2011
Annual Report
Turning Today’s Discoveries
Into Tomorrow’s Cures
wpinstitute.org
Table of Contents
About the Institute................................................3
Mission............................................................................... 4
President’s Report............................................................. 5
With Special Thanks........................................................... 7
Discovery..................................................................9
Bioinformatics................................................................. 10
Infection and Immunity................................................... 10
Inflammation................................................................... 10
Researchers...................................................................... 11
Translation........................................................... 14
Translational Research and WPI.................................... 15
Hope Fund......................................................................... 16
Education............................................................... 17
Promoting Neuro-Immune Disease Medical Education. 18
Engagement.......................................................... 19
Public Engagement.......................................................... 22
Donor and Bequester Engagement................................. 27
Sustainability....................................................... 28
Organizational Chart..................................................... 29
Board of Directors.......................................................... 29
Scientific Advisory Board................................................ 29
Clinical Advisory Board.................................................. 29
2011 at a Glance............................................................... 30
Statement of Income and Expense................................... 32
Grants and Gifts.............................................................. 33
Assets................................................................................ 34
Legislative Actions........................................................... 36
Unevx................................................................................ 37
WP Bio.............................................................................. 38
Supporters and Donors................................................... 40
Friends of the Institute................................................... 41
WHITTEMORE PETERSON INSTITUTE
for Neuro-Immune Disease
University of Nevada, Reno
1664 North Virginia Street • MS 0552
Reno, Nevada 89557
(P) 775-682-8250
(F) 775-682-8258
wpinstitute.org
anida.co
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/#!/WPInstitute
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Whittemore-Peterson-Institute/154801179671
Blog:
http://wingsofhopefornid.blogspot.com/
2
About the Institute
The reception desk in the administrative offices at Whittemore Peterson Institute, located in the Center for
Molecular Medicine on the University of Nevada, Reno campus.
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Mission
Whittemore Peterson Institute (WPI) exists to bring discovery, knowledge, and effective treatments to patients with illnesses that
are caused by acquired dysregulation of both the immune system and the nervous system, often resulting in life long disease and
disability.
Leadership
Goals
••Facilitate and advance patient care
••Research the pathophysiology of neuro-immune diseases such as myalgic
encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia, atypical
multiple sclerosis (MS), and autism
••Develop therapeutics, diagnostics and prevention strategies for this spectrum of diseases
Research Themes
Annette Whittemore
President and CEO
Carli West Kinne
Sr. Vice President and Legal
Counsel
INFECTIOUS PATHOGENS | CHRONIC INFLAMMATION | IMMUNE DYSREGULATION
Vincent Lombardi, Ph. D.
Director of Research
Research is the key to understanding the causes of complex neuro-immune diseases.
WPI is creating a network of dedicated scientists and doctors to aid WPI in its search
for answers. WPI researchers are engaged in research studies surrounding infectious
pathogens, adverse immune responses, and genetic susceptibility to chronic diseases.
Debi Blades
Chief Financial Officer
Key Objectives
••Identify pathogens associated with chronic diseases
••Identify genetic susceptibility to neuro-immune diseases
••Identify inflammatory markers of disease
••Identify subgroups of patients within disease
••Translate research to medical treatment
••Develop diagnostic markers of disease
••Advance and support medical education and physician training
Discovery
to make discoveries that will lead to a clearer
understanding of chronic disease
Translation
to use those discoveries to create biological markers of
disease leading to improved diagnosis, prevention and
treatments
Education
to facilitate learning in the laboratory and encourage
students to seek greater knowledge through continuing
education in medical research
Engagement
to engage with our community and encourage support
of the institute’s mission
Sustainability
to build support for the entire institute to sustain our
future
Michael Hillerby
Vice President of Governmental
and Public Affairs
Angelina Gordon
Director of Marketing and Events
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President’s Report
Although the institute has only been fully operational as a translational research institute for one year, it has already achieved
two of this field’s most important milestones, confirming the critical need for additional research funding by educating the world
about the severity of neuro-immune disease and opening the first medical research institute dedicated to neuro-immune disease. Both have been achieved despite having to overcome many obstacles.
The first milestone was to bring awareness to the world that ME/CFS is
a very real and seriously debilitating disease affecting tens of millions
of people around the world. By making a significant commitment to
the creation of a dedicated home for diseases such as ME/CFS, Gulf War
illness and atypical MS in the state of Nevada, the world began to see
these diseases from a new perspective. The significant levels of private
and state funding made a statement to the world that these diseases are
being taken seriously and deserve increased attention through research
and discovery.
The second milestone was the opening of our new state-of-the-art research and medical facilities. This 15.5 million dollar institute within the
much larger Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM) took years of hard
work, hundreds of individuals, and a major financial commitment from
private donors, the State of Nevada and the federal government. Now,
researchers, doctors and many others have begun the work to bring novel
discovery and effective treatments to millions who are without answers.
We realize, however, that research is not a straight or easy road to travel,
as we learned from the story of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related
virus/murine leukemia viruses (XMRV/MLVs).
when so much is at stake for so many.
The possibility of a retrovirus being associated with ME/CFS brought
many outstanding researchers to this field. Many have continued to
work in this area despite inherent difficulties that have been encountered along the way. Those difficulties have taught us all to be more
circumspect when making discoveries, but have not dampened WPI’s will
to understand the roll pathogens play in this and other similar neuroimmune diseases. Giving up the pursuit of knowledge is not an option
We have learned that those who continue to persist in the face of difficulty most often succeed. Although there will always be
those who remain skeptical, there are millions more who believe in our vision and who are counting on WPI to find the answers
to their illness. We are thankful for the individuals who celebrate our successes and encourage us when we fail. They are the
ones who make it worth the sacrifice and hard work and give us the courage to continue the search for answers.
WPI scientists have followed an ambitious agenda surrounding the fundamental discovery of biomarkers of disease. Dr. Vincent
Lombardi was recently named the principal investigator of the institute’s 1.5 million dollar National Institutes of Health (NIH)
grant. The last two years of the grant will be geared towards immune dysregulation and genetic susceptibility in those with ME/
CFS. Immune dysfunctions in those who suffer from ME/CFS is an area of science that Dr. Lombardi has been studying since his
graduate days at Temple University with Dr. Robert Suhadolnik studying the antiviral RNaseL Pathway. In addition, he and Svetlana Khaiboullina, M.D.,Ph.D., have developed a similar set of experiments to create a better understanding of the pathogenesis
of Gulf War illness under a four hundred thousand dollar, two year, Department of Defense grant. We are proud that both granting agencies have given high marks to the WPI research team.
By working with experienced researchers from virology and immunology to bioinformatics and enjoying the use of high tech
research tools at the University of Nevada, the institute has created a valuable synergy between it and University researchers. To
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bring even greater capacity to our work, WPI and the University are pursuing next generation sequencing at the genomics core of
the University. This highly technical equipment promises to create a vital mechanism for rapid discovery and quicker translation
to more effective patient treatments.
One of the most difficult challenges that we face in this field is the lack of effective research-based treatments. In addition, there
are too few doctors and too many different opinions of what constitutes appropriate treatment. Working closely together, physicians and researchers at WPI are dedicated to translating basic research to practical treatments for patients.
