Release Date: July 26, 2004
Albany, NY -- To broaden its capabilities for research, The Institute for Therapeutic Discovery is renewing its capital-raising efforts. Founded by John McMichael, Ph.D., the Institute is a not-for-profit organization specializing in discovery and early-stage development of therapeutic agents for chronic diseases. The principal features of these agents are that they are derived from naturally-occurring molecules, and that they are administered in low doses. This profile offers a substantial cost savings in terms of research, development, manufacturing, and time. In addition, to date these agents have produced very few, and only minor, adverse side-effects.
Building on initial success, the Institute is dramatically expanding its diabetes and diabetic neuropathy research. In pre-clinical studies, the Institute’s patented low-level antibody therapy has shown great promise for treating diabetes as well as for treating other diseases which have an immune system component, including several types of dementia.
Of the need for additional funding, Dr. McMichael says, “Having the ability to perform basic science experiments in our own laboratory will allow us to identify the mechanism of action of current products as well as enable us to make them more efficacious. We do not want to mislead anyone by saying we have the final answer. What we do have are therapeutic agents for diabetes and dementia that strongly suggest that these disorders can be reversed. We will therefore continue our research with the goal of delivering these therapies to the public.”
This new infusion of money will enable the Institute to open and staff a laboratory in Providence, RI, with an early focus on determining the mechanism of action for its diabetes therapy. The laboratory will be headed by a senior research scientist who will report to Dr. McMichael, an immunologist and virologist, who holds 100 patents with twice that pending worldwide. The Institute is headquartered near Albany, NY, with offices in Boxford, MA, and Richmond, VA.
Envisioning a substantial reduction in both medical and societal costs, the Institute formed as a not-for-profit organization specializing in discovery and early-stage development. In partnership with physicians, scientists, and the public, this profile allows the Institute to move medicines into formal clinical evaluation in less time and with less money than a for-profit pharmaceutical company requires. The end result is that people from all walks of life may be better served as the Institute is poised to help provide a more rapid resolution to major health problems.
Vantage Coign Consultants is currently assisting the Institute in its efforts to fully develop this technology.
If you wish to contribute directly, please send your tax-deductible contribution to The Institute for Therapeutic Discovery, P.O. Box 127, Delanson, NY 12053 (Federal Tax ID 20-0109928).
