The Archon X PRIZE for Genomics Gains Momentum with Addition of Leena Peltonen, M.D., Ph.D. to Prestigious Panel of Experts
SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 17, 2007 -– The X PRIZE Foundation announced today a new member of its growing Scientific Advisory Board for the Archon X PRIZE for Genomics, Dr. Leena Peltonen. Dr. Peltonen is currently an Academy Professor in the University of Helsinki and National Public Health Institute in Finland and a visiting professor at Broad Institute in Boston.
The launch of the Archon X PRIZE for Genomics was announced on October 4, 2006, as a vehicle to encourage rapid decoding of human genomes in an effort to speed up the process of personalized, preventative health care for everyone. The Scientific Advisory Board for the Archon X PRIZE for Genomics is a group of leading specialists in the field of genomics who are instrumental in providing assistance, advice and recommendations to help form a first-rate prize structure, including finalizing guidelines/rules, and competing team validation.
“"I am thrilled to have been chosen to serve on this esteemed board along with some of the finest minds in the field,"” said Peltonen. "“I look forward to working with the board and the X PRIZE Foundation to push the boundaries of science further in an ethical, responsible and positivef fashion.”"
“"We could not be more pleased that Dr. Peltonen will be working with us,"” said Larry Kedes, co-chair of the Archon X PRIZE for Genomics Scientific Advisory Board. “"Her advice, expertise, and experience in the field will be invaluable as more teams join to compete for the grand prize.”"
The Archon X PRIZE for Genomics challenges scientists and engineers around the world to deliver accurate, affordable human genome sequences in days, transforming the fields of research and medicine over the next decade. With delivery of rapid and affordable genomic sequencing, the role of specific genetic factors and environmental factors in disease will be better understood, and individual sequences will enable preventive and customized treatment for individual patients. The Archon X PRIZE for Genomics opens the door to unprecedented knowledge for all and new choices for patients and their families.
ABOUT LEENA PELTONEN-PALOTIE, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Leena Peltonen is a visiting professor at Broad Institute in Boston and Academy Professor of the University of Helsinki and National Public Health Institute in Biomedicum Helsinki, Finland. She is a co-director of the Biomedicum Research Program on Molecular Medicine and Director of the Nordic Center of Excellence in Disease Genetics. With over 400 publications, Dr. Peltonen is among leading molecular geneticists worldwide. She is one of the pioneers in the use of genetically isolated populations in the genetics-based identification of disease genes. Usingstudy samples from Finland her research group has characterized the genetic background of numerous monogenic diseases. More recently she has used the Finnish study sample to identify disease alleles in common traits and diseases like lactose intolerance, familial combined hyperlipidemia and multiple sclerosis. She has also been pivotal in numerous international research efforts and scientific networks. She was the founding Chair of the Department of Human Genetics at UCLA in 1998-2002, she is the current president of HUGO and has served as the member of the UNESCO Bioethics Committee and in the Nordic Center of Excellence of Disease Genetics as well as a European Community research program, GENOMEUTWIN (www.genomeutwin.org) aiming at characterization of genetic and lifestyle risks of common diseases. Dr. Peltonen has received several international science awards including Anders Jahre Prize, Paul Astrum Prize, Antoine Marfan Award, Margaret Pittman Award of NIH, van Gysel Prize and the Nordic Fernström Prize for Biomedical Research. She is an Honorary Doctor of the University of Uppsala, Sweden and University of Joensuu, Finland.
ABOUT THE ARCHON X PRIZE FOR GENOMICS
The Archon X PRIZE for Genomics is a global competition to develop breakthrough technology that dramatically reduces the time and cost of sequencing human genomes and accelerates a new era of personalized, predictive and preventive medicine. The $10 million prize will be awarded to the first team that successfully sequences 100 human genomes in 10 days.
ABOUT THE X PRIZE FOUNDATION
The X PRIZE foundation is an educational nonprofit prize institute whose mission is to create radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity. On October 4, 2004, the X PRIZE foundation captured world headlines when Mojave Aerospace Ventures, led by legendary aircraft designer Burt Rutan and Microsoft Co-founder Paul Allen, built and flew the world's first private vehicle in space twice in two weeks to win the $10 million Ansari X Prize. The Foundation has since expanded its mission beyond space exploration to offer new prizes for breakthroughs in the areas of life improvement, equity of opportunity and sustainability. In October of 2006, the X PRIZE Foundation announced the $10 million Archon X PRIZE for Genomics, which will reward the first private effort to map 100 human genomes in 10 days, ushering in a new era of personalized preventative medicine. For more information please visit www.xprize.org or email us.
