The Guthy-Jackson Repository for Neuromyelitis Optica

Overview

In an effort to foster scientific collaboration for Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) Spectrum Disease, The Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation has established a sample and data repository for NMO with The Accelerated Cure Project (ACP) and the University of Texas Southwestern (UTSW). In this initiative, people with NMO can enroll into the repository at ACP’s collection sites located in leading neurology clinics across the US. Participants provide blood samples and information, which will in turn be used by qualified scientists whose research will contribute to the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and/or cure of NMO.

How Subjects Are Enrolled

NMO subjects are primarily enrolled through the efforts of a study nurse employed by UTSW. Working together with ACP, NMO subjects will be identified and invited to participate in the repository, either by visiting one of the ACP repository sites or accepting an enrollment visit from the UTSW nurse.

NMO Repository Study Nurse

If you would like to participate in the NMO Repository by donating a sample, but you are unable to visit one of the NMO Repository sites, the NMO Repository Study Nurse employed by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX, will travel to your location to draw your sample.

Please contact the ACP Repository Director Sara Loud schedule your blood draw.

How Scientists Request Samples

The request process is straightforward. Researchers are asked to submit a written proposal using the ACP Sample Request Form. The proposal is reviewed at Accelerated Cure Project and ultimately submitted to an oversight committee for review. Researchers are encouraged to make application immediately upon discernment of need. A response will be forthcoming upon review and recommendation.

Collection Sites

• Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore
• University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
• Multiple Sclerosis Research Center of New York
• Shepherd Center, Inc., Atlanta
• University of Massachusetts Medical School
• Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix
• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston
• Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus
• Rocky Mountain MS Center at Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver

Pediatric Collection Sites

• Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore
• University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
• Multiple Sclerosis Research Center of New York
• University of Massachusetts Medical School
• Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix

More Information

To learn more about the repository, its operations, and available samples and data visit the Accelerated Cure Project’s web site at: http://www.acceleratedcure.org/repository/index.php

Contact for Additional Information

Sara Loud
Repository Director
Phone: +1-781-487-0032
Fax: +1-781-487-0009
Email: sloud@acceleratedcure.org
www.acceleratedcure.org

Hollie Schmidt
VP of Scientific Operations
Phone: +1-781-487-0099
Fax: +1-781-487-0009
Email: hollie@acceleratedcure.org
www.acceleratedcure.org