SBP February Discoveries

DISCOVERIES

February 2019

Dear colleagues and friends,

February may be a short month, but for us it continued to be packed with new scientific discoveries and events.

Scientists at our Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics discovered a potential new therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most challenging unmet medical needs today. The Institute’s scientists also made advances in the understanding of how HIV evades the immune system, which could inform the development of more effective treatments—and perhaps one day eradicate the disease.

We also hosted several scientific and educational events. Nobel laureate Michael Rosbash, Ph.D., presented his pioneering research on the molecular mechanisms that control circadian rhythm as part of our President’s Lecture series. We welcomed the San Diego community to our SBP Insights lecture series about heart disease—our quarterly event that presents the unique perspectives of a doctor, scientist and patient who navigate a disease in need of a cure.

Next month, please join us at the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering, where we’re joining forces with Eli Lilly to educate K–12 students about the power of DNA. In May, I hope you’ll join us for Bring It!, our unique disco-themed fundraising event.

I hope you enjoy this issue.

Kristiina Vuori, M.D., Ph.D.

President

Pauline and Stanley Foster Presidential Chair

DISCOVERIES

Drug screen uncovers new approach to treat Alzheimer’s disease

A screen of more than 1,600 Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved drugs performed at SBP’s Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics (Prebys Center) has revealed new therapeutic avenues that could lead to an Alzheimer’s disease treatment.

Insights into how HIV evades the immune system and continues to replicate

SBP scientists have helped reveal new insights into how HIV evades the body’s immune system and continues replicating—which could inform the development of more effective treatments—and perhaps a cure one day.

EVENTS

5 takeaways from SBP Insights: Heart Disease

It’s easy to forget about the fist-sized organ in our chest. But the heart is arguably the most important muscle in the body. We can’t live without it, after all.

To help educate the public about heart health and share the latest scientific advances, SBP invited the San Diego community to a free panel discussion focused on the heart. Read on for five important takeaways from the discussion.

La Jolla Light story >>

SBP's President's Lecture series draws Nobel laureate

Nobel laureate and self-described “fly chauvinist” Michael Rosbash, Ph.D. (pictured left) visited SBP to present his latest research on the circadian rhythm of fruit flies. Fellow fruit-fly scientist Rolf Bodmer, Ph.D. (pictured right) provided an introduction. The event was standing room only.

Helping scientists secure start-up funding

Securing venture capital (VC) funding is often critical to transforming a discovery into a life-saving medicine. Kirsten Leute of Osage University Partners, a top life-science VC firm, spoke to SBP scientists about best practices and common pitfalls when pitching a VC.

DRUG DISCOVERY

Top biotech industry podcast features SBP scientist

Chris Larson, Ph.D., spoke with "The Bio Report," a well-known biotech industry podcast, about the heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation (AFib), SBP’s drug discovery efforts and why he chose to leave the biotech industry to pursue drug discovery at a nonprofit research institute.

Listen to the podcast >>

SBP scientist writes about nonprofit drug discovery

In this month's Drug Target Review, Anthony Pinkerton, Ph.D, director of Medicinal Chemistry at SBP, writes about the advantages of nonprofit drug discovery–including the freedom to explore new targets that may be too risky for pharmaceutical companies.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Join us at the Festival of Science & Engineering

Know a budding scientist? Science lover yourself? Come visit our booth (P47) at EXPO Day in Petco Park on March 2, 2019. We're teaming up with Eli Lilly to help educate the San Diego community about DNA–with the help of some worms and zebrafish. The event is free and open to the public.

More information >>

Groove for a good cause at Bring It!

Co-chairs Juli Oh and Matthew Browne, and Sarah and David Szekeres invite you to bring your sense of fun and humor while you team up and boogie down for the most unique event in San Diego: Bring It! This year our game show–style fundraising event has a disco theme and will take place on May 2, 2019, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

PHILANTHROPY

Catalyst Club

Become part of a special community of SBP supporters by joining our new monthly giving club. You will also receive a beautiful, sleek black SBP Catalyst Club tote bag, perfect for your everyday needs.

Learn more >>

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