Published:
The International Rett Syndrome Foundation Names Antony Horton Ph.D. Chief Scientific Officer
CINCINNATI, June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Rett Syndrome
Foundation announced today that Antony Horton Ph.D. will join the Foundation
as Chief Scientific Officer, beginning July 1. Dr. Horton will oversee the
foundation's research portfolio and its network of Rett Clinics, a series of
clinics throughout the US with established neuromedical research and treatment
centers. In addition, Dr. Horton will assist the IRSF Board of Directors in
growing its funding pool and broadening its network of research partners. IRSF
is the world's leading private funder of basic and clinical Rett syndrome
research. IRSF was formed in 2007 by the merger of The International Rett
Syndrome Association and the Rett Syndrome Research Foundation.
"Dr. Horton joins us during an exciting time for Rett syndrome research
since recent breakthroughs give new insight into the function of the MECP2
gene that causes Rett syndrome and last year's discovery of the reversibility
of Rett symptoms in mice models," said Kathryn Kissam, IRSF Board Chair. "We
have the opportunity to fund crucial new research with the potential to impact
lives and advance the understanding of Rett syndrome and related disorders.
Dr. Horton's knowledge of the science of drug discovery and his experience in
research program management will help the Foundation to shape and advance our
mission of improving the lives of children living with Rett while searching
for a cure to this devastating disease."
According to Dr. Horton, "As Chief Scientific Officer, I am eager to bring
my scientific vision and research management experience to bear on the IRSF
mission. I look forward to developing a portfolio of research programs that
will accelerate translation of research discoveries into therapies to treat
and cure Rett syndrome."
Dr. Horton earned his Ph.D. in developmental neurobiology at St. Andrew's
University inScotland. Currently, Dr. Horton is the Director of Scientific
Affairs for the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation inNew York.
Previously, he served for several years as Program Director at the Juvenile
Diabetes Research Foundation and as a post doctoral scientist at Rockefeller
University Laboratory of Molecular Biology.
About Rett Syndrome
While there are over 3,800 known cases of Rett Syndrome inthe United
States which predominantly strikes only girls, the disorder is genetically
linked to more widespread neurological disorders such as autism and
schizophrenia. Rett symptoms begin to manifest between the first six to
eighteen months of life and in most cases will eventually incapacitate the
afflicted children so that they cannot survive without constant care. The
disorder causes seizures, respiratory and gastrointestinal abnormalities, and
a variety of muscular and motor impairments.
IRSF is the world's most comprehensive non-profit organization dedicated
to providing thorough and accurate information about Rett syndrome, offering
informational and educational family support, and stimulating research aimed
at accelerating treatments and a cure for Rett syndrome. To learn more about
IRSF and Rett syndrome, visit www.rettsyndrome.org or call IRSF at
1-800-818-RETT.
SOURCE The International Rett Syndrome Foundation
Copyright © 2009, PRNewswire
Copyright © 2009, NewsBlaze,
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