A significant development in autism research has been announced with a $50 million donation to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Penn Medicine. The funds, provided by the Lurie family, will establish the Lurie Autism Institute, marking the largest single contribution to U.S. academic medical centers focusing on autism research.
The institute aims to drive new discoveries that will have a transformative impact on those living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Globally, over 75 million people are affected by ASD, including one in 31 children and one in 45 adults in the United States.
The collaboration between CHOP and Penn Medicine is intended to leverage their expertise in autism research. This partnership is seen as a strategic move to address key challenges related to ASD. The initiative aims to serve as a global hub for connecting scientists, clinicians, families, students, and donors.
Jeffrey Lurie, Chairman and CEO of the Philadelphia Eagles and founder of the Eagles Autism Foundation, expressed optimism about this venture: “We established the Lurie Autism Institute to spark a new era of scientific discovery in autism.”
The joint effort by Penn Medicine and CHOP has historically resulted in significant breakthroughs such as lifesaving vaccines and gene therapy advancements. They aim to continue this trend with fresh discoveries about ASD through this new institute.
Jonathan A. Epstein, MD from the University of Pennsylvania commented on the gift’s potential: “This gift will harness our longstanding, combined expertise to advance much-needed research.”
Madeline Bell, CEO of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia also emphasized gratitude towards the Lurie Family: “We are so grateful…for their ongoing support of autism research.”
The institute’s goals include understanding genetic factors behind autism and developing lab models for studying brain function impacts across lifespans. It plans clinical trials focusing on both behavioral and pharmacological interventions for ASD.
An international search is underway for appointing an innovative director who will guide these initiatives forward.
Nancy Lurie Marks noted her family’s commitment: “We are honored…because we know how much remains to be discovered about the nature of autism.”
This initiative builds upon past successes like Massachusetts General Hospital’s Lurie Center for Autism established by Nancy Lurie Marks’ foundation in 2009.
