6/27/2013
PITTSBURGH, PA - June 27, 2013 - UPMC is investing $30 million to support existing and new research programs at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, including the establishment of an endowment fund to honor David H. Perlmutter, M.D., Children's Hospital's scientific director.
The $10 million David H. Perlmutter Research Endowment will allow Children's to continue to recruit and retain national leaders in pediatric research.
Dr. Perlmutter is the Vira I. Heinz Chairman of Pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and physician-in-chief at Children's.
Under his leadership, sponsored pediatric research at Children's Hospital has increased four-fold, making Children's one of the fastest-growing pediatric research programs and among the top 10 in the nation, as measured by National Institutes of Health funding.
"UPMC's substantial commitment will ensure that Children's remains a world leader in pediatric research, education and clinical care. This is an extraordinary contribution, dedicated to existing and future research programs, and will be an engine for continued discovery long into the future," said Christopher Gessner, Children's president. "It also is a wonderful and well-deserved tribute to Dr. Perlmutter, who has been a transformational leader at Children's."
In addition to the David H. Perlmutter Research Endowment, UPMC has committed $20 million to existing and future research programs at Children's.
The focal point for pediatric basic laboratory research at Children's is the John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center, where nearly 390 active protocols are being pursued by more than 125 principal investigators in 63 separate laboratories. Significant current programs include:
- Stem cell biology/regenerative medicine
- Developmental biology
- Infection and immunity research
- Inflammatory and autoimmune diseases
- Novel strategies for treating pediatric cancer
- Inherited metabolic and other rare diseases of children
- Drug discovery for childhood diseases
- Genomics of childhood diseases
"UPMC has been delighted with Dr. Perlmutter's leadership and the progress of our scientists. UPMC is committed to the ongoing support of Children's Hospital's pediatric health care and research, and we are honored to make this investment to their programs," said Steven Shapiro, M.D., chief medical and scientific officer, UPMC. "We recognize the brilliant work done by the many researchers, physicians and other caregivers who make Children's Hospital the world leader that it is today."
Gloria Kreps, 412-586-9764, krepsga@upmc.edu
Marc Lukasiak, 412-692-7919, marc.lukasiak@chp.edu