LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

2016

ANNUAL REPORT

2016 was a banner year for the Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute (PHLBI) and I’m excited to highlight our progress and milestones in this letter to you.

Today, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) treatment is one of the most impressive immunotherapies for the potential eradication of cancer. Our research aims to benefit the mesothelioma patient community through the development and advancement of innovative immunotherapy to clinical trials, with a long-term goal of scaling a wide array of treatments to fight a range of different cancers. On this front, PHLBI, has been developing a next generation therapy platform using gene-modified mesenchymal stem cells derived from placentas. These cells are modified to express large amounts of interleukin 12, which stimulates the immune system to reject cancer cells. We are thrilled to report that we now have enough preliminary evidence to file a patent in the summer of 2017.

In 2016, we received approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to create a first-in-the-nation International Tissue Bank. PHLBI developed the protocols for processing, storing and tracking specimens for the tissue bank, with the goal of benefitting our research. As this is also the first tissue bank that is unlimited, we will be able to share tissue from all types of patients with other institutions, and already have an agreement in place to do so with UCLA. If you’re interested in contributing to this invaluable medical resource by donating a sample, please call our office. In addition to becoming an “associate researcher” at PHLBI, you’ll join a growing community of contributors to this important research!

As a small nonprofit with limited resources, the PHLBI relies on philanthropic support

“The PHLBI relies on philanthropic support from generous individual, corporate, and other charitable benefactors, as well as a full program of fundraisers to develop and research new treatment approaches for breakthroughs.”

from generous individual, corporate, and other charitable benefactors, as well as a full program of fundraisers to develop and research new treatment approaches for breakthroughs. I’m pleased to report that in 2016 we exceeded our fundraising goals, raising almost $850,000 thanks to the generosity of our donors, fundraisers and several grants that were awarded. In the past, donors have offered to sponsor our matching gift program for contributions up to $100,000. So, if you’ve been considering making a donation or endowment, please know that your gift can potentially enable us to research and develop solutions twice as fast!

Beyond fundraisers and grants, we continue to honor and support those struggling in the fight against mesothelioma, as well as their families. In February 2016, we launched our Mesothelioma Caregivers Support group, which meets monthly to address the needs of family members and loved ones of mesothelioma patients as they adjust to a new reality.

Each day, we are buoyed by the innovative research and incredible lives of the patients and families that are the bedrock of the PHLBI. With you by our side, we hope to fulfill our dream of finding a cure for mesothelioma and other life-threatening cancers. Your charitable contributions are most welcome and appreciated. And if you are in town, please stop by our lab for a tour. Thank you for your commitment to PHLBI over the years and for your renewed generosity.

With gratitude,

Rhonda Ozanian Board Chair

PACIFIC HEART, LUNG, & BLOOD INSTITUTE 2016 ANNUAL REPORT 5