UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

Philanthropists Ginny L. Clements and Tom Rogers commit $2 million to the Sarver Heart Center at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson to establish a cardiovascular research institute. The center aims to raise $75 million, with a $25 million challenge gift contingent on raising $50 million over five years. The institute will focus on heart health, disease prevention, and treatment, aiming to become a leader in cardiovascular research.

Early research at the University of Arizona suggests a potential new Parkinson's drug, PNA5, which may protect brain cells and prevent cognitive decline in animal models. Developed by Meredith Hay, PNA5 targets inflammation and could potentially treat other brain diseases like vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s. The study, led by Kelsey Bernard and Dr. Lalitha Madhavan, is still in the animal testing stage.

University of Arizona's research activity exceeded $1 billion in FY24, focusing on global challenges like energy, health, and national security. The university ranks among top research institutions and maintains its No. 1 ranking in astronomy and astrophysics. Research advances human knowledge, prepares students, and strengthens communities.

The FDA and EPA registered SANIDATE 12.0, the first antimicrobial product for pre-harvest agricultural water, to combat foodborne pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella. This marks a landmark achievement in food safety, aligning with FDA's FSMA Preharvest Agricultural Water Final Rule. Collaboration among government, academia, and industry was key to this success.

The Biden Cancer Moonshot announces new commitments to support patient care and improve health outcomes, including expanding navigation services to over 150 million Americans, enhancing cancer screening follow-up through PIN services, and advancing navigation services for veterans and marginalized communities.

Three Barcelona institutions launch the world's first Joint Program on Evolutionary Medical Genomics, aiming to use evolutionary principles to understand disease and improve health, backed by one million euros in funding.

The Southwest Forum on Difficult to Treat Depression, chaired by Jordan F. Karp, MD, convened experts to discuss novel mechanisms, evidence-informed algorithms, and access to comprehensive depression care. Topics included advanced treatments like brain stimulation and neurosteroids, challenges in late-life depression, digital mental health treatments, and the role of biomarkers in precision psychiatry. The forum emphasized the need for equitable access and personalized medicine to improve outcomes in treatment-resistant depression.

Sunshine Biopharma launches Ursodiol, a generic drug for cholestatic liver diseases and gallstones, in Canada. The company plans to introduce 31 more drugs by 2025 and is engaged in proprietary drug development. Recent financial metrics show revenue growth but ongoing losses, reflecting a focus on market expansion.

Mark Lee and Michael Kuhns, PhD, at the University of Arizona Health Sciences, use nature as a blueprint to develop advanced molecular and immunological therapies. They focus on improving CAR T cell therapy, creating a five-module chimeric antigen receptor (5M-CAR) to treat Type 1 diabetes, and exploring the role of CD4 in T cell signaling. Their work aims to harness the immune system to cure diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders.

Dr. Chris Apfel discusses his journey into cancer research, the SAGE Oncotest for personalized cancer treatment, the importance of integrative oncology, and promising innovations in cancer care, emphasizing the need for patient advocacy and proactive healthcare choices.