Our dream to find answers for patients who suffer from neuro-immune disease is well underway. However, efforts to prevent
disease, develop diagnostics and provide new treatments are costly. WPI is proud to have encouraged other groups to join us in
this effort. If we are all to succeed, the United States government and the ME/CFS community are going to have to increase their
support of health and medical research. We are grateful to our many supporters who have been highly successful in helping us
fundraise over the past two years. In 2011, we were fortunate to raise a total of over $500,000.00 from the I Hope You Dance
gala, corporate donations, online campaigns such as Vivint Gives Back and Chase Community Giving, and individual donors in
support of the institute’s important work. Results of our work have inspired new federal research grants and the establishment
of several research foundations.
WPI is growing and thriving despite universally difficult financial times. We are adding expertise and leadership to the institute
in a responsible manner as we grow and mature. We are truly grateful for the support of our government and our donors each
year. We thank all of you for being a part of the WPI family and know that when you see what has been achieved and understand
what can be achieved in the future, you will take pride in the role that you have played in our success.
The first institute in the world dedicated
to neuro-immune disease integrating
patient treatment, basic and clinical
research, and medical education.
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With Special Thanks
Remembering President Milton Glick
07/30/1937 - 04/16/2011
15TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO
Dr. Milton Glick, or “Milt” as he insisted everyone call him, became a close
friend and mentor to the entire Reno community during his five-year stint as
the President of the University of Nevada, Reno. He and his wife Peggy often
carved out time to discuss their concerns for both the University and the
institute with WPI’s President. His love for education and all students who
attended the University was evident as he routinely strolled across the campus to engage in lively discussion.
Prior to his coming to Nevada, Dr. Glick served as the Executive Vice President and Provost of Arizona State University for 15
years after being employed as the Dean of the College of Arts and Science at Wayne State University. Milt was an exemplary
administrator and close friend, whose commitments included personally donating to WPI at the annual I Hope You Dance gala
fundraiser while sharing a University-sponsored table with his colleagues. His lifelong support of biomedical research culminated in the successful completion of three major medical science buildings on the University of Nevada, Reno campus: the
Davidson Math and Science Center, the Center for Molecular Medicine and the William Pennington Medical Education Building. Those of us at WPI will be forever thankful for his wise leadership and sincere friendship.
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Remembering Governor Kenny Guinn
08/23/1936 - 07/22/2010
THE BIRTH OF THE INSTITUTE
Governor Guinn was a champion for those who are the most fragile in
our society; the elderly, children and those who are disabled. Acting
on his dedication to these goals, he agreed to a request in 2005 to support the combined research and medical facility on the medical school
campus at the University of Nevada, Reno, called the CMM. He placed
the ten million dollar budget item in his budget for the state and after
presentations by the University and concerned private citizens, Senate
Bill 105 was passed unanimously by the Legislature. Thus, the CMM
and WPI were on their way to becoming realities. WPI will be forever
grateful to the Guinns, who remained strong supporters of the institute and personally attended every fundraiser and donated tens of
thousands of dollars in support of the work of WPI. The Kenny and
Dema Guinn patient resource center at WPI was named in their honor
in 2008.
Kenny’s own words from his 2001 State of the State Address explain his definition of success -- “I believe we must measure
success by how we are able to care for the most fragile of our citizens - our children, our elderly, and those who are disabled.
We cannot afford to do everything, but there are some things we can’t afford not to do.”
Remembering Dr. John Diamond
03/28/1948 - 12/06/2009
DEDICATED TO INTEGRATING EASTERN AND WESTERN MEDICINE
William John Diamond, M.D., world expert in Integrated Medicine, pioneered a new
class of patient treatment incorporating Western and Eastern medicine. With absolute
confidence that he could, Dr. Diamond traveled four continents, read mountains of
books, traded thoughts with countless fellow healers, and treated tens of thousands of
patients over forty years to discover just how the human body truly works. Dr. Diamond
dedicated his life to the service of his fellow human beings so that we could all live
healthier and more fulfilling lives. He did it all with humor and style.
Dr. Diamond assisted University of Nevada, Reno and WPI researchers by donating
samples as well as his expertise for various research studies. He helped inspire WPI
to create a holistic and integrated approach to treating patients. Dr. Diamond was a
dedicated physician who served thousands of patients many of whom suffered from
neuro-immune diseases.
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Discovery
9
Discovery
Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics is the use of computer science, mathematics, and information theory to model and analyze biological systems, especially systems involving genetic material. This work is essential to deciphering biological pieces of information for the purpose of
discovery into the causes and possible genetic susceptibility of disease. WPI is working with the University of Nevada Bioinformatics
Department on WPI research projects.
Infection and Immunity
Infection is defined as the invasion of the body by microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, protozoans, viruses and worms. Once inside the body, pathogenic microorganisms multiply, producing tissue injury and progress to disease
through a variety of cellular or toxic mechanisms. As a part of the defense mechanism, the immune
system was formed to fight infectious microorganisms. The immune system is a network of cells,
tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against attacks by “foreign” invaders.
Immunity is the stage of defense which protects one from infection and maintains health. Immunity
is a function of the immune system which acts through two branches: innate and acquired immunity. Innate immunity is fast and nonspecific to a particular pathogen. On the contrary, acquired
immunity acts slowly and is pathogen specific. Both branches of the immune system should work
in unison to provide fast and effective defense and to develop immunity for future protection.1
The fact that the majority of ME/CFS patients report flu-like symptoms prior the disease, led researchers to believe that ME/CFS is caused by a pathogen. Also, an acute onset and several documented epidemics of the disease are pointing to an infectious causality of ME/CFS. However, despite decades of research, an infectious agent causing this disease remains elusive. Many infectious
Natural killer cell (yellow)
agents have been studied as potential causative agents for ME/CFS, including EBV, HHV-6 and 7,
targeting a tumor cell (red) for
Parvo B 19, and enteroviruses. The majority of these pathogens are ubiquitous in the human
apoptosis.
population, and they generally remain in check by those with competent immune systems. Therefore, frequently observed viral reactivation and failure to recover from infection suggests an incompetent immune system in these
patients.
Many studies have been done in an effort to understand the immune dysfunctions in those with ME/CFS. Suppressed function of
natural killer (NK) cells together with low NK cell counts is the most consistent finding in patients with ME/CFS. Since NK cells play a
major role in antivirus defense, it has been suggested that impaired function of NK cells may hinder the ability of the immune system
to control latent infection or protect an individual from acute infection. Additionally, it appears that the interferon type I defense
system is dysregulated in ME/CFS patients. Understanding mechanisms of this dysregulation may help solve some of the mysteries
in the pathogenesis of ME/CFS.
Inflammation
Inflammation is defined as a complex response of tissue to harmful stimuli such as pathogens, toxins or trauma. Acute inflammation
is a protective reaction, and it is essential for healing. In fact, without inflammation, wounds and infections would never heal. Acute
inflammation involves immune cells removing dead cell and debris before tissue repair begins. In some cases, acute inflammation
will evolve into chronic inflammation, which is characterized by a different subset of immune cells and tissue destruction. Chronic
inflammation can lead to an array of diseases including hay fever, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, etc. Cytokines and
chemokines are molecules orchestrating inflammation via recruiting and activating immune effector cells. Depending on the type of
cytokines/chemokines present at the site of injury or infection, such inflammation could result in recovery and complete functional
restoration or development into chronic inflammation leading to loss or impairment of normal immune system functionality.2
Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines are a consistent finding in ME/CFS patients. Increased serum concentration of IL6, IL8,
and TNF-α have been documented in many studies including a recent publication authored by WPI researchers, In Vivo (Lombardi et
al., 2011). Elevated serum cytokines may cause chronic inflammation, which is one of the well documented findings in those with
ME/CFS.
