FSR feels strongly that the causes of this disease, and
ultimately a cure, will be uncovered through rigorous
and extensive scientific research. Awards
focus on collaborations which advance the
understanding of sarcoidosis and address the causes
of the disease, the suffering of patients and the
potential for a cure for sarcoidosis.
Currently FSR
offers an annual Research Award and smaller
Abstract Awards as well as offering
Research Support to
select programs.
$100,000 Research Awards
Renewing interest in basic and clinically applied research is
critical to achieving our mission. Since 2005, FSR has partnered
with the American Thoracic Society to offer an annual $100,000
sarcoidosis specific research grant. Collectively we have
awarded nearly $1 million to support innovative research projects
leading to an additional $1.2 million in subsequent awards to our
researchers. Learn more about FSR's Research Grant Application Process or Donate to
support important new research.
|
Year |
Investigator, Institution & Project Summary
|
|
2011 |
Nabeel Hamzeh, MD
(National Jewish Health)
Studies have already shown that antioxidant therapy reduces
oxidative stress and inflammation in chronic beryllium
disease, a disease that resembles sarcoidosis. The Effect of
an Antioxidant, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, on Inflammatory and
Oxidative Stress Markers in Pulmonary Sarcoidodis is a pilot
study to see how antioxidant therapy affects oxidative
stress in sarcoidosis. Learn
more.
|
|
2010 |
Kyra Oswald-Richter (Vanderbilt University)
Striking disparities exist in sarcoidosis clinical outcome.
The Role of Differential Cytokine Production in
Sarcoidosis Disease Pathogenesis will evaluate
whether inadequate adaptive immune response contribute to
disease progression in sarcoidosis.
Learn More.
|
|
2009 |
Lobelia Samavati (Wayne State University)
Both environmental and genetic factors appear to play a role
in sarcoidosis. The Role of Intracellular NOD-like
Receptors in Sarcoidosis will investigate the role
of specific proteins (cellular sensors which recognize
pathogens) as well as to identify variants in the genes for
the sensors. Learn More.
|
|
2008 |
Elliott Crouser (Ohio State University)
Some research has shown that nicotine suppresses the immune
system and reduces inflammation characteristic of
sarcoidosis in the lungs. Modulation of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis by Nicotinic
Acetylcholine Receptors
is a trial that will assess whether nicotine treatment
(in patch form) will reduce the severity of lung disease.
Learn More or
Join the Trial.
|
|
2008 |
Edward Chen (Johns Hopkins
University)
Recent studies have shown that genetic variations may be
associated with an increased risk of developing sarcoidosis.
The Role of Serum Amyloid A and RAGE in Sarcoidosis
is designed to determine whether SAA and RAGE are important
in the development of granulomatous inflammation.
Read the 2010 Press Release about Findings.
|
|
2007 |
Michael Falta (University of
Colorado Health Sciences Center)
T cell Ligands in Sarcoidosis focuses on
understanding how immune blood cells, called T lymphocytes
become overactivated in sarcoidosis patients and determining
how they are involved in the formation of granulomas. This
information might lead to an understanding of what causes
disease and suggest new therapies for treating it.
|
|
2006 |
Richard Silver (Case
Western Reserve University)*
Abnormal TLR Responses in the Pathogenesis of Pulmonary
Sarcoidosis attempts to demonstrate that the
response of specific infection recognizing molecules may be
abnormal and contribute to the immune response in
sarcoidosis. (*Received $50,000)
|
|
2006 |
Jan Wahlstrom (Karolinska
University Hospital)
Identifying an antigen may provide clues to a cause, and
potentially better treatments for this disease. Antigen specificity in Sarcoidosis
focuses on a specific group of sarcoidosis patients whose
immune system response may be related to exposure to a
specific antigen, or foreign substance.
|
|
2005 |
Dan Culver (Cleveland
Clinic)*
Matrix Metalloproteinases Contribute to Disease
Progression in Pulmonary Sarcoidosis and Are Inhibited by
PPar-γ focuses on lung cells in sarcoidosis
patients - specifically low levels of a molecule (PPAR-γ)
that regulates immune responses. If this molecule can be
regulated, inflammation from sarcoidosis and similar
inflammatory diseases could potentially be controlled.
(*Received $50,000)
Learn More. |
Abstract Awards for Excellence in Sarcoidosis Research
Abstracts are brief summaries designed to succinctly
communicate complex research projects. At scientific conferences,
these are often presented in both text summary and poster form. FSR
selects outstanding abstracts submitted to select medical and
scientific conferences in order to provide an opportunity for young
investigators to travel to meetings and present their data.
|
Year |
Investigator, Institution & Project Summary
|
|
2010 |
Dia Beachboard,
Vanderbilt University
Multiple mycobacterial antigen recognition of
Sarcoidosis BAL
Presented through the American Thoracic Society Assembly on Allergy, Immunology
and Inflammation Ms. Beachboard's work supports a role for
mycobacterial antigens in sarcoidosis disease pathogenesis.
