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Welcome!
The inauguration of the Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Diabetes and Genetic Research Center, a four-level, 41,000-square-foot building completed in June 1997, marked the start of a new era in clinical and basic science diabetes research at City of Hope and Beckman Research Institute.
Since its inauguration the Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism has expanded in the following areas:
- Establishment of a collaboration study to identify the compounds that inhibit the formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) and the aging process, led by Samuel Rahbar, M.D., Ph.D.;
- Development of a research team to study mechanisms involved in the development of atherosclerosis and kidney disease in diabetic patients, as well as, designing studies that will evaluate potential markers of islet rejection in patients after islet transplantation, headed by Rama Natarajan, Ph.D.;
- Establishment of a molecular endocrinology laboratory, directed by Barry Forman, M.D., Ph.D.;
- Development of the Southern California Islet Cell Resources (SC-ICR) Center, directed by Fouad Kandeel, M.D., Ph.D.;
- Establishment of a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-based, state-of-the-art human islet preparation laboratory, led by Yoko Mullen, M.D., Ph.D., Ismail Al-Abdullah, Ph.D., Ivan Todorov, Ph.D., and Kevin Ferreri, Ph.D.;
- Development of an islet immunology laboratory, headed by Defu Zeng, M.D.
Gonda Foundation support was pivotal not only in the development of the islet program, but also in its success in gaining designation by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) as one of ten islet resource centers in the nation responsible for islet isolation and distribution for use in clinical trials. As a result, the Gonda Center is now heading a Southern California multi-center clinical trial for islet transplantation, and provides a shining example of how one philanthropic family can provide support that eventually benefits millions.
Poised to achieve recognition for its excellence in research, clinical care and teaching efforts, the Center offers a total care diabetes and endocrinology program combining detailed and unique treatments and continuing education to help people living with diabetes and other endocrine diseases get the medical care and information they need to achieve optimal quality of life.
Details about the history of our program, our services, and the future management of diabetes and other endocrine disorders are all just a click away. If you need more information, contact us at 626-256-HOPE (4673), Ext. 62251 or 800-826-HOPE (4673).
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