Revolutionizing Healthcare
Touro's Research Expansion Drives Medical Breakthroughs
From groundbreaking treatments for cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease to advancements in diagnosing and managing traumatic brain injuries, Touro’s expanded research partnerships are redefining the future of medicine.
These transformative collaborations—with the prestigious Weissman Hood Institute and Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute—are fueling life-saving innovations while providing Touro students with invaluable, hands-on experience alongside world-renowned researchers in cutting-edge facilities.
Weissman Hood: A New Era in Medical Innovation
In September 2024, the McLaughlin Research Institute in Great Falls, Montana, was renamed the Weissman Hood Institute at Touro, marking both 70 years of pioneering research and a new alliance with Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (TouroCOM) in Montana. Through this strategic partnership, Touro combines its commitment to tackling urgent medical challenges with Weissman Hood’s world-class research in neurodegenerative diseases as well as stem cell biology, cancer treatment and personalized medicine.
The renaming honors two remarkable Montana natives: Dr. Irving Weissman, the Institute’s first intern in 1956, who became a visionary leader in stem cell biology and cancer research; and Dr. Leroy Hood, a pivotal figure in the Human Genome Project. Dr. Weissman’s pioneering work in hematopoietic stem cell biology has revolutionized our understanding of cellular development, blood disorders and cancer treatment. Dr. Hood is a renowned expert in systems biology, and his transformative contributions to personalized medicine through his work with the Human Genome Project have reshaped the way we approach complex diseases.
Dr. Hood expressed his enthusiasm for the new Touro alliance. “This relationship unites the strength of the basic science of Weissman Hood Institute with the possibility of translating these basic observations into clinical actionable possibilities that could transform patients’ lives in a variety of different areas, including Alzheimer’s disease,” he said.
Together, these two visionaries have transformed the fields of biology and medicine, and their legacy—now championed through Touro’s collaboration with Weissman Hood—promises to drive continued innovation and clinical breakthroughs.
“This affiliation has significantly enhanced our research capabilities, expanding our capacity to make a tangible impact on the health and lives of Americans,” said Dr. Alan Kadish, president of Touro University and New York Medical College. “Touro is committed to pushing the boundaries of medical research in ways that will truly benefit society, driving forward advances that matter.”
The Weissman Hood institute is headed by renowned researcher Dr. Renee Reijo Pera, who also serves as the Dean of Research at TouroCOM Montana.
“Dr. Renee Reijo Pera is a national expert in many areas of research. Her leadership will help integrate scientific research into the Montana community and teach the next generation of medical students, research principles and innovation,” said Dr. Kadish.
Touro Wins Grants That Drive More Research
A significant milestone was reached in early 2023, when Weissman Hood, in collaboration with Touro, was awarded a $14 million NIH grant to support the creation of the Center for Integrated Biomedical and Rural Health Research. This new initiative will address healthcare challenges faced by rural communities while advancing global research in neurodegenerative diseases.
“This is a crucial step in our mission to improve the health of our communities while offering students unique opportunities to participate in this impactful work,” said Dr. Solomon Amar, Touro’s chief research officer and provost for biomedical research. “By partnering with research leaders, we provide our students with exposure to cutting-edge developments in many areas of medical science.”
Additionally, Touro University Nevada’s College of Osteopathic Medicine recently received a $500,000 grant from the Engelstad Foundation to advance its cancer research, specifically in developing a drug to prevent metastasis. Led by a Touro Nevada research team, the project is approaching a breakthrough with the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment and make a significant global impact.
Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute: Impacting Society
Part of Touro University and New York Medical College since 2022, Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is one of the oldest not-for-profit biomedical research centers in the U.S., specializing in respiratory disease, neuroscience, toxicology and drug development. It also plays a critical role in protecting the nation from chemical, biological and nuclear threats.
Through this affiliation, Touro leverages Lovelace’s infrastructure and expertise, particularly in clinical trials, while faculty from Touro’s New York Medical College serve as advisors for Lovelace’s trials and contribute to its infectious disease research efforts.
Lovelace’s capabilities extend beyond traditional research. The Institute pioneered the use of advanced MRI techniques to detect subtle, often overlooked concussions, potentially steering athletes away from further career risks. This technology may also extend to prison populations, where it aids in identifying brain changes that could predict recidivism, offering key insights into rehabilitation and public safety.
“Our partnerships open doors for research that improves lives,” said Dr. Amar. “We’re equipping the next generation of healthcare professionals to solve tomorrow’s challenges.”
Changing the Face of Healthcare
Touro’s collaboration with Lovelace also includes a groundbreaking project to develop an aerosol COVID-19 vaccine. This novel approach, which replaces traditional injections with a nebulizer-based system, could transform the way vaccines are delivered. Touro and Lovelace are actively pursuing funding to continue this research.
Touro’s expansion into New Mexico is strengthening its leadership in public health research and academic excellence, particularly in underserved areas. Through its partnership with Lovelace, Touro will open a clinical branch of the Touro College of Dental Medicine in Albuquerque this spring, offering crucial dental care to the community while providing hands-on training for 200 students.
“By partnering with world-class institutions, we’re not just expanding our research capabilities,” Dr. Kadish said. “We’re building an ecosystem where students can actively learn, contribute and lead in areas that are driving the next breakthroughs in medicine.”