Read the
Abstract.
Jared Kravitz, Medical
University of South Carolina
Intracavitary Amphotericin B for Pulmonary
Aspergilloma Complicated by Serious Hemoptysis in Fibrocystic
Sarcoidosis
Serious hemoptysis complicating pulmonary aspergilloma (PA)
is the second most common cause
of death in fibrocystic (FC) pulmonary sarcoidosis. Presented through the
American Thoracic Society Assembly on Clinical Problems Dr.
Kravitz's research assessed the safety and efficacy of Intracavitary
amphotericin B (ICAB).
Read the
Abstract.
|
|
2009 |
Ali A. Kanchwala, East
Carolina University
Cathelicidin Deficiency and Its Association with Disease
Severity in Patients with Sarcoidosis
Presented through the American
Thoracic Society Assembly on Allergy, Immunology
and Inflammation Dr. Kanchwala's work investigates the disease
mechanisms of sarcoidosis and how a specific antimicrobial peptide,
cathelicidin, plays a critical role in innate immune defenses.
Read the Abstract.
Tahuanty A. Pena,
Wayne State/Detroit Medical Center
Incidence and Outcome of Pulmonary Aspergillosis in
Patients with Sarcoidosis
Presented through the American
Thoracic Society Assembly Clinical Problems this work reviewed the risk of fungal infections among sarcoidosis
patients.
Read the Abstract.
Eleni Stagaki,
Sismanoglio General Hospital (Greece)
Th-1 cytokines in infectious and non-infectious granulomatous
lung diseases
Presented as World Association of Sarcoidosis & Other
Granulomatous Disorders Young Investigator Award.
Claus Bo Svendsen,
Statens Serum Institut (Denmark)
A prospective study evaluating the presence of Rickettsia in
Danish patients with sarcoidosis
Presented as World Association of Sarcoidosis & Other
Granulomatous Disorders Young Investigator Award.
|
|
2008 |
Takeshi
Hattori, MD (First Department of Medicine, Hokkaido
University)
Hiroe Sato, MD, PhD (Clinical Genomic Group, Royal Bromptom
and NHLI, Imperial College)
Awarded through
the American Thoracic Society (ATS) Clinical Problems
Assembly, Dr. Hattori's studied the effect of smoking on
susceptibility to sarcoidosis. Focused on the immune
mechanisms of inflammation and awarded through the ATS
Asthma, Allergy and Immunology Assembly, Dr. Sato's research
investigated genetic variations (polymorphisms) associated
with severe pulmonary sarcoidosis. Read
Dr. Hattori's
Abstract or
Read Dr. Satoe's Abstract.
Elliott Crouser, MD (Ohio State University)
Dr. Crouser is Director of the Sarcoidosis Specialty Clinic at the Ohio
State University Medical Center and was recognized as the 2008 K.I.S.S.
Investigator of the Year. Read the
Press Release.
|
|
2007 |
M. Gabrilovich, MD, PhD
(Case Western Reserve)
S. Chin, MD (University of Pittsburgh Medical
Center)
Awarded through the American Thoracic Society (ATS) Clinical Problems Assembly, Dr.
Chin's research involved testing for a unique blood cytokine that
identifies patients with active sarcoidosis inflammation. Focused
on the immune mechanisms of inflammation and awarded through the ATS
Asthma, Allergy and Immunology Assembly, Dr. Gabrilovich's research
investigated the role of specific infection recognizing molecules called
toll-like receptors and their involvement in pulmonary sarcoidosis.
David Stather, MD
(University of Calgary)
Lobelia Samavati, MD (Wayne State
University)
Awarded during the American College of Chest Physicians
annual CHEST meeting, Dr. Stather's research focused on diagnosis of
sarcoidosis with endobronchial ultrasonography and Dr. Samavati's
research focused on treatment of sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary
arterial hypertension.
2007 Grant Recipient: Marc
A. Judson, MD
Dr. Judson is director of the MUSC Sarcoidosis Center, one of the
largest sarcoidosis clinics in the United States. He has extensive
experience in the clinical management of sarcoidosis and is currently
collaborating with Northwestern University’s Center for Outcomes
Research & Education in Chicago on patient quality of life.
He was recognized as the 2007
K.I.S.S. Investigator of the
Year.
Read
the Press Release.
|
|
2006 |
W.P. Drake,
MD (Vanderbilt University)
R. B. Hubbard (University of
Nottingham)
Awarded through the American Thoracic Society (ATS) Clinical Problems Assembly, Dr.
Hubbards’s research to assess the long-term prognosis of
people diagnosed with sarcoidosis demonstrated a small
increase in the relative incidence of cancer and an
increased mortality rate. Focused on the mechanisms
which lead to sarcoidosis development, and awarded
through the ATS Asthma, Allergy and Immunology Assembly,
Dr. Drake's research investigated exposure to specific
mycobacterial antigens in sarcoidosis patients and
controls and her findings suggest disease progression
may reflect an immune response to one
or more of these
antigens.
