GGC welcomes world class scientist to head treatment initiative

Dr. Walter Kaufmann named Ravenel Boykin Curry Chair in Genetic Therapeutics

GREENWOOD, SC – At a 2012 GGC event, Ravenel Curry shared the passion and dedication that his late father, Boykin Curry, had for the mission and vision of the Greenwood Genetic Center. That vision is closer than ever to being fulfilled with the addition of Dr. Walter Kaufmann as the Center’s Ravenel Boykin Curry Chair in Genetic Therapeutics. Kaufmann began his post on September 2.

Born in Santiago, Chile, Dr. Kaufmann (pictured), a graduate of the University of Chile School of Medicine, comes to GGC from his former post as a Senior Associate Neurologist at Boston Children’s Hospital. Throughout his distinguished career, he has also enjoyed faculty appointments at his alma mater as well as Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was the recipient of an honorary degree from Harvard Medical School in 2013.

His research interests have focused on neurodevelopmental disorders including Fragile X syndrome and Rett syndrome. Dr. Kaufmann is extensively published in the medical literature and has been funded through numerous major grants from the NIH, industry and academia. He has served as editorial peer reviewer for over 90 scientific journals.

“Our goal was to fill this Chair with a distinguished scientist who would reflect Boykin Curry’s integrity and accomplishment. I have no doubt that we have honored Boykin with this selection,” said Roger Stevenson, MD, GGC co-founder.

As the Curry Chair, Dr. Kaufmann will be the preeminent chair in GGC’s Division of Clinical Services.

“Dr. Kaufmann is well known to GGC having been a part of the Rett Syndrome Natural History Study with us, and he has also collaborated with our researchers in the J.C. Self Research Institute on other projects,” shared GGC Director, Steve Skinner. “We know firsthand his reputation for excellence and his passion for serving patients. We are thrilled and honored to welcome him to lead the charge for therapeutics here at GGC.”

Dr. Kaufmann is bringing several clinical trial programs with him to the Center. He has a trial underway testing the effectiveness in IGF-1 to improve anxiety and breathing abnormalities in girls with Rett syndrome. IGF-1 is a hormone and growth factor that enhances connectivity between neurons, which has already showed promise in treating patients with Phelan-McDermid syndrome. Both Rett syndrome and Phelan-McDermid syndrome are linked to autism.

Dr. Kaufmann will also be bringing other projects aimed at identifying biomarkers that can detect how well patients with Rett syndrome and other neurodevelopmental disorders are responding to certain medications. This project uses advanced biomechanical engineering to detect the neurological function.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to establish a program for developing new treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders and birth defects at the Greenwood Genetic Center,” said Kaufmann. “GGC has been at the forefront of the application of new genetic technologies and knowledge, while maintaining a strong commitment to patients. This combination is a strong foundation for a program on new drug development.”

The Ravenel Boykin Curry Chair in Genetic Therapeutics was established by a gift from The Ravenel and Elizabeth Curry Foundation in honor of Boykin Curry who was an influential member of the Founding Board of Directors of GGC, serving actively from 1974-2006. Boykin Curry was named as GGC Director Emeritus in 2006 and remained a valued friend and supporter of the Center until his death in 2012.

Photo Caption: Dr. Walter Kaufmann enjoys a visit with one of the children in his Rett syndrome study.

About Greenwood Genetic Center

The Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC), founded in 1974, is a nonprofit organization advancing the field of medical genetics and caring for families impacted by genetic disease and birth defects.  At its home campus in Greenwood, South Carolina, a talented team of physicians and scientists provides clinical genetic services, diagnostic laboratory testing, educational programs and resources, and research in the field of medical genetics.  GGC’s faculty and staff are committed to the goal of developing preventive and curative therapies for the individuals and families they serve.  GGC extends its reach as a resource to all residents of South Carolina with satellite offices in Charleston, Columbia, Florence and Greenville. For more information about GGC please visit www.ggc.org.