1
2
Description derived from multiple resources
Description derived from multiple resources
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Discovery
Researchers
Vincent C. Lombardi, Ph.D.
Vincent C. Lombardi, Ph.D. began his work in ME/CFS in 1992, characterizing T-cell populations in ME/CFS patients, in collaboration with Dr. Daniel Peterson, a pioneer in the treatment of ME/CFS. He later continued to work in ME/CFS-related research in
the laboratory of Dr. Robert Suhadolnik at Temple University, studying the interferon regulated RNase L antiviral pathway and its
involvement in ME/CFS. Dr. Lombardi completed his graduate degree at the University of Nevada, Reno receiving his Ph.D. in Biochemistry in 2005. The primary focus of his Ph.D. thesis was the isolation and characterization of novel diuretic neuro-peptides.
In addition to his academic research, Dr. Lombardi has also developed specialty clinical diagnostic tools in collaboration with
eminent ME/CFS physicians such as Dr. Kenny DeMeirleir. These diagnostic tests have clearly helped ME/CFS physicians identify
and treat areas of deficiency.
Upon joining WPI in July 1, 2007, Dr. Lombardi’s research effort focused on the inflammatory component of ME/CFS and its relationship to the development of lymphoma in ME/CFS patients. It was at this time that Dr. Lombardi established his collaboration
with Robert Silverman, Ph.D., of the Cleveland Clinic, the world’s leading authority regarding the RNase L antiviral pathway. Dr.
Lombardi’s research on the association of the RNase L pathway in ME/CFS patients and discussions with Dr. Silverman prompted
WPI to begin the search for retroviruses in ME/CFS.
The leader of WPI’s research team, Dr. Lombardi continues to focus his research efforts in neuro-immune diseases and the innate
immune system, including potential pathogens and their involvement with the interferon system and RNase L antiviral pathway.
Professional Qualifications
EDUCATION
••University of Nevada, Reno
Degree: Ph.D. Biochemistry, 2006
••Temple University
Graduate Student, Ph.D. Candidate, 1999-2000
••Sierra Nevada College
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Science with an emphasis in Biology, 1995
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Business Finance
Project Management
Virology/Microbiology
Biochemistry
Clinical Diagnostics
Molecular Biology
MSDS and Safety Officer
Protein Chemistry
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2011 – Present
Research Director • Whittemore Peterson Institute
2006 – Present
Assistant Clinical Professor of Microbiology & Immunology AND Assistant Clinical Professor of
Pathology • University of Nevada, Reno
2007 – 2010
Postdoctoral Fellow – Research Focus: Cytokine and Chemokine Response in Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome • Whittemore Peterson Institute
2004 – 2007
Director of Operations/Lead Scientist for Product Development • Redlabs, Reno, Nevada
2001 – 2005
Graduate Student/Doctoral Candidate • University of Nevada, Reno
1999 – 2000
Graduate Student/Doctoral Candidate • Temple University
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Discovery
Svetlana Khaiboullina, M.D., Ph.D.
Prior to joining the WPI team in 2010, Svetlana Khaiboullina, M.D., Ph.D. worked as a Research Assistant Professor in Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Nevada, Reno
for 15 years. Dr. Khaiboullina’s research was focused on investigating various aspects of hantavirus
genetics, molecular epidemiology, diagnostics, and specific prophylaxis of hantavirus disease. Dr.
Khaiboullina’s research was not limited to the understanding of hantavirus pathogenesis; indeed,
she was involved in collaborative studies on various potentially fatal human pathogens including
dengue virus, yellow fever virus, papilloma virus, cytomegalovirus and E coli 0157:H7. She has authored and coauthored 28 peer-reviewed publications and has received two patents. Dr. Khaiboullina was awarded her medical degree and Ph.D. at the Bashkortostan State Medical Institute, Russia.
Her postdoctoral educational training includes molecular biology, immunology, and vaccine development. Her present contribution to WPI includes basic research in innate immune activation and
development of diagnostic assays.
Professional Qualifications
EDUCATION
••Bashkortostan State Medical Institute
Degree: M.D., Internal Medicine, 1988
••Chelyabinsk Medical Institute
Degree: Ph.D., Pharmacology, 1990
Thesis: “Study of immunotropic properties of 3-cyclohexyl aminometylazolo [3,2-a] benzimidazol dihydrochloride”
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Pharmacology
Immunology
Cell Biology
Vaccine Development
Virology/Microbiology
Molecular Biology
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2010 - Present
Senior Researcher • Whittemore Peterson Institute
2001 - 2010
Research Assistant Professor • Department of Microbiology, University of Nevada, Reno; part-time
instructor at TMCC and WNC; part-time Research Associate at GenQuest LLC
1997 - 2001
Postdoctoral Fellow • Department of Microbiology, University of Nevada, Reno
1996 - 1997
Visiting Fellow • Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Nevada, Reno
1994 - 1997
Senior Researcher • Department of Virology, Mechnikov Research Institute for Vaccines and Sera,
Ufa, Bashkortostan, Russia
1992 - 1994
Junior Researcher • Department of Virology, Mechnikov Research Institute for Vaccines and Sera,
Ufa, Bashkortostan, Russia
1988 - 1991
Junior Researcher • Department of Pharmacology #1, Bashkortostan State Medical University, Ufa,
Bashkortostan, Russia
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Shanti Rawat, M.S.
Discovery
Shanti Rawat, M.S. brings her extensive experience in microbiology
to the WPI research team. Shanti holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology along with a master’s degree in Zoology from Lucknow University. Shanti went on to receive a second master’s degree in Microbiology from the University of North Dakota. Mrs. Rawat has worked
at the University of Nevada, Reno for twenty-three years in several
research laboratories including Dr. Ellen Baker, Dr. Jeff Seamen, Dr.
W.T. Gerthoffer and Dr. Cherie Singer. During her tenure at the University, Shanti has supervised graduate and undergraduate students
using her knowledge of molecular biology techniques. Shanti also
managed the Invitrogen and Promega onsite freezers and refrigerators for the entire University. As a member of WPI’s research team,
Shanti’s expertise in cell culture, molecular biology, and Western
blot techniques have been instrumental to WPI’s research projects.
Professional Qualifications
EDUCATION
••Lucknow University, Lucknow India
Degree: Bachelor of Science, Biology, 1974; MS, Zoology, 1976
••University of North Dakota, Grand Forks
Degree: MS, Microbiology, 1987
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Cell Biology
Microbiology
Molecular Biology
Pharmacology
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
July 2011 - Present
Research Associate • Whittemore Peterson Institute
1998 - 2011
Research Associate • University of Nevada Reno, Department of Pharmacology, Reno, NV 89557
1996 - 1998
Lab Technician • University of Nevada, Reno, Department of Biochemistry
1988 - 1996
Lab Technician • University of Nevada, Reno, Department of Biology
Discovery consists in seeing what
everyone else has seen and thinking
what no one else has thought.
~Albert Szent-Gyorgi , 1937 Nobel Prize
in Physiology and Medicine
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Translation
14
Translation
Translational Research and WPI
Translational research involves sharing knowledge between the physician’s office and the basic research laboratory and back
again to the physician for the benefit of the patient. It has been called the “bench to bedside” approach to discovery. In areas
of medicine, where there is so little existing biological information, this approach can form the foundation for discovery of diagnostic tools and effective treatments.
