Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation Names Nicholas J. Vogelzang, M.D. As New Board Chair

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Aug. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation), the national nonprofit dedicated to eradicating mesothelioma (meso) as a life-ending disease, announced today that illustrious cancer researcher, Nicholas J. Vogelzang, M.D., F.A.C.P., has become the new chair of the Foundation's Board of Directors.

Dr. Vogelzang is the director of Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI) and formerly served as the director of the University of Chicago's Cancer Center. He has intense interest in advancing treatments for meso, a diffuse, solid tumor of the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen caused by asbestos. He has been involved in a number of the most significant meso clinical trials, and led the clinical trial of Alimta, the first drug ever approved by the FDA specifically for meso. In 2005, he co-edited Malignant Mesothelioma, the leading research clinical textbook on the cancer.

Dr. Vogelzang succeeds Roger Worthington, the Meso Foundation's original chairman and founder. Mr. Worthington conceived the Foundation, formed it in 1999, provided much of the initial funding, and has guided it forward since then.

Under Worthington's leadership, the Foundation achieved many "firsts": the first U.S. nonprofit to fund therapy-oriented meso research using a competitive, peer-review model -- and has now grown its research portfolio to more than $3 million; the first to involve plaintiffs' lawyers, defendant companies, pharmaceutical companies, patients, families, and a diverse array of other individuals and corporations in a joint effort to fund the research needed to cure meso; the first to persuade Congress to appropriate funds for meso research; the first to organize an annual meso symposium to bring together patients, doctors, researchers and advocates; and the first to address the needs of patients and families for hope and medical information through a robust patient education program.

"This is not a tear-filled farewell, but rather a proud send-off. I am leaving to make room for others to take the Meso Foundation to the next level. I especially hope my plaintiffs' lawyer colleagues will now come forward and seriously support what their clients need most -- research to develop more effective treatments," Worthington said.

Prior to taking over as chair, Dr. Vogelzang served six years on the Meso Foundation's Board of Directors and has been key to its scientific development and its organizational maturity.

"I am honored to succeed Roger's visionary leadership, and to continue to grow what he started. The Meso Foundation is fortunate to have committed staff, amazing volunteers and a growing body of public leaders, researchers, patients, and families who turn to us as the definitive organization for meso information, support of research, and advocacy. Together in the coming years we will increase our impact on overcoming the meso tragedy."

For more information, contact the Meso Foundation, www.curemeso.org, Executive Director Chris Hahn, 805-563-8400, c-hahn@marf.org.

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation

CONTACT: Chris Hahn, Executive Director of the Meso Foundation,+1-805-563-8400, c-hahn@marf.org

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