Violeta Vucinic
(Belgrade Institute for PUD AS and TB)
Lobelia Samavati (Wayne State
University)
Awarded during the American College of Chest Physicians
annual CHEST meeting, Drs. Vucinic and Samavati each presented clinical research focused on
mechanisms to assess Health Related Quality of Life (HQRL) in
sarcoidosis patients.
Nadera
Sweiss (University of Chicago)
Nadera Sweiss is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at
the University of Chicago
in the Section of Rheumatology. She has an active
clinical research program in
sarcoidosis, testing novel therapies in clinical trials
and has an interest in
translational research to understand the underlying
causes of sarcoidosis. She was recognized as the 2006
K.I.S.S. Investigator of the
Year. Read
the Press Release.
|
|
2005 |
Andrew Shorr
(Washington Hospital Center)
Sarcoidosis generally affects younger patients who have
the potential to live for longer durations, they are
however, more severely ill. Awarded during the American College of
Chest Physicians annual CHEST meeting, Dr. Shorr’s research
evaluated patient survival following lung transplant.
Adrian Kruit (St. Antonius, Netherlands),
Qiao Ye (Ruhrlandklinik, Germany)
Dr. Kruit’s research focuses on a protein (TGF-β that
regulates immune response and Dr. Ye investigated the
role of a specific stress response enzyme (HO-1) in the
development of pulmonary fibrosis. Presented as World
Association of Sarcoidosis & Other Granulomatous Disorders Young
Investigator Awards.
Deborah Bradley (University of
Cincinnati)
Phillippa Lawson (University College
London)
Vincent Manganiello (NHLBI)
Otto Villa (Tufts
University)
Awarded through the American Thoracic Society (ATS) Clinical Problems Assembly, Dr.
Bradley’s research compared the effectiveness of
anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents and Dr.
Manganiello’s research evaluated a steroid-sparing agent
in the treatment of sarcoidosis. Focused on the cellular
development of sarcoidosis and awarded through the ATS
Allergy, Inflammation and Immunology Assembly, Dr.
Villa’s research focused on the protein make-up of
T-cells and Dr. Lawsons’s research analyzed specific
genetic variants in sarcoidosis patients.
Kyle
Hogarth, University of Chicago
As a young investigator and clinician, Dr. Hogarth’s
patient care and research efforts focus on measures to
improve quality of life and outcomes for patients with
all forms of interstitial lung disease with a strong
focus on sarcoidosis and rheumatologic interstitial lung
disease. He received his MD from Case Western
University in 1998, and completed his residency and
fellowship in pulmonary & critical care medicine at
the University of Chicago. Presented as KISS Chicago Young
Investigator Award.
Read
the Press Release.
|
Additional Research Support
National Disease Research Interchange (NDRI)
Rare Disease Biospecimen Alliance (Ongoing)
This new alliance will facilitate tissue donation for research studies and accelerate the procurement
and placement of sarcoidosis tissues with researchers.
Lecture Support for the
5th International World
Association of Sarcoidosis and Other Granulomatous Disease (WASOG)
Conference on Diffuse Lung Diseases (2009)
FSR provided financial support
for this international conference focused on diffuse lung diseases.
Lecture Support for 2006 Aspen Lung Conference:
“Immunologic Diseases of the Lung”
FSR sponsored a lecture at this conference focused on the discovery of
the cellular and molecular basis of immunologic lung diseases and the
translation of these discoveries to novel treatment strategies.
WASOG Membership for Seven Young Investigators (2005)
FSR provided one year of WASOG membership with subscription to the
scientific journal Sarcoidosis, Vasculitis & Diffuse Lung Diseases to seven investigators identified by abstract submission.
FSR Supports the University of Chicago
(2004)
The University of Chicago Section of Pulmonary and
Critical Care Medicine is
comprised of a world-class group of physicians and
scientists who treat and
investigate the underlying causes of sarcoidosis and
other similar diseases. As part of the Foundation’s
mission to provide direct support to critically needed
sarcoidosis research, a portion of proceeds from our
Spring 2004 fundraiser were shared with the University
of Chicago.
FSR Awards Grants through WASOG (2002)
FSR awarded their first grants to two researchers
selected at the 7th World Congress of The World
Association of Sarcoidosis and Other Granulomatous
Disorders (WASOG) Conference, held in Stockholm, Sweden.
Helene Stridh, researcher at Karolinska Insitute,
Stockholm, Sweden and Elske Hoitsma, researcher at
University Hospital Maastricht, Holland, were chosen
based upon questionnaires and abstracts they submitted
to a peer review panel composed of some of the top
sarcoidosis clinicians and researchers worldwide. Dr.
Stridh's work was focused on the study of the mechanisms
of the overreaction of T-Lymphocytes in sarcoidosis
patients and Dr. Hoitsma's work was focused on small
fiber neuropathy and autonomic dysfunction. |
