Recently Promoted Dr. Steven Griffen, SVP Research, Collaborates with Prestigious External Scientific Experts to Ensure Breakthrough T1D’s Vision of a World without T1D
New York, NY, February 10, 2016 — Breakthrough T1D, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, announced today the formation of a new external Research Advisory Committee (RAC) comprised of individuals internationally renowned for their expertise in research as well as the care and treatment of those with T1D.
The new Research Advisory Committee will be led by Dr. Mark Atkinson, Professor, Departments of Pathology and Pediatrics, at the University of Florida. The committee will also include Dr. Roy Beck, Executive Director of the JAEB Center for Health Research, Tampa, Florida, Dr. Matthias Hebrok of the University of California-San Francisco, Dr. Douglas Melton of Harvard University, Dr. Lori Laffel of Harvard University and Joslin Diabetes Center, and Dr. Robert Sherwin of Yale University. Two representatives of Breakthrough T1D’s International Board of Directors will also serve on the RAC, Dr. Stephen Newman and Margery Perry.
“Breakthrough T1D is honored to receive support and guidance from such an esteemed group of scientists who are leaders in the T1D research field, represent a variety of perspectives, and have long histories with Breakthrough T1D,” said Derek Rapp, Breakthrough T1D President and Chief Executive Officer. “The new RAC will help Breakthrough T1D work optimally in the interests of the organization, the broader research community, and everyone who shares Breakthrough T1D’s vision of a world without T1D.”
The RAC will advise Breakthrough T1D on matters of policy pertaining to research philosophy and procedures to help the organization be most effective. The committee will serve as a forum to discuss priority research-related issues and key opportunities that will help Breakthrough T1D carry out the mission of the organization to bring the greatest good for the largest number of people in the shortest amount of time.
“I am thrilled for the opportunity to help Breakthrough T1D continue to make a tremendous difference in the lives of millions living with or affected by type 1 diabetes,” said Dr. Atkinson. “Researchers are making great progress towards that goal and I am excited to be part of this new process that seeks to help these dedicated individuals achieve their aspirations. Our advisory committee will be comprised of persons diverse in background, but share a common belief in seeing impacting therapies developed and a cure for the disease identified.”
In addition to serving as the RAC Chair, Dr. Atkinson will also act as a Senior External Advisor to Breakthrough T1D. Dr. Atkinson has a 32 year history in T1D research, including 27 years of volunteer service to Breakthrough T1D. He previously served the organization in numerous ways, from chairing committees providing guidance to Breakthrough T1D’s research mission to serving as Chair for the Medical Scientific Review Committee and many of its research review panels. In recognition of these efforts, he is the only individual to be a recipient of all three major Breakthrough T1D research awards — the David Rumbough Award, the Gerald and Gayla Grodsky Award, and the Mary Tyler Moore and S. Robert Levine Excellence in Clinical Research Award.
In January, Breakthrough T1D announced the promotion of Steven C. Griffen, M.D. to Senior Vice President of Research. Dr. Griffen, will lead the relationships that Breakthrough T1D has forged with its important corporate and industry partners, other non-profits, governments and the broader type 1 diabetes research community. Dr. Griffen will continue his role focusing on moving identified potential therapies into the clinic to establish their validity in early phase human clinical trials. Prior to joining Breakthrough T1D, Dr. Griffen served as leader of the AstraZeneca/Bristol Myers Squibb Alliance Type 1 Diabetes Development team. His deep clinical experience and industry expertise as a practicing endocrinologist at University of California, San Francisco and University of California, Davis, combined with his previous research knowledge will help ensure Breakthrough T1D continues its vision of a world without type 1 diabetes.
“I am thrilled to name Steve Griffen as the Senior Vice President of Research. This new leadership announcement and the formation of an Advisory Committee represent critical elements to ensuring Breakthrough T1D is most effective in carrying out its strategic plan,” said Rapp. “Steve joined Breakthrough T1D in July 2014 as Vice President, Translational Development and is eminently qualified to take Breakthrough T1D to the next level, and I am confident he will do so.”
“I am extremely honored to lead the Research Department at Breakthrough T1D,” said Dr. Griffen. “It’s such an exciting time in the field of type 1 diabetes research and I know we are making life-changing advances for those living with T1D. I am passionate about this next stage of my involvement with an organization that I’m so inspired and proud to be a part of, and I’m eager to work closely with the dynamic research team and our new Research Advisory Committee to continue our mission to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications.”
About Breakthrough T1D
Breakthrough T1D is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, Breakthrough T1D has invested nearly $2 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers in more than 100 locations throughout the United States and our six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter: @JDRF.
Breakthrough T1D Media Contact:
Christopher Rucas
212.479.7667
Email: crucas@BreakthroughT1D.org
