$3M awarded to HWMRI scientists

By Annemarie Franczyk
Business First of Buffalo
January 10, 2008

The Hauptman Woodward Medical Research Institute has been awarded a $3 million federal contract to conduct research on how viruses mutate and transfer between animals and humans.

The funds will support research by scientists Wayne Schultz and Timothy Umland who have studied the SARS virus since 2003. The Department of Defense money, announced Thursday by Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-Fairport, will expand their studies to include HIV, West Nile, avian flu and other viruses believed to originate in animal hosts.

The ultimate goal is to develop a vaccine for the vulnerable populations such as the military and civilians in dense areas who have been exposed to such viruses, Slaughter said. She secured the funding in the 2008 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill.

As the world population continues to grow and encroaches on animal habitats, greater exposure to animal-borne virus can be expected, Schultz said. The research at Hauptman Woodward is helping to explain the mutation process and the progression of the disease at the cellular level, forming the foundation of knowledge needed for drug development.

The federal funding is expected to help purchase equipment and supplies and support the hiring of several researchers, Schultz said.

Meanwhile, Hauptman Woodward is continuing its search for a CEO to replace George DeTitta, who is leaving the post April 1 to concentrate on research. Four candidates have been interviewed and a fifth is expected in town next week. The candidates come from academic, pharmaceutical or nonprofit organizations from across North America, said Donald Hess, chairman of the institute board and head of the search process. He said the committee expects to have a candidate identified and committed to coming by the time DeTitta steps down.

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