The Center for Translational Medicine (CTM)
The second floor of the WPI encompasses approximately 15,000 square
feet of space and includes patient exam rooms, doctor’s offices, a large
nurse’s station, procedural room, infusion suite, imaging suit, and billing
offices. In addition, the third floor includes planned space for two allied
professional offices for psychological and nutritional counseling and a future patient resource center.
The CTM opened its doors in 2011 with two physicians, Dr. Robert Fredericks and Dr. Cyrus Pourzan, who work in concert with WPI researchers.
Each physician brings his unique observations and years of experience to
bear on the WPI research program.
Meet the Doctors
Patient waiting room at the Center for Translational Medicine.
Robert Fredericks, M.D.
The CTM opened with Dr. Robert Fredericks, a board certified endocrinologist who has had a special interest in patients with neuro-immune disease since the mid-1980s. He received a degree
in cellular and organismal biology from UC Santa Barbara, and then proceeded to the University
of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine. After earning his M.D. and serving in an internal
medicine residency at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, Dr. Fredericks returned to the
USC clinical research center for a fellowship in endocrinology and metabolism. Dr. Fredericks believes that personalizing the translation of basic science to clinical care requires the integration of
multiple disciplines and the recognition of the causal relationships that influence health.
Cyrus Pourzan, M.D., H.M.D.
Dr. Cyrus Pourzan is a board certified medical physician with a passion to find “medicine that
works.” In his practice, he combines his experience and knowledge of Western medicine with alternative therapies and natural medicines. This allows him to tailor treatments to the individual. For
the past 12 years of his 31-year medical career, he has been treating patients with neuro-immune
disease and brings this experience to the CTM.
Dr. Pourzan obtained his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati and went on to complete
a residency at UCLA in Emergency Medicine. He has been board certified in emergency medicine
since 1984. Aware of the limitations of Western medicine, he began to expand his education into
complementary and alternative therapies. He pursued this path by obtaining additional licensure
in homeopathic medicine and medical acupuncture (UCLA) in 2002.
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Translation
Hope Fund
(Help Our Patients Everywhere)
The Hope Fund is being created to assist patients who are struggling just to get by and have little means to pay for medical care.
We named this program the Hope Fund because it will give
those who are struggling, a reason to hope. The money in this
fund will provide qualifying patients assistance with medical expenses at the CTM.
In the future this fund will be used to assist CTM patients who
are enrolled in clinical trials.
WPI’s state-of-the-art infusion suite.
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Education
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Education
Promoting Neuro-Immune Disease Medical Education
WPI is committed to supporting individuals who are seeking careers in medicine and science. Since its inception as a research
institution, the institute has been responsible for providing a place for students to work side by side with experienced researchers. Their laboratory experiences have helped each of them gain a better understanding of the underlying abnormalities associated with patients who suffer from neuro-immune disease. In five short years, four of our student researchers have gone on to
medical school and two have committed to Ph.D. research programs. WPI is proud to have played a role in their education and
hope that these individuals will find a way to help those who are impacted by neuro-immune disease.
Student Researchers
Amanda McKenzie
Amanda McKenzie is a recent graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, preparing for
medical school. As a Biology major, WPI provided Amanda a platform from which she
took the knowledge she learned in the classroom and applied it in the laboratory. WPI
provides her the unique opportunity to learn, observe, discover, and explore intrinsic
processes that she might not otherwise experience. This position has also given her
experience in other realms of the medical field. By providing her with hands on experience in medical research, Amanda’s clinical skills with patients will be immeasurably
improved.
Currently, Amanda is involved in a research project studying activity of natural killer (NK)
cells in ME/CFS patients. NK cells play a primary role in protection against viruses and defense against cancer. Numerous reports
have shown that the activity of NK cells in ME/CFS patients is lower compared to healthy individuals. Therefore, understanding
mechanisms down regulating NK activity in ME/CFS will help to develop biological markers for the disease. These markers could
be used for diagnosis and evaluation of treatment efficacy.
Cassandra “Cassie” Puccinelli
Cassandra Puccinelli came to WPI in December of 2009 as a volunteer research
technician during her undergraduate work at the University of Nevada, Reno. During her time as a researcher for WPI, she learned various cell culture techniques,
protocols for processing human blood samples, flow cytometry techniques, and
basics of genetic analysis. Cassie was primarily responsible for detection of infectious pathogens. She also conducted cytokine and chemokine assays to provide
data for WPI researchers’ continued investigation of immune system function and
dysregulation in patients with neuro-immune disease.
Cassie started medical school at the University of Nevada School of Medicine in
August 2011. Cassie’s experience at WPI has given her the opportunity to become
intimately involved in translational research.
Max Pfost
Max Pfost was hired at WPI in the summer of 2008 after interning in the lab of Dr. Ken Hunter at the University of Nevada, Reno. He completed his combined Bachelors and Master’s
degree in Biotechnology with honors, in 2010. Max has been instrumental in WPI’s research
laboratory doing extensive work on PCR technology, tissue culture, and viral isolation. Max
is pursuing his Ph.D. in Laboratory Medicine at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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Engagement
19
Engagement
Scientific and Medical Community Engagement
••Pathogens in the Blood Supply
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
The New York Academy of Sciences
•• 6th Invest in ME International ME/CFS Conference 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Westminster, London, United Kingdom
•• “Microbe Hunting”, Presented by Dr. W. Ian Lipkin
Friday, June 24, 2011
Whittemore Peterson Institute, Reno, Nevada
••IACFS/ME Conference
September 22-25, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Invest in ME
On May 20, 2011, Invest in ME held its 7th annual international biomedical conference, The Way Forward for ME – A Case for
Clinical Trials. Dr. Malcolm Hooper introduced WPI President Annette Whittemore as the key note speaker, she presented “Translating Scientific Research
into Patient Care: Challenges and Opportunities.”
Invest in ME is an independent UK charity campaigning for biomedical research
into Myalgic Encephelomyelitis (ME) as defined by World Health Organization
(WHO) – ICD-10-G93.3. Its aim is to bring together like-minded individuals and
groups to campaign for research and funding to establish an understanding of
the causes, harmful effects and pattern of distribution of disease through a
population of ME/CFS patients.
IACFS
The International Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (IACFS/ME) biennial conference was held in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, September 22-25, 2011. The conference was hosted by the National ME/FM Network (Canada).
Integrative conference themes focused on fatigue, pain, sleep, pediatrics, cognition, and brain function in ME/CFS, fibromyalgia,
and related illnesses (e.g., cancer fatigue). In addition, several sessions addressed advances in assessment and treatment (from
biological to behavioral), as well as new developments in virology, immunology, and neuroendocrinology. Attendees were primarily biomedical and behavioral professionals, including clinicians, researchers, and educators.
WPI President Annette Whittemore also delivered a compelling case for additional support to the ME/CFS community entitled
“Translating Evidence into Practice.”
20
Engagement
Federal Advocacy
WPI’s legislative mission is focused on federal research funding to improve treatment and ultimately a cure for neuro-immune
disease. Advocacy efforts are directed to three specific areas: 1) ensuring that the federal commitment to neuro-immune
disease research is increased; 2) ensuring that a positive legislative environment exists for integrated neuro-immune disease
research efforts; and 3) advocating for support of clinical centers to provide optimum medical care for those who suffer from
neuro-immune disease. WPI is working on the following key advocacy issues at the federal level.
