CINCINNATI, June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Rett Syndrome Foundation announced today that Antony Horton Ph.D. will join the Foundation as Chief Scientific Officer, beginning July 1. Dr. Horton will oversee the foundation’s research portfolio and its network of Rett Clinics, a series of clinics throughout the US with established neuromedical research and treatment centers. In addition, Dr. Horton will assist the IRSF Board of Directors in growing its funding pool and broadening its network of research partners. IRSF is the world’s leading private funder of basic and clinical Rett syndrome research. IRSF was formed in 2007 by the merger of The International Rett Syndrome Association and the Rett Syndrome Research Foundation.
“Dr. Horton joins us during an exciting time for Rett syndrome research since recent breakthroughs give new insight into the function of the MECP2 gene that causes Rett syndrome and last year’s discovery of the reversibility of Rett symptoms in mice models,” said Kathryn Kissam, IRSF Board Chair. “We have the opportunity to fund crucial new research with the potential to impact lives and advance the understanding of Rett syndrome and related disorders. Dr. Horton’s knowledge of the science of drug discovery and his experience in research program management will help the Foundation to shape and advance our mission of improving the lives of children living with Rett while searching for a cure to this devastating disease.”
According to Dr. Horton, “As Chief Scientific Officer, I am eager to bring my scientific vision and research management experience to bear on the IRSF mission. I look forward to developing a portfolio of research programs that will accelerate translation of research discoveries into therapies to treat and cure Rett syndrome.”
Dr. Horton earned his Ph.D. in developmental neurobiology at St. Andrew’s University in Scotland. Currently, Dr. Horton is the Director of Scientific Affairs for the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation in New York. Previously, he served for several years as Program Director at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and as a post doctoral scientist at Rockefeller University Laboratory of Molecular Biology.
About Rett Syndrome
While there are over 3,800 known cases of Rett Syndrome in the United States which predominantly strikes only girls, the disorder is genetically linked to more widespread neurological disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. Rett symptoms begin to manifest between the first six to eighteen months of life and in most cases will eventually incapacitate the afflicted children so that they cannot survive without constant care. The disorder causes seizures, respiratory and gastrointestinal abnormalities, and a variety of muscular and motor impairments.
IRSF is the world’s most comprehensive non-profit organization dedicated to providing thorough and accurate information about Rett syndrome, offering informational and educational family support, and stimulating research aimed at accelerating treatments and a cure for Rett syndrome. To learn more about IRSF and Rett syndrome, visit www.rettsyndrome.org or call IRSF at 1-800-818-RETT.
CONTACT: Kathryn Kissam of The International Rett Syndrome Foundation,
+1-804-741-3687
Web site: http://www.rettsyndrome.org/
