KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- The world’s most successful entrepreneurs are often willing to share how lessons learned and resilience have shaped their business sense, but few transcend their successes to optimistically forge a path to overcome one’s biggest challenge – their health.
Going public with his own story, Chip Wilson, who was diagnosed with Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy type 2 (FSHD2) at age 32, announced he has committed US$100 million and created a new venture, Solve FSHD. (US$1 = RM4.180)
This is with the objective of finding a cure for FSHD by 2027, targeting the underlying genetic cause or improving muscle function and growth.
“Solve FSHD will accelerate the underfunded development of drugs and therapies to stop muscle degeneration, increase muscle strength and improve the quality of life for those living with this,” said Wilson, who stopped playing squash 10 years ago because he could no longer lift a racquet over his head.
At 67, the serial entrepreneur and father of five boys says his upper body is “very wasted.” His legs have lost significant muscle tissue and Wilson can see a time in the not-so-distant future when he will need the assistance of a wheelchair.
“The investments of Solve FSHD now to help validate biomarkers and develop new therapies will pay dividends later for any company or researcher pursuing better therapies for FSHD.
“These investments form the foundation to support future clinical trials and serve as a seed for further funding and investment,” adds Dr Jeffrey Statland, Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Scientists, biotech and biopharma companies, muscular degeneration specialists and other researchers working in similar muscular dystrophy fields are all encouraged to contact Solve FSHD.
Solve FSHD is seeking to fund or invest in potential research partners, companies, and clinicians interested in advancing related research and clinical trials.
Solve FSHD also wants to hear from those with FSHD or who suspect they may have it, who can help by volunteering to join a contact registry for clinical trials.
Future announcements for grant funding will be issued on Solve FSHD’s website at https://solvefshd.com/
-- BERNAMA
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