Special Program for Neuro-Immune Disease
Federal funding in the U.S. is crucial to the continued progress of research. The many extraordinary opportunities on the horizon
for those with neuro-immune diseases can only be achieved with the support of this funding. We are committed to the concept
of a special neuro-immune disease research program dedicated exclusively to neuro-immune disease research through federally
supported research efforts across many different NIH institutions and extramural partners like WPI.
Comprehensive Systems Biology Research Project at WPI
Basic and clinical research at WPI is accelerating the availability of new biomarkers of disease and effective treatments for patients who suffer from neuro-immune disease. These advances can revolutionize patient care and dramatically improve the lives
of people with neuro-immune disease. WPI is supportive of the rapid translation of new discoveries from the research lab to the
patient.
Program for Non-HIV Retroviral Research
Retroviruses are small RNA viruses that integrate into the DNA of its hosts, resulting in lifelong infection, often causing chronic
immune deficiencies, cancer and neurological disease. Human retrovirology is an exciting field that holds great potential for
finding new treatments for a variety of human diseases. Federal government support for non-HIV retroviral research is vital to
giving our nation’s scientists and researchers the resources they need to fully explore this promising area of medical research.
Clinical Centers of Excellence
Neuro-immune disease places a tremendous burden on the nation’s economy and the quality of life of those individuals who
are impacted by chronic infection and immune deficiencies. Studies have shown that effective antiviral and immune supportive
therapies can reverse the symptoms of disease and allow individuals to lead more productive lives. The federal government and
WPI recognize this and are making commitments to novel research, which can improve the lives of those with neuro-immune disease by preventing or delaying the onset of complications, as well as moving closer to our goal of a cure. However, until there is
a cure, better management of disease is needed to complement the research effort and mitigate the escalating costs and burden
on individuals with neuro-immune disease and the nation’s economy. Best practices for medical management of disease can be
determined through support of clinical centers by providing a resource for both patients and doctors to try different methods of
treatment and assess their effectiveness.
21
Engagement
Public Engagement
I Hope You Dance
Much of the work of WPI is supported by generous public donations from friends, acquaintances and family members who are
committed to helping those who suffer with neuro-immune disease. WPI’s largest fundraiser of the year is the annual I Hope You
Dance gala. This fundraising event has raised over 1.8 million dollars for research and development during the past seven years
since it began in 2005, allowing WPI to create the single largest onsite
neuro-immune disease research program in the world.
The theme of the annual gala comes from the popular song, I Hope You
Dance, by Lee Ann Womack. This song is not about dancing in the literal sense, but about being able to participate fully in life. It is especially
meaningful for those who are impacted by neuro-immune diseases such
as ME/CFS, fibromyalgia and Gulf War illness, diseases that often cause
lifelong disability and suffering. It is the dream of the institute that one
day patients may be able to fully participate in all the activities and joys
that life has to offer as they become well again.
Each year WPI brings local community members together with advocates,
patients, government leaders and medical professionals to celebrate our
past accomplishments and to share our vision of the coming year. It is
a night filled with musical entertainment, socializing and heartwarming
stories of the struggles and triumphs of those who are working to bring
hope and answers to those who suffer.
2011 Gala Chairs, Senator and Mrs. William Raggio with
Annette and Harvey Whittemore.
Our gala has grown every year, spreading the truth about neuro-immune
disease and creating a community of support for the work of the institute. Each year WPI celebrates those who have worked tirelessly, advocating within the patient community on behalf of ME/CFS. Last year,
WPI honored Chris Cairns, the father of a long time ME/CFS sufferer. To
this day, he continues the fight for medical care and research for those
who are the most severely impacted. Each year WPI also honors one
outstanding individual or group of
individuals who have generously
LIfe Time Achievement Honoree, R&R Partners.
supported the work of the institute
throughout the years. WPI is proud
to have honored such distinguished individuals as the late, Nevada State Senator William
Raggio, United States Senator Harry Reid, and our outstanding partners and friends at R&R
Partners. We are proud to honor those who believe in WPI’s mission and the importance of
giving to others who are in need. They are truly making a difference in the lives of millions.
UNR Chairman of Microbiology and
Immunology, Greg Pari and guest during
our 2011 gala.
Rising star, Suzi Oravec, sings I Hope You
Dance at the 2011 gala.
A History of Honorees
2011
R&R Partners
2010
Nevada Supreme Court Chief Justice Ron and Leslie Parraguirre
2009
State Senator Bill and Dale Raggio
2008
Governor Kenny and Dema Guinn
2007
Senator Harry Reid
2006
Daniel L. Peterson, MD & Robert J. Suhadolnik Ph.D.
2005
Dharam Ablashi, Ph.D.
22
Engagement
Walk N Roll
WPI celebrated the month of May as Neuro-Immune Disease Awareness Month in an effort to increase support and raise awareness for the vital work of WPI. “When we started this journey six years ago, we wanted to help the millions of people whose
lives are impacted every day by these often debilitating illnesses,” said Annette Whittemore, President and CEO of WPI. NeuroImmune Disease Awareness Month provided many opportunities for people to get involved in the fight against neuro-immune
disease, including a new community walk. On Saturday, May 28, 2011, WPI held the first annual Walk N Roll on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. Patients and advocates
came from as far as Sacramento to participate. Some
patients came in wheelchairs and with caregivers who
were willing to walk in support of those suffering with
neuro-immune disease. We look forward to celebrating
May Awareness 2012 and have plans for more fun and
informative activities.
Participants walked to raise awareness for neuro-immune disease on May 28, 2011, on the University of Nevada, Reno campus.
23
Engagement
Advocates for Neuro-Immune Disease
WPI is building an international network of Advocates for Neuro-Immune Disease Awareness (ANIDA) who are dedicated to finding a cure for neuro-immune disease. We are all working together to advance the search for a cure faster and more effectively.
WPI created ANIDA to provide individuals with the tools necessary to advocate for neuro-immune disease. Awareness and education are essential to a fundamental outreach program.
ANIDA explains how an advocate can participate in
a variety of activities that can help bring worldwide
awareness of debilitating acquired diseases that impact the lives of millions around the world. Advocates can join the movement by visiting www.anida.
co and signing the official guestbook.
Tours of the Institute
Tours of WPI are encouraged and are typically led by the President or
Donor Relations Department. By providing tours to specialized groups
and/or individuals, we hope to educate participants on the concept of
translational medicine and the goals of WPI. In 2011, we conducted
numerous tours, the largest being the tour for The American Association of University Women.
Dale Tierney and Jim West of the Fraternal Order of Eagles with
WPI President Annette Whittemore in the research lab at WPI.
WPI Celebrates a One Year Anniversary
UNR President Marc Johnson, volunteer Andrea Goad, and WPI
President Annette Whittemore at
WPI’s First Anniversary.
August 2011 marked WPI’s first anniversary in our new building on the
campus of the University of Nevada, Reno. As a thank you to the many
generous people who helped to make this dream a reality, we held our
first anniversary reception at the institute. Over the past several years,
it has taken many talented people to create this inspirational institute
that WPI calls home. The anniversary reception was an opportunity to
share our successes with community and University leaders, legislators, friends and family. Some of our greatest supporters came to celebrate these achievements. The future of WPI will be marked by great
accomplishments in the world of neuro-immune disease research and
treatments. Thank you for making our first year in our new home a
wonderful and memorable experience.
24
Engagement
Holiday of Hope
WPI launched the first annual Holiday of Hope project in December, utilizing generous
donations made to WPI through Nevada’s Big Give campaign. Patients who currently
reside in Nevada were selected from our interest list and then winners were drawn randomly to receive gift baskets. We were also able to reach out to Northern Nevada FM/
CFS Network and include some of their members in the gift giving.
