Jeffrey Loeb, M.D., Ph.D, has secured a $100,000 grant that he will use to develop a commercialization center in the Wayne State University School of Medicine Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics (CMMG), an effort that is expected to bring new discoveries to market sooner and provide economic stimulus for the state of Michigan.

With the Michigan Initiative for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIIE) grant, Dr. Loeb, associate professor of Neurology and associate director of the CMMG, will establish the CMMG Commercialization Center. The new center will streamline the process of bringing developments in the lab to market faster and train researchers in how to make that happen.

Dr. Loeb said researchers often have difficulty confronting the commercialization of their discoveries because they generally lack expertise in issues outside of the lab.

“Researchers are not generally trained in commercialization. With this program, education is an essential part. In fact, the best education is taking your own ideas through the commercialization process with experts in the field. This is one of the fundamental and most important aspects to our program,” Dr. Loeb explained. “Given the amazing discoveries we are making here, we need a more efficient and highly focused means to take these discoveries to fruition.”

In a letter to Dr. Loeb announcing the grant, MIIE Management Committee Chairman Marvin G. Parnes, wrote, “unlike most of the Technology Commercialization proposals, yours addresses an industry rather than a specific technology. Committee members feel that this project will build the state’s technology transfer infrastructure as well as foster an industry. The plan will improve industry’s awareness of and access to university resources, assets and services, while providing faculty/student teams with access to and experience of the companies involved. It will contribute to Michigan’s competitiveness in this sector and may well result in job offers for students who have made excellent contacts through the program.”

The MIIE is a consortium of Michigan’s 15 state universities. Dr. Loeb’s grant is one of the first 20 awarded by the organization, which seeks to help rebuild the state’s economy on a foundation of diversified, knowledge-based industries. The MIIE, using philanthropic resources, will help launch startup companies and industries, strengthen ties between small business, industry and academia, and speed the commercialization of university research. The consortium expects its efforts to create as many as 200 new startups in the next decade.

The center, Dr. Loeb said, can serve as a “beta-testing site” for Wayne State University and other Michigan universities. The CMMG, he noted, has a record of developing emerging technologies with great commercial potential, including GlyTags, which increase a drug’s therapeutic efficacy while limiting toxicity, antibiotics that avoid or delay microbe resistance and “drug targets” for treating epilepsy.

The concept for the center, and the impetus for applying for the grant, Dr. Loeb said, came from his own experiences with commercialization of developments from his laboratory. “I came up with an idea, developed a drug, and then formed a company called GlyTag to try to get the drug to patients with cancer who might benefit from this drug. By doing so, I have learned through the school of hard knocks where the challenges lie and came up with this plan to expedite future inventions.”

Dr. Loeb said other medical universities that have established similar centers – notably Massachusetts Institute of Technology and UniversityCalifornia San Diego – have had great success.

The first step under the recently secured grant, Dr. Loeb said, will be developing a Web interface and “rapid means” to screen scientific ideas for commercial potential. “We have already begun discussions with potential external advisors in the biotechnology field and are looking for more. There are a number of inventions under development in the (CMMG) that this grant will streamline.”

Dr. Loeb noted that the center will need to apply for additional funding to keep the initiative moving forward. “As part of our effort in this proposal, we will be identifying sources of seed funding for specific projects.”

Monica Y. Alexander, M.D., an assistant professor of ophthalmology with the Wayne State University School of Medicine, has secured a grant to provide free vision screenings in the community.

The $19,000 Student Sight Savers Program Grant, provided by the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation, will fund 250 free screenings for adults, Dr. Alexander said.

Screening dates and locations have not yet been announced. Screenings generally take place one Saturday morning per month. If during a screening problems are discovered, patients will be instructed to follow up with the Kresge Eye Institute.

Dr. Alexander said the Student Sight Savers Program was started by “my mentor and fellowship preceptor,” Dr. Eve Higginbotham, M.D., in the early 1990s. Dr. Higginbotham is now dean of the Morehouse School of Medicine.

Students interested in volunteering to participate in the screenings may contact Dr. Alexander, or Larissa Dub, Steffany Kerkstra or Tiffany Kent via the School of Medicine email system.

Robert M. Mentzer Jr., M.D., dean of the Wayne State University School of Medicine and senior advisor to the President for Medical Affairs, announced the appointment of Wael A. Sakr, M.D., as Chair of the Department of Pathology, pending approval by the WSU Board of Governors.

