ANRF’s impact in arthritis research:
Where are our grant recipients now?

Since its inception more than 40 years ago, the Arthritis National Research Foundation has funded nearly 200 leading scientists who came to us with cutting-edge research on the subject of arthritis. Only a top few were chosen to receive an ANRF grant award. Many of these innovative researchers have since become nationally recognized researchers and professors at the nation's top universities and institutions.

Perhaps more importantly, 95% of all ANRF fellows have remained in research, contributing significantly to the ongoing development of many new and innovative therapies. And, many have also circled back around to ANRF to advise in Board of Directors or Scientific Advisory Board capacities.

These men and women are devoting their life’s work to the study of arthritis. With your help, we can continue to support up-and-coming scientists in the same manner! Learn more about the many ways you can donate to ANRF.

SALVATORE ALBANI, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor & Director of Translational Research
Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute
Grant Recipient in 1992 and 1996

  • Director of the Center for Pediatric Rheumatology at UCSD.
  • Developed and is now clinically testing an exciting new genetics-based treatment for RA.
  • Director, Arizona Arthritis Center.
  • Director of Translational Research, Infectious and Inflammatory Disease at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute.
“The ANRF gave me the first research grant I ever received and their work is fundamental to the development of science and helping young people. ANRF made a huge difference in my life and research career.”

KAREN COSTENBADER, M.D, M.P.H.
Instructor in Medicine
Harvard Medical School
Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
2001 ANRF grant recipient
  • ANRF-funded study still on-going; also conducting clinical studies to determine if Pravastatin can reduce the high levels of heart problems and arthrosclerosis common in lupus patients.
  • Extensive patient-centered laboratory work, with teaching and mentoring of new scientists.
“The award from the ANRF was my first grant for clinical research. Without their support, I would have had difficulty supporting myself during the transition from fellowship to junior faculty position and independence.”
GALE GRANGER, Ph.D.
Professor of Immunology
University of California, Irvine, CA
Grant Recipient 1977-1986
  • Discovered specific molecules involved in the inflammation and tissue destruction of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
  • Identified cell membrane and soluble TNF and LT receptors that neutralize TNF.
  • Discoveries led to a new treatment for RA and other autoimmune diseases.
“Grants from the ANRF were essential to the development of our research which has led to new understanding of how inflammation and the tissue destructive lesions of arthritis are caused. These findings facilitated the development of truly new methods for treatment of these diseases.”
ANNE STEVENS, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor
University of Washington/Children’s Hospital Research Center, Seattle, WA
2001 ANRF grant recipient
  • Established an independent pediatric rheumatology laboratory.
  • Clinical and basic studies to determine the causal role of maternal cells in autoimmune diseases.
  • Recognized as a leading expert in the field.
  • Program Director, Rheumatology Education.
“The ANRF funding I received enabled me to establish myself in the field of maternal and fetal microchimerism in autoimmune disease. ANRF’s funding during my early years undoubtedly helped my career take off.”
BETTY TSAO, Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine
University of California, Los Angeles, CA
1993 ANRF Grant Recipient
  • First person to link a specific human chromosome region to increased risk of developing lupus.
  • Studying heightened heart disease as a result of lupus.
  • Developing new lab test to measure disease activity of lupus to increase disease management.
"The ANRF supported my work at a pivotal time in my career. Now, we're at the brink of finding the specific genes that put people at risk for lupus."
PAUL J. UTZ, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Medicine
Stanford University, Stanford, CA
1998 ANRF grant recipient
  • Studies gene activation in various forms of autoimmune diseases.
  • Established an independent laboratory at Stanford.
“Without ANRF, I would not have a lab with 13 scientists and I would not be in academia!”