The administrative staff at WPI worked together to create gift baskets with a personal touch. With the help of
Jill Justiss, who donated gourmet snacks, the baskets included homemade CDs with inspirational and soothing
music, cozy socks, delicious snacks and teas, notecards,
a coffee mug, and other Christmas-related items.
In 2012, we hope to expand this project to communities
all over the United States.
“What a wonderful surprise to find upon my porch the most thought filled
Christmas basket, with a plethora of meaningful ingredients to make such
a joyful Christmas. Truly, the CD of tranquil , quieting music has played in
our home since it arrived. Its calming effect waves through my body with
soothing thoughts. It takes me to faraway places where health abounds
and energy soars. I have enjoyed my new socks... each day and the array
of other gifts imposed cheer filled tears. What a feast of treasures you
brought to me. I am so grateful to know such love is out there breeding
goodness and hope. When I saw the WPI sticker in the Christmas basket,
a powerful thought arose.... Patients won’t ever have to face what Andrea and I did at the earliest stages of knowledge on ME/CFS. There is an
institute now... enormous and gallant, symbolizing hope for all of those
that suffer around the globe. There will no longer be the degree of struggle with doubt or unfamiliarity that
Andrea and I and our innocent
families faced twenty plus years
ago. I am grateful patients won’t
endure such confusion and pain
the creation of the institute has
positively changed the course for
others forever. It is because of the
unyielding work and heroic dedication of a woman and her family
who made the serious choice to
never quit.”
“You show this
community
commitment and
passion and you
have my support and
encouragement to keep
up the fight. Thank you
for all the kindness you
have shown me over
the years.”
25
Engagement
Online Giving and Social Media
In 2009, WPI began reaching out to people who suffer with chronic illness through
Facebook, Twitter, and other social media venues. With the assistance of R&R Partners, we implemented WPI’s Facebook page followed by our first Cause page, Cure
4 ME. Followers were encouraged to support our Cause and donate to the institute.
The latest addition to our social media program is Hootsuite. Hootsuite allows WPI
to reach out in a new way. Individuals who are bedridden now feel they can be part
of the movement to create awareness and funding by re-tweeting or copying a link
and reposting it to Facebook. WPI’s Facebook page has been visited an astonishing
6,000,000 times. We have gained over 4,400 fans on Facebook and 600 followers on
Twitter.
In 2011, via social media, we raised over $165,000. In addition to donating to our
Causes, our fans voted online daily and encouraged their friends to vote through the
Chase Community Giving and Vivint Gives Back charity campaigns.
Facebook Causes
Cure 4 ME was established to raise biomedical research funds for those who suffer with ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, autism, atypical MS, and chronic Lyme disease. Since its inception, Cure 4 ME has raised over $34,000, with 6,541 active members. Other
Facebook Causes that have established WPI as their beneficiary are Blue Ribbons for ME/CFS, Cure for Neuro-Immune Disease,
ANIDA, and Count ME In. Many of our supporters have elected to utilize Facebook Causes in order to promote a “Birthday Wish”
or a “Holiday Wish”. Birthday and Holiday Wishes help raise awareness and funds to benefit WPI by giving an individual a tool
to share their Wish with their own friends and family. Together these Causes have raised several thousand dollars and helped
create awareness all around the globe.
Chase Community Giving
WPI won $65,000 in grants from JPMorgan Chase in its annual charity give away in May. The Spring 2011
Chase Community Giving program provided an opportunity for local charities to compete for a share of
$5.5 million in grants. This innovative charitable campaign allowed Facebook fans of Chase Community
Giving to vote for their favorite charity to help determine which nonprofit organization would receive the
top donation of $500,000. WPI was among the top 100 nonprofits to win $25,000 in the first round of voting. Fans of WPI voted tirelessly in round two of the Facebook campaign to put WPI in 12th place, winning
an additional grant for $40,000. “We are delighted that Chase will make a contribution to these worthy
causes,” said Kimberly Davis, president of the JPMorgan Chase Foundation. “We continue to be inspired
by the number of outstanding charities that choose to participate in the Chase program and the millions
of fans who visit the Facebook page and vote for them.”
Vivint Gives Back
WPI President Annette Whittemore visited Vivint’s
Corporate Headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah to
accept the Vivint Gives Back award.
WPI received $100,000 as a regional winner in the 2011 Vivint Gives Back Project,
an online charitable campaign that benefited non-profit organizations throughout
the United States and Canada. Through 10 weeks of daily voting, fans of the WPI
Facebook page secured a first place win for WPI in the Pacific region. Vivint, a
Utah based home automation company, awarded a total of $1,250,000 to nonprofit organizations. The contest
generated additional donations
during several matching periods
during which Vivint matched
supporters’ donations. WPI was
awarded a total of $123,630.00.
26
Engagement
Donor and Bequester Engagement
There are a variety of ways to become involved in the work being done at WPI, from monthly donations and annual gifts to volunteering. Donations are critical to the daily operations of our research lab, patient services and institute operations.
Leaving a Legacy:
Planned giving is a very charitable way to ensure that your legacy lives on. You can make a commitment today that will
benefit WPI in the future. There are a variety of charitable gifts and estate
planning options for you to choose from.
Naming Opportunities: Naming opportunities are an excellent
way to show your generous support. A variety of naming opportunities
are available at WPI. These opportunities include: the medical clinic, the
patient reception area, patient exam rooms, and infusion suite, etc.
Volunteering: At various times during the year, we need volunteers
to help with our fundraising events and for conferences that are held in the
Reno area. Volunteering is a great way to help support the work of WPI.
Memorial and Honorary Contributions: A memorial donation to WPI is a meaningful and hopeful way to honor
someone special in your life. An honorary donation offers you a way to celebrate a special loved one or occasion. Honorary
donations also offer donors the opportunity to raise money by asking others to give to WPI on your behalf, in lieu of gifts for
birthdays, graduation, weddings, anniversaries, etc., while supporting the mission of the WPI, bringing discovery knowledge and
effective treatments to those with neuro-immune disease.
Memorial and honorary donations to WPI totaled $20,188 in 2011.
A Father’s Love
In 2011, WPI’s Outstanding Advocate, Christopher Cairns, raised over
$14,000 for the institute in honor of his daughter, Alexis. Alexis inspires
Christopher year after year, enabling him to raise awareness and funding
for this debilitating disease.
“Recently Nicholas, my older son, at 35 years old, two years younger than
Alexis, had a baby boy named Theo. I got to visit Theo in Baltimore last week
and he is a marvel. Although I need no reminding, I watched Theo and Nicholas and was reminded of when Alexis arrived in the world and what she
did to transform my life into something very far beyond what it had been
prior to her birth. Alexis
brought me so much and
2011 Outstanding Advocate, Christopher Cairns, with
still brings me so much. I
WPI President Annette Whittemore.
am not going to leave her
behind. Some friends say I should take more care for myself that I should pull
back from this situation. I say no, I have decided to move in closer, closer to this
illness, and try to figure it out. My life, at this point, is devoted to making Alexis
better. Certainly my former life is shattered but Alexis is my daughter. What
happens to me in the process is insignificant, as long as I can stick around long
enough to make her better. If I am lucky I will be able to get back to my former
life, but, at this point, I am not counting on this. I had a fine enough life prior
to her getting sick and now is the time to help her. That is how I feel and that is
2011 Outstanding Advocate, Christopher Cairns
the decision I have made - to move in closer.” ~ Christopher Cairns
accepting his award.