In 2000, Dr. Sakr was promoted to professor in the Department of Pathology and the Cancer Institute. In 2006 he was named president of the medical staff at Karmanos Cancer Center, a position he continues to hold. He was appointed specialist in chief of Pathology for the Detroit Medical Center in 2007. Dr. Sakr was named Vice Chair for Anatomic Pathology for the School of Medicine in 2003, and director of University Pathology Research Services in 2002. He served as the staff pathologist and director of the Immunohistochemistry Laboratory for Harper Hospital. In addition, he has served in numerous leadership roles within the department of pathology and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.

Dr. Sakr is a widely recognized anatomic pathologist. He is a member of the U.S. and Canadian Academy of Pathology, the International Academy of Pathology’s Arab Division, the International Society of Urologic Pathology, the American Cancer Society and the College of American Pathologists. He has served on the editorial boards of The Prostate, Journal of Urologic Pathology and Clinical Prostate Research.

“Dr. Sakr’s vision is one that is expansive and will build upon the strengths and excellence of the department,” Dean Mentzer said. “Please join me in offering your support and congratulations to Dr. Sakr, and extending sincere appreciation to Dr. Kenneth Palmer for his outstanding service as Interim Chair of Pathology during this transition.”

John Flack, M.D., M.P.H., Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine for the Wayne State University School of Medicine, presented to the National Medical Association his findings as lead investigator for a treatment that showed the largest blood pressure drops recorded in a clinical trial for the drug combination.

Dr. Flack spoke July 26 on a clinical trial for the combination of amlodipine and valsartan. The study showed large decreases in high blood pressure for patients of African heritage.

"In the Ex-STAND Study involving almost 500 blacks, mostly from the U.S., including 17 percent of Hispanic origin, we showed in a randomized trial that the combination of amlodipine/valsartan lowered blood pressure more effectively than amlodipine monotherapy both before and after the optional addition of the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide,” said. Dr. Flack. “This is an important trial for black populations given that many will need combination therapy to attain blood pressure control and frequently a blocker of the renin angiotensin system (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker) will be needed in persons with diabetes and/or chronic kidney disease.

“The long available combination of calcium blockers with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors have been less well tolerated in this population because of the greater incidence of angioedema and cough to the ACE inhibitor component. However, there is no cough and no angioedema with ARBs. This is the first large-scale clinical trial in blacks of the combination of a calcium blocker and an ARB."

The study showed that black patients treated with the drug combination experienced a significantly higher reduction in systolic blood pressure than those on amlodipine alone. This marked the “most significant” blood pressure drop seen to date in such clinical studies, said the drug manufacturer, Novartis.

“The large blood pressure reductions seen in this trial were experienced by severe patients who have the most difficulty getting their blood pressure to healthy levels,” said Dr. Flack. “These data may have a real impact on helping patients who are most at risk.”

African-Americans have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure than other ethnic groups. High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Jack Z. Wang, M.D., has joined Wayne State University School of Medicine as an assistant professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology and as a physician in the Wayne State University Physician Group.

Dr. Wang received his medical degree from Shanghai Medical University in China, where he also completed his initial residency program in radiation oncology. He served a transitional internship in surgical medicine at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak in 1997 before the completion of his residency in radiation oncology in 2001. Since that time, Dr. Wang has held the position of attending physician at Muskegon Radiology L.L.C. and medical director of Radiation Oncology at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon, Mich.

“I came to Detroit because the Karmanos Cancer Institute is world renowned and the School of Medicine has one of the best cancer departments in the state,” he said. “It’s a very organized clinic with an excellent staff.”

Dr. Wang is board certified in radiation oncology. His interests include radiation therapy, with a focus on gynecological and genitourinary malignancies.

The School of Medicine is sad to announce the passing of Augustine Fregene, M.D., Ph.D., on July 24. Dr. Fregene had served as associate professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology and as gamma knife director at the Karmanos Cancer Institute Gershenson Radiation Oncology Center.

Dr. Fregene, who has been with Wayne State University since 1998, earned his Ph.D. in Radiotherapeutics from England’s Cambridge University in 1962 and his medical degree from Michigan State University in 1982.

Monica Y. Alexander, M.D., an assistant professor of ophthalmology with the Wayne State University School of Medicine, has secured a grant to provide free vision screenings in the community.

The $19,000 Student Sight Savers Program Grant, provided by the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation, will fund 250 free screenings for adults, Dr. Alexander said.

Screening dates and locations have not yet been announced. Screenings generally take place one Saturday morning per month.

