Lipoprotein(a) Foundation Hosts Gala Fundraiser to Celebrate Opening of Lipoprotein Exhibition at the International Museum of Surgical Science

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Lipoprotein(a) Foundation is hosting a Gala Fundraiser to celebrate the opening of the “Understanding Lipoproteins: Research, Treatment and Relationship to Cholesterol” exhibition at the International Museum of Surgical Science (IMSS). The Hope Gala: Lp(a) Research From the Bench to the Clinic: Reflections on the Past, the Present and the Future takes place on Saturday, November 10 before the exhibit opens to the public on Monday, November 12. All proceeds from the Hope Gala go to support the REVEAL Lipoprotein(a) Patient Natural History Registry to further Lp(a) research.

The Hope Gala celebrates breakthrough research being presented at the American Heart Association meeting and envisions the future with the presentation of The Hope Awards for clinical trials now in development by Amgen and Akcea, an affiliate of Ionis Pharmaceuticals. The Hope Gala will showcase the “Understanding Lipoproteins” Exhibition, which is dedicated to pioneering University of Chicago researcher, Angelo M. Scanu, M.D.

The “Understanding Lipoproteins” exhibit reviews the health impact of lipoproteins, particles in the blood that carry what is often referred to as “bad” and “good” cholesterol. Most people are familiar with LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein); however, there is another lipoprotein particle which poses a high risk of early cardiovascular disease: lipoprotein(a), also known as Lp(a).

Dr. Scanu, a physician and researcher at the University of Chicago between the years 1963-2011, was a major contributor of what is known today about HDL and the Lipoprotein(a) particles. In 1958, Dr. Scanu was the first person to describe the biochemistry of HDL. Throughout his research career, he remained passionate about treating patients with lipoprotein complications. The first lipid clinic in Chicago was opened at the University of Chicago in 1982 with Dr. Scanu as the Director.

It is estimated that 63 million people in the U.S. have inherited high Lp(a) and it is currently the strongest monogenetic risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke. Unfortunately, for many people, the first sign of disease is a heart attack or stroke. Although the concentration of Lp(a) can be measured by a simple blood test, it is not included in most standard lipid panel tests that check cholesterol levels. According to a recent study, traditional cholesterol tests miss 8% of people who have a cardiovascular event and whose only risk factor is high Lp(a).

“We are very proud to have worked with the International Museum of Surgical Science to create the ‘Understanding Lipoprotein’ exhibit, which is dedicated to continuing the pioneering work of the late Dr. Angelo Scanu to raise understanding of the risk of early cardiovascular disease associated with high inherited Lp(a),” said Sandra Revill Tremulis, founder of Lipoprotein(a) Foundation. “This Gala is a celebration of the work we’ve done to bring patients and researchers together and a launching pad for the future of Lp(a) research.”

The Lipoprotein(a) Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit patient advocacy and research organization supported by generous unrestricted educational grants and donations. The Hope Gala: Lp(a) Research From the Bench to the Clinic: Reflections on the Past, the Present and the Future is sponsored by the following organizations: Amgen, Inc., Akcea Therapeutics, Denka Seiken, Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Kaneka Corporation, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, and Sanofi and Regeneron.

About the Museum : The International Museum of Surgical Science, a Division of the International College of Surgeons, was founded in 1954 by Dr. Max Thorek. The Museum is committed to enriching lives by enhancing an appreciation and understanding of the history, development, and advances in surgery and related subjects in health and medicine. The Museum is located in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood and is housed in a historic lake-shore mansion designed in the early 20th century by Howard Van Doren Shaw. General Information : The International Museum of Surgical Science: 1524. N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Visit www.imss.org

About The Lipoprotein(a) Foundation

Because approximately 63 million Americans have high Lipoprotein(a) and are at risk of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD), the vision for the foundation is: To live in a world where high Lipoprotein(a) is routinely diagnosed and treated, and a family is screened. The mission is to prevent CVD events and death due to high Lipoprotein(a) by diagnosing this inherited risk factor early in life, educating and empowering patients with high Lp(a), and having health providers aggressively treat other CVD risk factors in patients with high Lp(a). Our goal is to save lives by increasing awareness, advocating for routine testing, and supporting research that will lead to a specific treatment for elevated Lipoprotein(a). Based in San Carlos, California, the Lipoprotein(a) Foundation is a patient-founded, 501(c)3 non-profit research and advocacy organization. Learn more about high Lp(a) visit: www.TESTLpa.org

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