allowing some individuals to survive for years instead of months. Still, lung cancer remains the deadliest cancer—killing more people each year than breast, prostate and colorectal cancer combined. 

To help the public better understand the newly available medicines—and the research advances on the horizon—our Institute teamed up with the Fleet Science Center to host a panel discussion on Sunday, August 18. 

“Many people who live in San Diego aren’t aware of the incredible research advances taking place in their backyard, especially in cancer,” said speaker Garth Powis, D. Phil., professor and director of Sanford Burnham Prebys’ National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Cancer Center (on left). “We hope this discussion and future events will help more people understand cancer research and the breakthroughs that might come from their own community.”

Powis was joined by Hatim Husain, MD, a clinician at UC San Diego (on right); and Steven Snyder, PhD, president and CEO of the Fleet Science Center (center), who moderated the discussion. The speakers described how targeted treatments, which are only prescribed if a patient’s tumor has a specific mutation; and immunotherapies, which harness a patient’s immune system to melt the tumor, are extending survival for lung cancer patients. Husain expressed excitement surrounding new blood tests to detect lung cancer—which he hopes will be more commonplace in five to ten years. The speakers also noted that advances made in lung cancer have the potential to extend to other tumor types. 

“Many of the mutations that drive lung cancers are found in other tumors,” said Husain. “Targeted treatments that shrink lung tumors are being studied broadly in patients with a variety of cancers.” 

Powis and Husain also touched on their own collaboration to learn how lung cancer becomes resistant to treatment. Fluid buildup in the pleural space, the area between the lungs and chest wall, is often removed during routine checkups to help patients breathe. Working with Husain, Powis’ team is tracking the cellular and molecular makeup of this pleural fluid over the course of the disease. By regularly analyzing this fluid, they hope to gain insights into how lung cancer becomes treatment resistant and how it can be stopped.

“Scientists are getting close to mapping all of the mutations that drive lung cancer growth,” said Powis. “One day, patients may take one pill that contains all the anti-cancer compounds they need to fight the tumor.”

Upcoming topics in the series include breast, brain, and pancreatic cancer and more. The events will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on select Sundays in the Heikoff Giant Dome Theater at the Fleet Science Center in San Diego. Space is limited. Reserve your ticket today. 

Institute News

An evening with autoimmune disorder experts

AuthorMonica May
Date

June 26, 2019

Sanford Burnham Prebys Insights: Immunology

On June 20, 2019, nearly 100 community members, including many people living with autoimmune disorders and their loved ones, joined us at our latest SBP Insights event. The discussion featured unique perspective from three experts—a scientist, a doctor and a patient—on a single topic: autoimmune disorders. 

More than 50 million Americans have an autoimmune disorder, such as Crohn’s disease, psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions are often painful, chronic and debilitating. For unknown reasons, more than 80 percent of these patients are women. 

Scientists know these disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. But researchers still don’t understand why immunosuppressive treatments don’t work for everyone or know the initial trigger that causes the immune system to misfire. Answers to these fundamental questions could unlock insights that lead to new, effective medicines. 

“Before I was diagnosed, I thought doctors had it all sorted out. Now I know there is so much they don’t know,” says 17-year-old Madison Koslowski, who was diagnosed last year with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. She uses a wheelchair and cane for mobility while she works with her doctor to find a treatment that relieves her intense joint pain. “Right now, my friends are planning their future and figuring out where they will go to college. But for me, there are so many unknowns. I don’t know if I’m going to respond to the next medicine we try or if I will be really sick. I feel like my life is on pause. I have no idea when it will start again.”

Madison traveled from Los Angeles with her mother and a friend to hear race-car driver Angela Durazo speak about her journey with rheumatoid arthritis and learn what’s on the horizon for autoimmune treatments (read Angela’s story).

Following Angela’s presentation, Carl Ware, PhD, professor and director of the Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases Center at Sanford Burnham Prebys, took the stage and provided an overview of the science behind autoimmune disease. Ware also described his ongoing research collaboration with Eli Lilly, which recently led to a new Phase 1 clinical trial for autoimmune disorders. 

Hal Hoffman, MD, chief, division of allergy, immunology and rheumatology at UCSD and Rady Children’s Hospital, wrapped up the discussion with an overview of how he and his team are turning to rare immune disorders to understand the conditions as a whole. A Q&A followed the brief presentations. 

17-year-old Madison Koslowski (right), who was diagnosed last year with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, poses with race-car driver Angela.

17-year-old Madison Koslowski (right), who was diagnosed last year with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, poses with race-car driver Angela.

The discussion was moderated by Zaher Nahle, PhD, CEO of the Arthritis National Research Foundation.

Join us at our next SBP Insights discussion, which focuses on pancreatic cancer and takes place on November 21, 2019. Event details.

Institute News

Stepping into a scientist’s shoes at the Cancer Center Open House

AuthorMonica May
Date

June 20, 2019

Sanford Burnham Prebys Cancer Center Open House poster presentation

Cancer research has led to new insights and novel medicines that have transformed the lives of parents, grandparents and children around the world. Yet cancer remains the number-one cause of death in San Diego (nationally, it is the second-leading cause of death). The quest for new and better treatments—and a world free of the disease—remains urgent. 

