The Guthy-Jackson Repository for Neuromyelitis Optica
Overview
Accelerated Cure Project has formed a partnership with The Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation, an organization dedicated to funding basic science research to find answers that will lead to the prevention, clinical treatment programs and a potential cure for Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) Spectrum Disease.
Our two organizations, together with the University of Texas Southwestern (UTSW) are creating a special collection of NMO samples and data to foster scientific collaboration for NMO Spectrum Disease. 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. ACP, UTSW, and Guthy-Jackson will work together to invite people with NMO to participate in the repository. Participants can enroll by visiting one of the ACP repository sites or by 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 will travel to your location to draw your sample.
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, Worcester
- 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
- Stanford University
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