27
Sustainability
28
Sustainability
Board of Directors
Billy Vassiliadis
Annette Whittemore
Peggy Sullivan
Sam Shad
Scientific Advisory Board
Kenneth S. Hunter, Sc.D., SAB Chair, UNSOM
Nam Hoang Dang, M.D., Ph.D., Deputy Chief, University of Florida
Petar Lenert, M.D., M.Sc., Ph.D., University of Iowa
Greg Pari, Ph.D., Chair UNSOM Microbiology and Immunology
Clinical Advisory Board
Joseph Brewer, M.D., CAB Chair, Infectious Disease
David Bell, M.D., Pediatrics
Jack Burks, M.D., Neurology
Robert Fredericks, M.D., Endocrinology
Cyrus Pourzan, M.D., H.M.D
Eric Gordon, M.D., Family Practice
Organizational Chart
UNEVX
VP of Research &
Medicine
Director of
Research
Board of
Directors
President
WP Bio
VP of Public
Relations &
Governmental
Affairs
Sr VP of Institute
& Legal Affairs
Center for
Translational
Medicine
Director of
Finance
Grants
Administration
Director of
Marketing &
Events
Director of
Development
Social Media
29
Sustainability
2011 at a Glance
Whittemore Peterson Institute
2011 Income
1%
6%
4%
Business Development
$990,000
12%
36%
Donations
$599,502
Legislative Funding
$510,000
NIH R01 Research Grant
$315,790
Royalties
$33,248
19%
Service Contract Income
$156,825
Capital Equipment Funds
$101,344
22%
30
Sustainability
Whittemore Peterson Institute
2011 Expenses
1%
6%
7%
Research
$713,040
35%
9%
Management and General
$311,614
Scientific IP Development
$274,996
CMM Building Operations
$264,534
13%
Direct Fundraising Costs
$184,808
Medical Practice
$141,237
14%
15%
Education and Outreach
$118,663
Grant Administration
$19,541
31
Sustainability
Statement of Income and Expense
REVENUES
2011
2010
Government revenue
Research grant - R01
315,791
Research - subcontract
NV Legislative funding
303,167
36,880
510,000
550,000
825,791
890,047
156,825
133,266
33,248
114,895
Other revenues
Contracted services
Royalties
Business development
990,000
Donations
599,503
650,342
1,779,577
898,503
2,605,367
1,788,550
101,345
1,138,050
2,706,712
2,926,600
Research laboratory
713,040
833,699
Education and outreach
118,663
24,644
Scientific IP development
274,996
198,119
19,541
2,390
Total revenue for operations
Capital equipment reimbursement
Total revenues
EXPENDITURES
Program services
Grant and contract administration
Medical practice
141,237
1,267,477
1,058,852
Fundraising
184,808
127,646
Administration
311,614
334,665
Building rent and operations
264,534
41,954
760,955
504,265
2,028,432
1,563,117
678,280
1,363,483
742
2,340
(213,279)
(115,974)
465,743
1,249,850
Supporting services
Total expenditures
Total surplus (deficit) from activities
Interest Income
Depreciation expense
NET ANNUAL ACTIVITY
32
Sustainability
Grants and Gifts
National Institutes of Health “R01”
WPI is pleased to announce that the NIH approved our request to appoint Dr. Lombardi as the
principal investigator (“PI”) on the NIH R01 grant entitled New Strategies to Decipher the Pathophysiology of CFS. After a thorough site review and evaluation of Dr. Lombardi’s research plans,
the NIH determined that WPI could accomplish the aims of the grant under Dr. Lombardi’s guidance as PI.
Department of Defense Grant to Study Gulf War Illness
WPI was recently awarded a $403,050.18, two-year grant from the Department of
Defense (DOD) Gulf War illness (GWI) Research Program of the Office of Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs. WPI will work with the VA Sierra Nevada
Health Care System to identify potential pathogenic agents and immune markers in
a cohort of patients with GWI. The main goal of the project is to identify significant
differences in immune parameters and any underlying pathogens potentially contributing to the origination and development of GWI.
NV Energy Foundation Approves Grant for WPI
The NV Energy Foundation, which distributes charitable contributions throughout its
northern and southern Nevada service territory, granted a two-year, $100,000 total commitment to WPI to help support its comprehensive research program to bring answers to
those who suffer from neuro-immune diseases.
“The Whittemore Peterson Institute is conducting world-class research right in our own
backyard,” said Michael W. Yackira, President and CEO of NV Energy. “We are proud to support their efforts to help improve the
lives of those suffering from neuro-immune diseases.”
Fraternal Order of Eagles
On July 12, 2011, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Comstock Aerie #523,
kindly presented two $5,000 grants to Annette Whittemore, President
and CEO of WPI. One grant was designated to provide necessary medical
equipment and was used to purchase an AED machine for the CTM. The
second grant is designated for outreach and will be used to provide promotional and educational materials to benefit those with neuro-immune
disease. The grants from the Fraternal Order of Eagles not only benefit the
Nevadans in our community, but reach internationally. The motto of the
Fraternal Order of Eagles is “People Helping People.”
President Annette Whittemore and Donor Relations
Annie Beard accept two - $5,000 grants from the
Fraternal Orders of Eagles on July 12th.
33
Sustainability
Assets
The second largest financial commitment of WPI involves the purchase of research equipment and medical furnishings for the institute. Like other major universities around the U.S., WPI sought and received federal grants for the University and WPI to equip
research laboratories and medical and administrative offices at the institute. Sharing resources with the University enhances the
research capabilities of both institutions.
University of Nevada, Reno / Whittemore Peterson Institute Equipment Investment
University Laboratories
LSR II Flow Cytometer - under Doug Redleman’s supervision
Caliper Life Sciences - Lumina - under Ian Buxton’s supervision
University Labs Total Assets
$622,091
Medical Practice, Infusion Center and Administration Offices
Infusion Center and patient treatment rooms
AED
Medical Practice - 12 exam rooms, offices, records storage
Treadmill/Bike Diagnostic equipment
Business Offices, Allied Health offices
Electronic Medical Records Software System
Hplus Pro Medical Practice Management System
MX Secure Medical Records Retention System
Orchard Clinical Records and Billing System
Medical Practice, Infusion and Administration Total Assets
$912,967
WPI Clinical and Research Laboratories
BioRad Gel Doc EZ with tray
BioRad Gradient-Enabled Mycycler
Cepheid PCR
Luminex 21 CFR
Dual Chamber CO2 Incubator
Zeiss Inverted Microscope
3500 Genetic Analyzer for resequencing
5430 Keypad, Rotor and plate
Balance Prec 320GX
Expl-Proof Freezer 120/60
Hitachi LX 100
Hood and Filter
Liquid Nitrogen Storage
Magmax Express Particle Processor
Missonx Sonicator
34
Sustainability
Nuaire Infrared CO2 Incubator
Perkin Elmer Victor 4 plate reader
Racks for 16.2BX
Racks for Freezer
Research offices Furniture and Fixtures
Shaker Model 50001
Analytical balance
Autoclave
Beckman Superspeed Centrifuge
Biosafety Cabinets (hoods)
Benches, shelving, lighting
Fluorescent Inverted Microscope
Gamma Counter-Perkin Elmer
HERA 150I CO2 SST
Ice machine
Imager
Luminex and software
Microcentrifuge
Minus 80 degree Freezer
Mirco 21 R
Particle Counter
Perkin Elmer Victor 5 plate reader
Pipetting System- Fisher
Real Time PCR Thermacycler- Bio Rad
Shaking Incubator
Shaking Water bath
Sorvall Legend XTR TC
Swinging Bucket Rotor
Thermacycler Gradient
Thermo Nonodrop
Water Purification System
WPI Labs Total Assets
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN ASSETS AND EQUIPMENT
$695,676
$2,230,734
35
Sustainability
Legislative Actions
2005
In 2005, the Nevada Legislature unanimously passed Senate Bill 105, which appropriated $10,000,000 to the University of Nevada School of Medicine, the Nevada Cancer
Institute and WPI to support a partnership “to expand
research, treatment, education and teaching opportunities in Nevada”. This appropriation was the catalyst that
made construction of the CMM possible. The Center is
the first new medical research building constructed on
the campus in more than 20 years, and now houses several research departments of the School of Medicine,
WPI and the Sanford Center for Aging.
