Feinstein Institute Expands Its Science in New $50M Research Building

MANHASSET, N.Y., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Scientists at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research today celebrated a new era in translational research as the internationally-known institute opened a new 56,250-square-foot wing, built at a cost of $50 million. The new building was made possible through a generous donation by Susan and Leonard Feinstein. Mr. Feinstein is co-chairman of Bed, Bath & Beyond, and a member of the Feinstein Institute Board of Directors and the North Shore-LIJ Health System Board of Trustees.

The Feinstein Institute is committed to the study of human diseases through translational research, and has grown significantly since it was founded in 1999. The new addition features a 300-seat conference center to host local, regional and international research meetings, as well as state-of-the-art clinical research facilities where science meets the patient. Feinstein scientists, who are attempting to solve many of the great mysteries of human disease, work closely with patients who donate their time to advance diverse research programs -- since the Feinstein opened its doors nine years ago, it has enrolled more than 125,000 people from the community in clinical research studies.

For example, Feinstein scientists recently discovered the identity of genes that underlie autoimmune diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies like these ultimately will change the practice of medicine. The discoveries that have been made at the Feinstein have been published in the nation's leading journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine, Cell and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The new four-story building will house 35,000 additional feet of research space, and also include the Victoria and Lloyd Goldman International Conference Center. The conference center will host international meetings to bring scientists world-wide to Long Island. The center will also be used for the twice-weekly seminars that bring in experts from all fields of science - those who work at the Feinstein, the North Shore-LIJ Health System and other educational centers in the region.

As part of its mission to expand clinical and translational research, the Feinstein has been expanding its research with the ultimate goal of understanding a broad range of human diseases. "Translational science is the key to moving new knowledge into the clinic, where patients can derive benefit," said Kevin J. Tracey, MD, director and chief executive of the Feinstein Institute. Basic research underway at the Feinstein is mixed with clinical science in a creative partnership that has been advancing human health. "We appreciate the need to deliver research findings back to the community quickly to improve the health of the population," he said.

The Feinstein is best known for research in inflammation, autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus), neurodegenerative conditions (including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's), lymphoma, psychiatric disorders, and the development of experimental therapeutics. The Feinstein is the home for research throughout the North Shore-LIJ Health System, which is committed to expanding translational medicine to the benefit of the community - locally and internationally.

"While it has earned widespread attention for its clinical successes, the North Shore-LIJ Health System is significantly enhancing its national reputation thanks to the far-reaching scientific discoveries made by researchers in the Feinstein Institute," said Michael Dowling, North Shore-LIJ's president and chief executive officer. "This new research building will further enhance the prestige of the Feinstein and our ability to recruit the nation's best and brightest scientific leaders."

About The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research Headquartered in Manhasset, NY, and part of the North Shore-LIJ Health System, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research is home to international scientific leaders in Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, psychiatric disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, sepsis, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, human genetics, leukemia, lymphoma, neuroimmunology and medicinal chemistry. Feinstein investigators rank in the top 6th percentile of all grant awards funded by the National Institutes of Health. Feinstein Researchers are developing new drugs and drug targets, and producing results where science meets the patient. For more information, please visit www.FeinsteinInstitute.org.

SOURCE The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research

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