Scott Johnson, President and Founder of the Myelin Repair Foundation (MRF), has been recognized by Scientific American magazine as one of 50 research, policy and business leaders worldwide who have played a critical role in driving key science and technology trends over the last year. Johnson was selected for his policy leadership in encouraging innovation in multiple sclerosis research.
Saratoga, CA (PRWeb) November 6, 2006 -- Scott Johnson, President and Founder of the Myelin Repair Foundation (MRF), has been recognized by Scientific American magazine as one of 50 research, policy and business leaders worldwide who have played a critical role in driving key science and technology trends over the last year. Johnson was selected for his policy leadership in encouraging innovation in multiple sclerosis research.
Johnson founded the Myelin Repair Foundation with one goal in mind: to identify myelin repair drug targets within five years that would lead to treatments for multiple sclerosis. To that end, he developed an Accelerated Research Collaboration™ model to more rapidly discover, develop and deliver myelin repair treatments to those suffering from multiple sclerosis.
In two years, MRF scientists participating in the collaboration have identified nine new myelin repair drug targets and 10 new research tools, that have broader application to all neurological research. More than 40 other disease research organizations have expressed interest in MRF's Accelerated Research Collaboration model and how it is revolutionizing medical research.
"I share this honor with all those who have helped MRF make the extraordinary progress it has to date," said Johnson. "Our scientific team, our staff and our supporters are on a mission: to improve quality of life for the 2.5 million people who suffer from MS. To know that our model could help millions with other diseases as well, is more than I could have ever dreamed."
Before founding MRF, Johnson was President and CEO of three startup companies. He also held executive positions at FMC Corporation and Boston Consulting Group. Johnson, 51, was diagnosed with MS at the age of 20.
The Scientific American 50 appears in the December issue, arriving on newsstands November 21. The complete list may also be accessed on the magazine's website at www.sciam.com. Winners were selected by the magazine's Board of Editors with the help of distinguished outside advisors.
About the Myelin Repair Foundation
The Myelin Repair Foundation (MRF) - http://www.myelinrepair.org - is a Northern Californiabased, non-profit research foundation created to provide a collaborative environment in which leading research scientists at multiple universities and experienced business executives can work together to rapidly discover, develop and deliver effective treatments for MS. Participating universities include Stanford University, Case Western Reserve University, University of Chicago, Montreal Neurological Institute at McGill University and Northwestern University. MRF is supported by individuals, corporations and foundations.
About Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Myelin Repair
MS is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system that affects more than 2.5 million people worldwide. The destruction of myelin, the protective coating surrounding the nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord, and the body's inability to repair it, results in various types of disabilities including motor, sensory, cognitive and vision. By combining their research efforts and driving their discoveries into further drug development and clinical trials, MRF expects to develop viable treatments that will restore the body's natural ability to repair myelin, reversing the effects of MS.