If during a screening problems are discovered, patients will be instructed to follow up with the Kresge Eye Institute.

Dr. Alexander said the Student Sight Savers Program was started by “my mentor and fellowship preceptor,” Dr. Eve Higginbotham, M.D., in the early 1990s. Dr. Higginbotham is now dean of the Morehouse School of Medicine.

Students interested in volunteering to participate in the screenings may contact Dr. Alexander, or Larissa Dub, Steffany Kerkstra or Tiffany Kent via the School of Medicine email system.

John Flack, M.D., M.P.H., Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine for the Wayne State University School of Medicine, will present to the National Medical Association this month his findings as lead investigator for a treatment that showed the largest blood pressure drops recorded in a clinical trial for a new drug combination.

Dr. Flack will speak on a clinical trial for the combination of amlodipine and valsartan. The study showed large decreases in high blood pressure for patients of African heritage.

"In the Ex-STAND Study involving almost 500 blacks, mostly from the U.S., including 17 percent of Hispanic origin, we showed in a randomized trial that the combination of amlodipine/valsartan lowered blood pressure more effectively than amlodipine monotherapy both before and after the optional addition of the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide,” said. Dr. Flack. “This is an important trial for black populations given that many will need combination therapy to attain blood pressure control and frequently a blocker of the renin angiotensin system (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker) will be needed in persons with diabetes and/or chronic kidney disease.

“The long available combination of calcium blockers with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors have been less well tolerated in this population because of the greater incidence of angioedema and cough to the ACE inhibitor component. However, there is no cough and no angioedema with ARBs. This is the first large-scale clinical trial in blacks of the combination of a calcium blocker and an ARB."

The study showed that black patients treated with the drug combination experienced a significantly higher reduction in systolic blood pressure than those on amlodipine alone. This marked the “most significant” blood pressure drop seen to date in such clinical studies, said the drug manufacturer, Novartis.

“The large blood pressure reductions seen in this trial were experienced by severe patients who have the most difficulty getting their blood pressure to healthy levels,” said Dr. Flack. “These data may have a real impact on helping patients who are most at risk.”

African-Americans have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure than other ethnic groups. High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

The Shiffman Medical Library has arranged for a free trial of R2 Digital Library, the web-based e-book collection for medicine, nursing and allied health, from Rittenhouse Book Distributors Inc. The trial is open to all Wayne State University faculty, staff and students, and runs through Aug. 31.

If you would like to take a look and assist in helping to evaluate this resource, visit R2 Digital Library Online Trial.

Library staff members are interested in receiving comments about the system. For more information, contact Wendy Wu, Information Services librarian, at wendywu@med.wayne.edu.

Wayne State University submitted its application for a Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on June 16. This application is to fund integrated research to transform clinical and translational research, with the goal of developing bedside treatment more rapidly and efficiently.

“I’m very excited about this application,” said Michael Diamond, M.D., principal investigator for the CTSA project, assistant dean of Clinical & Translational Research and Associate Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for the Wayne State University School of Medicine. “I think there are definite strengths and assets that Wayne State brings to a comprehensive national infrastructure that will help us in the assessment of our application by the NIH.”

School of Medicine Dean Robert M. Mentzer Jr., M.D., noted that the application meets one of the strategic goals set by the School of Medicine, which align with the university’s strategic plan of improving Wayne State’s stature as a nationally ranked research university.

A substantial gift by a community volunteer has completed the Wayne State University School of Medicine’s efforts to capture a $3 million Kresge Foundation grant to assist in the construction of the Richard J. Mazurek, M.D., Medical Education Commons, the new face of medical education in Michigan. Mrs. Margherio’s pledge helped finalize the campaign goal of $30 million for the new state-of-the-science facility.

The $1 million gift by Rita Margherio, to honor her husband and her family, brings to fruition the school’s fundraising campaign to construct the Mazurek Medical Education Commons, the new hub of the School of Medicine. Her commitment represents a significant investment in medical education and metropolitan Detroit, said School of Medicine Dean Robert M. Mentzer, Jr., M.D.

“The School of Medicine has done so much for my family, I am grateful to be able to give back to such a fine institution and assist the future doctors who will serve Michigan,” Mrs. Margherio said. “Wayne State University plays such a vital role in treating and caring for the people of southeast Michigan, especially those who are underserved and underinsured. I’m honored to be a part of continuing that important mission.”

The Margherio Family Conference Center, will be located within the Mazurek Medical Education Commons, and will serve as an education center for the future leaders and innovators in medicine, and as a focal meeting place for community groups.

