Translational Research

Science continues to push the boundaries of knowledge. Practically speaking, the outer reaches of current knowledge define the limits of the healthcare industry's ability to treat a number of complex diseases and syndromes. One of the next major phases of discovery synthesizes research from a variety of disciplines -- particularly genetics.

By learning what causes various diseases, these insights that can lead to more effective treatments of Membranous Nephropathy and other genetic autoimmune conditions. Understanding the genetic cause of disease is a prerequisite for translating this information into new diagnostic tests and therapeutics.

Translational research is the process of translating basic scientific discoveries into clinical applications. This research closes a gap between lab bench discoveries and the patient bedside. Information collected by clinicians must filter back to the laboratory to enable additional discoveries.

The Halpin Foundation is committed to funding translational research that may lead to personalized medications. Pharmacogenomics is proving that patients respond to different medications based on their genetic signatures. These medications are customized treatments that may address genetic variations of each patient.

The Foundation suspects that personalized medications could save lives and accelerate diagnosis and treatment by matching patients with Membranous Nephropathy and autoimmune diseases with appropriate medicines. We believe that renal physiology, which is the study of kidney function, and nephrology, which is the specialty concerned with kidney diseases, both will make significant advances with the a greater understanding of the role of genetics and the application of personalized medications.

If you are a researcher or clinician whose concentration is focused on translational research, you are encouraged to reach out to the Foundation with your insights and present a case for funding if that will enable you to made new advances.