On June 13, 2019, the San Diego community—including many cancer survivors and their loved ones—had a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of a cancer researcher and see how cancer drugs are discovered at the open house of our NCI-designated Cancer Center. The facility is one of only seven National Cancer Institute (NCI)–designated basic research cancer centers in the nation. 

Following an introduction by Garth Powis, D. Phil., professor and director of the NCI-designated Cancer Center, guests embarked on guided lab tours. Attendees discovered how we’re working to find better ways to combat cancer, viewed highly specialized equipment—such as machines that model the low-oxygen environment surrounding a tumor—and donned lab coats to catch a glimpse of our ultra-high-throughput drug screening robot in action at our Prebys Center for Drug Discovery. The state-of-the-art technology at the Prebys Center can screen hundreds of thousands of potential drug candidates in one run, accelerating the time it takes to find new, promising compounds that may become tomorrow’s cancer treatments.

Guests also learned how San Diego, with a multitude of world-class research institutes, universities and biotech companies, is shaping the future of cancer diagnosis and treatment. And our Community Advisory Board, comprised of cancer research advocates and cancer survivors, were on hand to share the importance of factoring in patients’ perspectives as breakthrough science moves from “bed to bedside.”

See the science in action in these event photos.

Missed the event? We hope you can join us at our next open house in November. The event is free and open to the public. Check for more details at sbpdiscovery.org/calendar.

Many thanks to our Community Advisory Board (CAB), the host of the open house. Comprised of nine cancer research advocates, including many cancer survivors, this committee strives to create a dialogue between our scientists and the community. We are grateful for CAB’s efforts surrounding the event, which included helping our scientists prepare lay-friendly presentations and posters that were critical to the event’s success.

Interested in keeping up with our latest discoveries, upcoming events and more? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, Discoveries.

Institute News

Getting groovy for a good cause at Bring It!

AuthorMonica May
Date

May 9, 2019

David & Sarah Szekeres, Juli Oh, Matt Browne-SBP BringIt!

From the moment guests stepped into the disco-lit room, it was clear Bring It! was not your typical fundraiser. 

Donned in bell bottoms, sequined bodysuits and platformed heels, this year’s guests sampled hors d’oeuvre’s supplied by roller-blading servers and grooved to classics such as “Stayin’ Alive” and “Dancing Queen.” 

The 70’s-themed event, held on May 2, 2019, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, drew a crowd of more than 400 attendees—the largest yet—a testament to the hard work and dedication of co-chairs Juli Oh and Matt Browne, and Sarah and David Szekeres. John Weisbarth, host of Tiny House Nation and San Diego native, emceed the event for the third year in a row.

While fun was had by all, the night’s mission was never far from anyone’s mind: fundraising for our Institute’s work to find cures for diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart disease, diabetes and more. 

Co-chair Sarah Szekeres shared her personal story about why research is important to her: “Learning I have the BRCA2 gene mutation, which puts me at a greater risk of breast and ovarian cancer, has been an overwhelming and frightening experience for me and my family. It’s through basic research that we will develop effective medicines or tests that prevent, diagnose or treat disease—and create a future where my daughter, and her children and grandchildren, aren’t afraid of cancer or Alzheimer’s or the many serious diseases our society faces today.”

Guests vied for an opportunity to participate in onstage competitions—a spot so coveted it was raffled to the highest bidder. Top-scoring teams partook in absurdly hilarious games, such as “Hungry Hungry Human,” where guests attempted to collect plastic balls from an inflated pool while wheeled on a dolly; and “Rocky,” where participants furiously boxed and ran in place to reach the most steps on a pedometer. Despite wearing wigs and hats, contestants even braved a bobbing-for-apples style competition involving candy encased in a Jello Mold.

Altogether, Bring It! certainly puts the “fun” in “fundraising needs.” We hope to see you next year—stay tuned for more details about the date and theme of the event.  

We are extremely grateful to the event’s generous sponsors, including Alexandria Realty, Heron Therapeutics, Marleigh and Alan Gleicher, Cooley, Marilena and Greg Lucier, Retrophin, Domain Associates, Robin and Hank Nordhoff, Jeanne Herberger, PhD, Moon Valley Nurseries, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Luke and Elizabeth Bonacci, Sarah and David Szekeres, Jonell and Gregory Tibbitts, Court and Julie Turner, Dulcy and Mason Matthies, Josie and Jim Myers, Marie Simmons, Arena Pharmaceuticals, BDO, CBRE, Creative Fusion, Cushman & Wakefield, IDT, Deloittte & Touche, Farrell Family Foundation, iProtean, KPMG, Johnson & Johnson, Marsh & McLennan Agency, Neurocrine Biosciences, Oxford Finance, Pegasus Building Services, UnionBank, Cabrillo Advisors, Square1bank and USI Insurance Services. 

Watch a fun-filled KUSI segment about the event. 

Head to our Facebook page to view event photos; search #BringIt19 to find more content. 

Interested in keeping up with our latest discoveries, upcoming events and more? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, Discoveries.