Newswise — Carl Ware, Ph.D., has been appointed director of the Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center (IIDC) at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute (Sanford-Burnham). As director, he will oversee the Institute’s work on HIV, influenza, anthrax, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, autoimmune disorders and many other conditions.
“I am excited to be at Sanford-Burnham,” said Dr. Ware. “I have always been impressed by the collaborative environment here. In addition to being an excellent place to conduct research, there are also incredible resources to move the science forward towards new therapies.”
Dr. Ware’s research focuses on the fundamental pathways that control cytokines, a family of small proteins involved in immune signaling. One cytokine, called tumor necrosis factor or TNF, is part of an important communications network between cells in the immune system. Dr. Ware’s research on cytokines has led to two drugs now in clinical trials. He is also interested in how pathogens regulate the human immune system to gain a competitive advantage.
“We are very pleased that Carl has joined us at Sanford-Burnham,” said CEO John Reed, M.D., Ph.D., professor and Donald Bren Chief Executive Chair. “His insights into immune signaling and inflammation and his proven track record of translating basic research findings into new treatments will make a significant impact on our work in autoimmune, inflammatory, infectious and other diseases.”
As director, Dr. Ware will provide scientific vision and leadership for the center. He plans to build the Institute’s ability to combat viral diseases and create partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to find new treatments for immune-based conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and lymphoma.
“There are many scientists here at Sanford-Burnham whose work is poised for translation to the clinic,” said Dr. Ware. “I want to promote translating lab discoveries into treatments as much as possible.”
Prior to joining Sanford-Burnham, Dr. Ware headed the Division of Molecular Immunology at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology, where he had been a researcher since 1996. Before that, he was a professor of Immunology at UC Riverside. Dr. Ware earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at UC Irvine and conducted his postdoctoral research at UC Irvine, the University of Texas and Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
About Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute is dedicated to discovering the fundamental molecular causes of disease and devising the innovative therapies of tomorrow. Sanford-Burnham, with operations in California and Florida, is one of the fastest-growing research institutes in the country. The Institute ranks among the top independent research institutions nationally for NIH grant funding and among the top organizations worldwide for its research impact. From 1999 – 2009, Sanford-Burnham ranked #1 worldwide among all types of organizations in the fields of biology and biochemistry for the impact of its research publications, defined by citations per publication, according to the Institute for Scientific Information. According to government statistics, Sanford-Burnham ranks #2 nationally among all organizations in capital efficiency of generating patents, defined by the number of patents issued per grant dollars awarded.
Sanford-Burnham utilizes a unique, collaborative approach to medical research and has established major research programs in cancer, neurodegeneration, diabetes, and infectious, inflammatory, and childhood diseases. The Institute is especially known for its world-class capabilities in stem cell research and drug discovery technologies. Sanford-Burnham is a nonprofit public benefit corporation. For more information, please visit www.sanfordburnham.org.
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