“This gift means so much to the School of Medicine and to the future of medical education and healthcare,” said Dean Mentzer. “Mrs. Margherio’s foresight and commitment to the School, the residents of the community and to medicine will help establish the foundation for the next generation of medical education in Michigan.”

Mrs. Margherio’s husband, Raymond Margherio, M.D., graduated from the School of Medicine in 1965. A portrait of Dr. Margherio will be prominently placed in the conference center.

The center seats up to 120, and will contain eight alcoves along its perimeter to accommodate break-out study sessions. Each alcove will boast a plasma screen and computer, providing students access to online diagnostic resources to research topics ranging from diabetes to women’s health issues. Grand Rounds can also take place there, allowing physicians to present unusual cases. The two projection screens are so technologically advanced that physicians can display large images, such as X-rays or pathology specimens, with microscopic precision from almost any angle. The hub’s user-friendly technology will easily display material with great accuracy so students can witness close-up footage of surgery.

Physicians will take advantage of continuing medical education opportunities in the Margherio Family Conference Center as well, whether in classes or by actual testing. Sixty percent of all southeastern Michigan physicians receive all or part of their medical training at Wayne State University, and the center is designed to directly serve that population. The center’s flexibility allows it to accommodate the Southeast Michigan Center for Medical Education (SEMCE). A hospital consortium including numerous teaching hospitals from the metropolitan Detroit area, SEMCE organizes programs in every specialty for residents, fellows and practicing physicians.

The Margherio Family Conference Center will be a vital component of the Mazurek Medical Education Commons of the School of Medicine, and will develop a legacy as a primary provider of the physicians and community volunteers of tomorrow.

An open house will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Lochmoor Country Club in Grosse Pointe. A memorial service for friends and family will begin at 2:30 p.m.

Dr. Mammen, who served Wayne State University and the School of Medicine for more than 40 years, died July 1.

Former School of Medicine professor and founding dean of the Wayne State University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Eberhard Mammen, M.D., died July 1.

Dr. Mammen joined the School of Medicine in 1958 as a Fulbright scholar in the department of physiology and pharmacology. An outstanding scientist, educator, administrator and clinician, Dr. Mammen was internationally recognized for his expertise in the field of hemostasis. He was a leading authority in the use of mini-dose heparin in prophylactic treatment of deep vein thrombosis.

Dr. Mammen served as Wayne State University's dean of the College of Pharmacy from 1974 to 1982 before retiring from clinical practice in 1996. He returned in 2000 to serve as Interim Dean for the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. During his time as dean, Dr. Mammen designed the first interdisciplinary pathophysiology course and offered a curriculum in which allied health professionals made hospital rounds with physicians.

A beloved professor, Dr. Mammen mentored and educated many medical students and Ph.D. candidates and earned their deepest respect and gratitude. He was honored by his students five times with the esteemed LAMP award, which is presented each year to the basic science faculty member who provides the most the most valuable and rewarding learning experience.

Henry Ford Hospital welcomed 62 Wayne State University School of Medicine third-year students to their campus today to begin their clinical rotations. Under the new SOM Clinical Campus program, these students will complete all or most of their required clerkships at Henry Ford Hospital.

The students, who were chosen at random from over 80 students who asked to be part of the pilot program, were welcomed to campus today with an extensive group orientation.

Eric Scher, M.D., Director of Medical Education for the Henry Ford Health System personally welcomed the SOM students to the campus. “I want you to consider yourselves integral members of the team,” he said. “At Henry Ford, we will provide a good learning environment. We want you to have an outstanding clinical experience.”

The SOM Clinical Campus initiative is an important aspect of the education section of the Strategic Plan for the school, developed last year by Dean Robert Mentzer, M.D. The goal is to establish a number of Clinical Campuses in order to secure adequate clinical clerkship training sites for third and fourth-year students

The Henry Ford Clinical Campus is the initial pilot project of this concept for the 2008/2009 academic year. By 2009/2010, all third-year students will complete their rotations at a single hospital or healthcare system affiliated with the School of Medicine.

“It is our firm belief that the Clinical Campus program will assure our students the continued excellence in clinical education for which the Wayne State University School of Medicine has long been known,” said Thomas Roe, M.D., Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education.

The School of Medicine will continue to work with its other affiliated hospitals toward the establishment of additional Clinical Campuses to ensure that every member of next year’s third-year class is guaranteed a spot at one of these campuses for their clinical rotations.