2007
In 2007, Senate Bill 443 approved an appropriation from
the State of Nevada in the amount of $2,000,000 “for
the construction of, and furnishings, and equipment for,
a facility relating to the research and treatment of neuroimmune disorders.” This funding was critical to finalize
construction of the WPI space in the center and to help
equip the state-of-the-art labs used by WPI researchers.
Dr. Daniel Peterson, Annette Whittemore, Governor Jim Gibbons, UNR President
Milton Glick, and Dean of the Medical School Dr. John McDonald.
In addition, the 2007 Nevada Legislature included continuing operational funding for WPI in the state budget.
2009 - 2011
Governors Jim Gibbons and Brian Sandoval have continued this vital support of the institute. These state funds
have been instrumental to the institute’s successful ongoing operations, providing one-third of WPI’s annual budget.
Annette Whittemore, Senator Randolph Townsend, and
Senator Bernice Martin-Mathews.
UNR President, Milton Glick and
Annette Whittemore.
Dr. Vincent C. Lombardi and Dr.
Greg Pari at the 2007 Legislative
Reception.
Annette Whittemore speaks at the 2007 Legislative
Reception.
36
Sustainability
Unevx
Scientists affiliated with Unevx Clinical Laboratory have been unraveling the
biochemical and molecular mysteries surrounding ME/CFS, GWI and many
other related chronic immune diseases. These efforts have resulted in the
creation of a number of objective clinical laboratory assays that can assist
the physician in not only making the diagnosis of these diseases, but can also
help in establishing their severity and monitoring the course of any chosen
therapy. Tests offered include: heavy metal sensitivity profile (HELP), natural
killer (NK) enumeration and functional profile, cytokine and chemokine profile, Lyme C6 B. burgdoferi ELISA with PCR confirmation, intestinal dysbiosis
profile, human herpes viruses, Lyme disease, and mycoplasma species detection by PCR.
The heavy metal profile test detects proliferation of antigen induced lymphocytes caused by previous exposure to heavy metals. A positive result suggests previous exposure and persistent lymphocyte sensitivity to heavy metals. The heavy metal test can be used for diagnosis of heavy metal exposure
as well as a tool for evaluation of treatment efficacy.
NK enumeration and functional profile tests provide broad evaluation of NK
cell function. The NK profile addresses NK cell counts as well as NK cell ability to kill the target cell. NK cells are critical components of the anticancer
and antiviral innate immune response. Decreased number and/or impaired
function of NK is a hallmark of many chronic diseases as well as malignancies. NK enumeration and functional profile tests can be used for diagnosis
of disease and as a tool for evaluation of treatment efficacy.
The cytokine and chemokine profile test detects changes in patient’s serum/
plasma levels of cytokines and chemokines. Currently, two cytokine/chemokine profiles are available: pro-inflammatory cytokine panel and Th1/Th2
cytokine profile. Cytokine/chemokine profiles include up to 25 different cytokines, which can be measured simultaneously in a single serum specimen.
Both cytokine panels are valuable tools for diagnosis of acute and chronic
diseases. WPI researchers developed a cytokine signature which shows a specificity of 93% and sensitivity of 96% in diagnosing
ME/CFS. We believe that additional cytokine/chemokine signatures could be developed for many chronic and acute diseases.
Therefore, cytokine and chemokine profile tests have much potential in future application.
The Lyme C6 B. burgdoferi ELISA with PCR confirmation test is designed to detect B. burgdoferi, which is a causative agent for
Lyme disease. ELISA is a serology test utilizing a specific and highly immunogenic synthetic peptide derived from B. burgdoferi.
This peptide has low cross-reactivity with antibodies developed to other species of Borrelia. Positive ELISA results are subsequently confirmed by PCR. The combination of ELISA and PCR methods provides high accuracy in detection of B. burgdorferi as
37
Sustainability
compared to the conventional Western blot method.
The intestinal dysbiosis profile test is an immunoglobin
screening assay for detection of secreted (IgA and IgM)
antibodies specific for intestinal pathogens. In a healthy
person, gut-associated pathogenic bacteria are relatively
rare, and, therefore, serum antibody titers to these bacteria are low. However, with pathogenic bacteria overgrowth,
substantial amounts of IgA is produced and some will be
found in the circulatory system. In cases where intestinal
integrity is compromised, bacterial antigens may appear in
the bloodstream leading to IgM production. Therefore, high
titer of IgM specific to intestinal bacteria is an indicator of
increased intestinal permeability. The intestinal dysbiosis
profile test is useful for initial diagnosis as well as to follow
antibiotic and probiotic treatments.
Human herpes viruses and mycoplasma species detection by PCR are tests designed for detection of members of herpes virus
family and various mycoplasma species. Human herpes virus infection profile includes Epstein-Barr virus (EBV or HHV-4), human
cytomegalovirus (HCMV), human herpes virus 6 (HHV6), and human herpes virus 7 (HHV7). Infection with human herpes viruses
has been demonstrated to cause suppression of the immune response and leads to chronic immune dysfunction. Mycoplasma
are a group of the smallest organisms associated with a variety of pathologies in a broad range of hosts. Infection with mycoplasma can cause pneumonia, arthritis, mastitis, or urogenital disease. In addition, certain mycoplasma species have been demonstrated to be co-factors in the progression of HIV-1 infection to AIDS by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing programmed
cell death (apoptosis) and concomitant fragmentation of cellular DNA.
UNEVX recently added a new soluble CD14 test to its laboratory test menu panel. Soluble CD14 levels correlate with presence
of LPS (Lipopolysaccharide), which is suggestive of bacterial infection. Therefore, increased levels of CD14 could be used as an
indicator of on-going bacterial infection. Soluble CD14 are stable and reproducible diagnostic markers for the presence of LPS as
compared to measuring LPS levels directly in patient’s serum.
WP Bio
WPI desires to obtain the greatest public good from the
products of its research by generating license revenues to
help fund WPI’s translational research program and operations. To accomplish this goal, WPI established a wholly
owned subsidiary, WP Biotechnologies LLC (“WP Bio”). WP
Bio is the exclusive licensee of all commercially viable technology resulting from WPI’s research, and is responsible for
identifying, assessing, and marketing this technology. WP
Bio acts as the point of contact for industry and entrepreneurs wishing to access WPI’s intellectual property. WP Bio
negotiates, manages, and monitors research, option and licensing agreements on behalf of WPI. Additionally, WP Bio
actively seeks to protect WPI’s intellectual property (through
patents and other means) as appropriate.
38
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