SCAIFE FOUNDATIONS PLEDGE $10.8 MILLION TO PITT

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 1 -- The trustees of the Scaife Family Foundation and the Scaife Charitable Foundation have authorized a leadership grant of $10.8 million to the University of Pittsburgh. The grant – among the largest foundation grants ever received by the University – will be funded equally by the two foundations. The major portion of the funds -- $10 million -- will support the construction of facilities for the University's planned Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (PIND). The remaining $800,000 will be used to continue a seed grant program, and will support program development and research activities prior to the construction of new facilities to house the PIND.

The objective of the PIND is to bring the best clinical and laboratory investigators together to develop new understandings, treatments and methods of prevention for the host of neurological diseases that deprive people of health, dignity and the enjoyment of life. The major diseases that will be the focus of the PIND are Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease), Huntington's disease, and stroke. The PIND will build on an extensive program of research and treatment at the University in the areas of neurodegenerative diseases and stroke, including Pitt's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, supported since 1985 by the National Institute on Aging, and the National Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence established at Pitt in 1997.

Jennie K. Scaife of the Scaife Family Foundation noted that the Foundation's support was influenced by the opportunity to help alleviate the toll of human misery these diseases take, along with the potential for the University to build upon its existing research and clinical expertise in the area of neurodegenerative diseases.

"We have all seen family members or friends whose lives have been devastated by these diseases, and as our nation's population ages, finding the answers to alleviating these conditions becomes increasingly urgent. That is why we are pleased to make this gift toward the construction of this institute as a way to help accelerate effective efforts in diagnosis, treatment and cure of these debilitating and fatal illnesses. The work of the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases holds the key to improving the lives, not only of the individuals throughout our nation and the world who suffer from these diseases, but also of their loved ones whose lives are affected by their suffering," she said.

David N. Scaife of the Scaife Charitable Foundation added, "We acknowledge the University's vision and commitment in pursuing such a contribution to mankind. We are pleased to be a partner with the University in this important work. We also recognize the ongoing commitment of the University and UPMC to secure in Pittsburgh the talent and resources needed to make world-class medical research a thriving component of our local economy and source of pride for the region."

Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg expressed the University's gratitude to the Foundations. "We deeply appreciate the level of commitment to the University and to the cause of human health represented by the generous support of the Scaife Family Foundation and the Scaife Charitable Foundation. Their faith in our ability, working with the UPMC Health System, to treat, cure, and ultimately prevent neurological diseases will continue to guide us as we develop the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases. The impact of the Institute will be felt both locally and around the world as it significantly advances education and research at Pitt, has a powerful impact on the broader direction of medical research, and improves the health and well-being of countless individuals everywhere," Nordenberg said.

Nordenberg also pointed out that the leadership gift by the two foundations was the latest in "generations of support" from the Scaife family, and would be an invaluable aid in helping the university raise the remaining funds for the Institute. "The example that a gift of this magnitude sets provides strong encouragement to others to support this important work," he said. "And this is not the first time that the University has benefited from such leadership. It is no accident that Scaife Hall houses a School of Medicine that has emerged as one of the top medical schools in the nation."

Professor Michael J. Zigmond and Dr. Robert Y. Moore, directors of the National Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence, and Dr. Steven T. DeKosky, director of the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, have been the leaders in developing the plans for the PIND.

Zigmond noted that approximately one of every four Americans will ultimately suffer from one or more conditions involving the loss of nerve cells, such as Alzheimer's, and virtually everyone will be affected indirectly through the impact of such conditions on a family member.

"Normally, these conditions are treated in isolation. Patients are treated in separate clinics, and related research goes on in separate laboratories. Yet the conditions have much in common, and a great deal can be gained by combining treatment facilities, integrating research laboratories, and bringing clinical and research efforts in close proximity. This is the goal for the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases," Zigmond said.

"Based on an evaluation of other neurological centers in United States, the planned PIND will be a unique combination of clinical and research programs," DeKosky said. "The PIND will use an open lab concept designed to encourage collaboration among scientists researching the causes of, and cures for, these related diseases. That collaboration will also help accelerate the ability to transfer promising new treatments to patients. Many of the accomplishments of our Alzheimer's Disease Research Center will provide invaluable experience as we develop similar strengths in other degenerative disorders."

Moore added that the new facilities will improve quality and convenience of health care for patients who can be examined by a team of professionals in a single location. "Given the complexity of these diseases, it is important that patients and concerned family members have access to comprehensive care and advice when they need it most. We anticipate that the PIND will become one of the region's most important health care resources, since these diseases affect young and old alike," Moore said.

-30-

8/1/00/mgc