The ANRF has funded over 100 scientists since its inception. Many have become leading professors and researchers at the nation's top universities and institutions. Perhaps more importantly, about 95% of all ANRF fellows have remained in research, contributing significantly to the ongoing development of many new and innovative therapies.

SALVATORE ALBANI, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Pediatrics,
University of California, San Diego, CA
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
“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.”

ANNE STEVENS, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Pediatric Rheumatology
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
“The ANRF funding I received four years ago 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.”

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!”

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.”

JOHN H. VAUGHAN, M.D.
Professor of Medicine
University of California, San Diego, CA
Grant Recipient 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988 & 1992

  • Studies clarified the nature and significance of self-reactive antibodies in RA
  • Performed early studies on the nature of cellular immunity
  • Discovered the probable contribution of virus infection in various forms of autoimmune disease
“Today ANRF boasts some of the brightest young men and women starting out their careers in arthritis research. It is a certainty that some will make critical contributions to our further understanding of arthritis, maybe even a cure. It has been a thrill for me to have been associated with the ANRF as it was evolving.”

Sadly, Dr. Vaughan passed away on November 11, 2006. We salute Dr. Vaughan’s life, his tremendous contributions to the field of arthritis research and to the Arthritis National Research Foundation. Thanks to his leadership, the stellar Scientific Advisory Board of the ANRF was established in 1998. His wit and wisdom will be missed by all who were privileged to know him.

BETTY TSAO, Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine
University of California, Los Angeles, CA
1993 ANRF Grant Recipient

  • World-renowned geneticist
  • First person to link a specific human chromosome region to increased risk of developing lupus
  • Established a lupus patient registry and is developing a new lab test to measure disease activity of lupus
“We are at the brink of finding the specific genes that put people at risk for lupus,” said Dr. Tsao. “ANRF supported my work at a pivotal time in my career.”

 
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