Medically CitedThe Belfer family has significantly bolstered the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s neurodegenerative disease research capabilities. With a recent $20 million donation, the philanthropic family’s total contributions to MD Anderson now exceed $53.5 million over the past decade. This latest gift, matched through institutional charitable efforts, will invigorate the Belfer Neurodegeneration Consortium, enhancing efforts to combat Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related neurodegenerative conditions.[1]
Their donation can lead to groundbreaking treatments that improve the lives of the estimated 50 million people worldwide affected by neurodegenerative disease. As MD Anderson continues to make strides in understanding and treating these diseases, the family’s generosity ensures that hope remains on the horizon.
Jim Ray, Ph.D., executive director of the Belfer Neurodegeneration Consortium, said in a press release, The key elements for success are in place: a powerful research model, a winning collaborative team, and a robust translational pipeline, all in the right place at the right time.
A Legacy of Generosity: The Belfer Family and MD Anderson
The Belfer family’s relationship with MD Anderson began in 2012 with a $25 million donation that established the Belfer Neurodegeneration Consortium. This multi-institutional initiative aims to deepen the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and translate research findings into effective therapeutic interventions.
The Belfer Neurodegeneration Consortium partners MD Anderson with prestigious institutions including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Baylor College of Medicine?.[2]
This commitment illustrates the family’s dedication to advancing medical research and improving patient outcomes. MD Anderson’s South Campus Research Building 4, renamed The Robert A. and Renée E. Belfer Research Building, houses key research divisions, including the Belfer Neurodegeneration Consortium and the Therapeutics Discovery division?.
My family strongly believes in the work being done at MD Anderson through the Belfer Neurodegeneration Consortium to help those with Alzheimer’s and dementia,” stated Laurence Belfer. “We are proud to put our name behind this collaborative effort that will impact generations to come.
Advancing Neurodegenerative Disease Research
Alzheimer’s is currently the fifth-most-common cause of death for Americans aged 65 and older. From 2000 to 2021, while deaths from stroke, heart disease, and HIV have decreased, deaths from Alzheimer’s disease have increased by more than 140%.
MD Anderson’s Therapeutics Discovery division, which includes the Belfer Neurodegeneration Consortium, unites scientists, clinicians, and drug development experts to overcome traditional drug discovery bottlenecks. This division’s proximity to patients and clinical and research expertise uniquely positions it to advance new therapies.
Over the past decade, the Belfer Neurodegeneration Consortium has pursued over 40 drug discovery projects, with five advancing to the next stage. These efforts focus on addressing genetic risk factors, reducing inflammatory responses, and combating the toxicity of tau proteins. Early successes have encouraged the philanthropic family to continue their support. Over the next decade, the goal is to develop five new drugs for Alzheimer’s and related disorders, aiming for two to show meaningful clinical efficacy?.
MD Anderson is leveraging its expertise in cancer treatment to inform studies on Alzheimer’s disease. The institution’s Cancer Neuroscience program explores the intersection of cancer and neurological diseases, revealing unexpected connections that could lead to new therapies. For instance, similarities between the memory-related side effects of chemotherapy and dementia experienced by Alzheimer’s patients highlight potential shared treatment pathways?.
The Belfer Neurodegeneration Consortium’s work has already led to promising developments. The consortium currently runs 12 projects targeting various aspects of Alzheimer’s disease, with one project advancing to a Phase 1 clinical trial. Among these projects is the DLK project, which received $20 million from the State of Texas to develop a neuroprotective therapy for both Alzheimer’s patients and cancer patients experiencing chemotherapy-induced nerve damage?.
The NeuroHealth Initiative at MD Anderson, launched with the consortium’s support, aims to study the brain and nervous system of cancer patients undergoing treatment. This initiative offers a unique perspective on understanding the early stages and mechanisms of neurodegeneration, potentially paving the way for early interventions to prevent cognitive impairment.
Approximately one-third of individuals over the age of 65 will develop dementia. Unpaid dementia caregiving was reportedly valued at $346.6 billion in 2023. By supporting the Belfer Neurodegeneration Consortium, the family is helping to address some of the most pressing health challenges facing the aging population. “As the population ages, we won’t be able to support the number of people who need care,” stated Ray.
“In addition to the tremendous suffering it causes, Alzheimer’s is also the most expensive disease in the United States. Patients need full-time family support or round-the-clock care in specialized centers.”
With the support of the Belfer family and the collaborative efforts of leading research institutions, MD Anderson is well positioned to make significant breakthroughs in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases.[3]
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[2] MD Anderson receives $20M donation from Belfer family to study neurodegeneration : https://cancerletter.com/in-brief/20240510_6c/
[3] Belfer Management LLC : https://www.inc.com/profile/belfer-management-llc
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