Released on: February 3, 2008, 9:40 pm

Press Release Author: Cheryl A. Cross, MPH, The Institute for Myeloma and Bone
Cancer Research

Industry: Non Profit

Press Release Summary: Zhi-Wei Li, Ph.D. formerly of The Moffitt Cancer Research
Center affiliated with the University of South Florida will lead scientific efforts
for the Institute of Myeloma and Bone Cancer Research's most recent research
initiative, "The Cure Myeloma Project."

Press Release Body: Los Angeles, CA - The Institute for Myeloma and Bone Cancer
Research (IMBCR) is the only independent, non-profit cancer research institute
working to find improved treatment and ultimately, a cure for multiple myeloma - a
rare hematological cancer (cancer of the blood cells) that reside in the bone
marrow. The American Cancer Society predicts that over 60,000 people are currently
living with myeloma and over 16,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Approximately
10,000 people die each year from multiple myeloma.
Over the past five years, the Institute for Myeloma and Bone Cancer Research has
carried out groundbreaking research in the field of hematologic cancers. Under
the medical direction of Dr. James R. Berenson, a veteran physician-scientist who
has been leading investigations and research that has created new therapies for
myeloma patients. With 25 years experience in the lab and with patients, Dr.
Berenson's primary goal has been to create new drug combinations and treatments to
improve the quality of life and longevity of patients with myeloma. While the
primary focus of the research at the IMBCR is multiple myeloma and the similarities
to other cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, many mechanisms and therapies
discovered in the IMBCR laboratory apply to the treatment of other well-known
cancers, particularly cancers that metastasize, or, spread to the bone such as,
breast, prostate and lung cancers.
2008 marks the inauguration of The Cure Myeloma Project, a multi-year scientific
research initiative that looks at genetic markers of myeloma and how proteins move
when targeted. Says Berenson, "The Cure Myeloma Project was created with the hopes
of bringing new therapies to existing myeloma patients. Our motto at the IMBCR is
"Fast-Tracking a Cure" and I feel that with the addition of Dr. Li who brings a
wealth of scientific advancements in the field of multiple myeloma, we will make
great strides that will benefit patients and eventually cure this disease."

Dr. Berenson continues, "Dr. Li comes to the IMBCR with tremendous experience,
including research specific to in-vivo models for myeloma. He has over ten years
working with IKK/NF-kappa B signal transduction, a plasma cell that is key to
myeloma and several years researching lymphocyte immunology. Dr. Li is an obvious
choice to lead The Cure Myeloma Project because of his extensive work in the field
of multiple myeloma, and other life-threatening cancers, such as leukemia and
lymphoma."
Dr. Zhi-Wei Li, received his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology at the University of Zurich,
Switzerland and was a postdoctorate fellow at the University of California, San
Diego with funding from the Cancer Research Institute. He holds a M.S. degree in
Molecular Biology from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, China. He most
recently was an Assistant Professor of Research at the Moffitt Cancer Center and
Research Institute affiliated with the University of South Florida.
Dr. Li has published extensively and has received numerous awards, including
research grants from the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, The American Cancer
Society and the Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology at the Moffitt Cancer
Center and Research Institute. He is an Active Member with the American Association
for Cancer Research and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He
joins the Institute of Myeloma and Bone Cancer Research as Principal Scientist on
"The Cure Myeloma Project".
About the Cure Myeloma Project: A multi-year initiative set forth by the research
team and board of directors of The Institute for Myeloma and Bone Cancer Research in
Los Angeles, California. Initial funding for the project has been provided by the
Crane Foundation, the Nancy and Stephen Grand Philanthropic Fund, and the Kramer
Family Foundation and members of the IMBCR Board of Directors. The IMBCR is seeking
new grants and donations to fund newly initiated biologic and molecular research
dedicated solely to, "The Cure Myeloma Project."
About Dr. Berenson: Dr. James R. Berenson serves as a member of the National
Institute of Health - Center for Scientific Review, Clinical Oncology Study Section.
He is a member of the Scientific Boards of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
and the International Myeloma Foundation. He serves on both the Foundation and the
Scientific Boards of the Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma Society. Dr. Berenson
received his undergraduate degree in Science with Distinction from Stanford
University and his Doctorate in medicine from the University of California at San
Diego (UCSD). Dr. Berenson completed his internship and residency in internal
medicine at the University of Utah Medical Center and fellowships in
hematology/oncology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Dr.
Berenson has dual board certifications in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology.
For a full bio: www.berensononcology.com
About the IMBCR: The Institute for Myeloma and Bone Cancer Research is a non-profit
cancer research organization located in Los Angeles, California. CEO and President,
Dr. James R. Berenson created this institute in 2004 out of the belief that a
dedicated, stand-alone organization will speed up the advancement of scientific
research, devise revolutionary treatments and eventually find a cure for myeloma,
bone cancer and other forms of hematologic cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.
The IMBCR is under the executive direction of Geoffrey Gee, Esq., and a board of
directors that includes, Ron Rogers, President of Rogers & Company in Los Angeles,
California, Richard Brooke Brewer, CEO of Arca Discovery in Denver, Colorado, James
A. Tamkin, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.E., associate clinical professor of medicine at
UCLA, George "Geo" Hartley, Esq., an independent attorney and theatrical producer in
Washington, D.C., Jill Howell-Kramer of the Kramer Family Foundation in San
Francisco, California and Michael F. Richman, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.C.C.P., President
and Head of Surgery for The Center for Cholesterol Management and Elite Laser Vein
Centers of Los Angeles, California. More information can be found at www.imbcr.org


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Media Contact:
Cheryl A. Cross, MPH
310-406-1035 or 866-900-1035
ccross@imbcr.org



Web Site: http://www.imbcr.org

Contact Details: Cheryl A. Cross, MPH
The Institute for Myeloma and Bone Cancer Research
9201 Sunset Blvd., Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90069
310-406-1035 or 866-900-1035
ccross@imbcr.org