E D I T O R S

Leisa Duff

Executive Director

Friends of the Saint Louis

University Liver Center

lduff@friendsoftheslulc.org

Lou Ann Biermann, RN, MSN

Administrative Manager,

The Saint Louis University

Liver Center

liverctr@slu.edu

Friends & SLULC news

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

Issue #13

August, 2016

Naomi Judd Award

Volunteer of the Year Award

SLU Liver Center Physicians and Scientists

Want to Volunteer?

Fun with Friends &

Past Friends Events

Good News for Hep C Patient

SLU Hepatologist Awarded

NIH Grant

NIH Gives SLU $2.2 Million

Seed Research Grant Awards & 2016 Check Presentations

Grateful Patient Messages

Tributes

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Dr. Juan Villa Torrecilla Biochemistry Postdoc at

Saint Louis University Liver Center

14th ANNUAL Diamonds Gala

Saturday, October 29, 2016 Hilton St Louis-Frontenac

We invite you to put on your fine country denim and join us for the Diamonds Gala. General reception begins at 5:30 pm followed by dinner, presentation of awards, and

a live auction. To register or for event info,

p: 314-576-3078

e: lduff@friendsoftheslulc.org or visit www.friendsoftheslulc.org

Dr. Juan Villa Torrecilla is making great strides in John Tavis’ lab in

advancing the research team’s ability to study the Hepatitis B Virus

(HBV) Ribonuclease H (RNaseH) as an antiviral drug target.

Ribonuclease H is a viral protein that chews up the viral RNA after

it has been copied into DNA. It is needed by HBV to copy itself.

He has learned to isolate this very difficult enzyme to nearly 100%

purity and is starting efforts to determine its molecular structure by X-Ray crystallography.

This is a major accomplishment. Determining the structure is a key step to designing drugs

against the RNaseH because it tells the chemists how to change the inhibitors they have found

to make them better. An inhibitor is something that blocks a function. Many drugs are

inhibitors of an activity in the body. For example, anti-histamines block production of

histamine, which is a molecule that causes ones nose to run and ones

eyes to itch.

Inhibitors of the HBV RNaseH are being developed as new drugs

against HBV in John Tavis’ lab. They are anticipated to be used together

with other anti-HBV drugs such as Entecavir to improve physician’s

ability to block viral replication in people.

Up to 350 million patients world-wide suffer from chronic HBV

infection. Potentially all of them would benefit from an improved

therapy, such as the RNaseH drugs SLU center scientists are working on.

Dr. Juan Villa Torrecilla Postdoctoral Researcher

John Tavis Lab

P a g e 2 F r i e n d s & S L U L C n e w s

CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. JEFF TECKMAN 2015 NAOMI JUDD AWARD RECIPIENT

Dr. Teckman joined the faculty of Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 2005 as the Director of

Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, St. Louis, MO. He is

Professor of Pediatrics and Biochemistry and Molecular biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Dr. Teckman earned his M.D. from Washington University in 1989, completed his Pediatric internship and residency at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and completed a three year fellowship in Pediatric Gastroenter-ology and Nutrition at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO.

Dr. Teckman has participated in many translational and clinical trials related to GI and liver diseases over

many years, including cystic fibrosis, hepatitis B infection, hepatitis C infection, biliary atresia, eosinophilic

esophagitis, metabolic causes of hyperphagia, and obesity related liver disease. Some of these studies

have involved invasive research procedures, research visits, drug randomization and clinical database

construction. Dr. Teckman’s basic science laboratory has been involved in the study of the mechanisms of liver injury,

with the metabolic disease alpha-1-antitrypsin (a1AT) deficiency as the primary model since 1993. His laboratory has had uninterrupted

funding since that time through a combination of NIH, industry and private foundation grant mechanisms and the assistance of several

Saint Louis University seed grant awards. He has studied the basic biochemistry of liver injury, as well as partnered with the patient

community and funding agencies to undertake clinical investigations. His research team performed the only therapeutic drug trial for

a1AT liver disease ever published. His laboratory was the first to identify and report that intracellular accumulation of the a1AT mutant Z

protein induced an autophagic response, and that autophagy was one of the pathways responsible for intracellular degradation of this

mutant protein. Dr. Teckman has authored many publications for professional journals throughout his career.

In 2010, Dr. Teckman received the Top Teacher Award in the Department of Pediatrics at Saint Louis University and in 2014, he received

the Glennon Ambassador’s Light of Hope Award from Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center.

Jeff and his wife, Jennifer, have two children, Nate (10th grade) and Nina (5th grade). They are avid St. Louis Cardinal fans and enjoy

traveling as a family. Congratulations Dr. Teckman!

Jeffrey Teckman, M.D.

CONGRATULATIONS TO KATHLEEN MORRIS 2015 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Kathleen Morris graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science, Nursing and received her Master of Arts, Human Resource Management from Webster University. After earning her Nursing degree, Kathleen joined SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center where she currently serves as a Team Leader in the Same Day Surgery and Post Anesthesia Care Unit.

Kathleen has been volunteering for the Friends of the Saint Louis University Liver Center since 2011 when she joined the Friends Board of Directors and also the Diamonds Planning Committee.

Kathleen has demonstrated consistent, genuine interest and involvement in the Diamonds Gala. Last year, Kathleen worked with the Friends’ staff for a number of brainstorming sessions and helped create the theme for 2015 Gala event. She has recruited donations and has offered her creative talents to the Raffle Basket area the past few years, which is why our Raffle Basket area looks incredible each year!

Kathleen always has a great attitude and willingness to help the Friends any way she can and is dedicated to carrying forward the mission of the Friends to raise money for research of liver disease at the Saint Louis University Liver Center, which is near and dear to her heart. The Friends of the Saint Louis University Liver Center extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Kathleen for the support she has provided and the Friend she has become! Congratulations Kathleen!

Kathleen Morris, MA, BSN, RN

P a g e 3 F r i e n d s & S L U L C n e w s

SLU Liver Center Physicians and Scientists

Whether you are interested in becoming a sponsor or want to answer phones, stuff envelopes or serve on a

planning committee, we have volunteer opportunities available. You may volunteer as an individual or bring a

group of friends. Please complete and fax this form to 314-576-3654 or mail to the Friends office.

A representative will contact you soon!

Yes, I am interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities! Please contact me with more information.

Yes, I am interested in volunteering! Please contact me with more information.

Name __________________________________________ Home Phone ____________________ Work Phone _________________

Address_________________________________________ Cell Phone ____________________ Email _______________________

City, State, Zip ________________________________________________ Best way to reach you __________________________

Times you are available to volunteer: ____________________________________________________________________________

Volunteers are the backbone of the Friends of the SLULC!

How Can You Help the Friends of SLULC? Be a Sponsor - Be a Volunteer

P a g e 4

Kim Grana & Dr. Di BisceglieKim Grana & Dr. Di Bisceglie

Kathleen, Lindsay & Don MorrisKathleen, Lindsay & Don Morris Scott Air Force Base VolunteersScott Air Force Base Volunteers

Registration VolunteersRegistration Volunteers

Renaissance FinancialRenaissance Financial GILEAD ScienceGILEAD Science

AbbVieAbbVie WALGREENSWALGREENS

Aureus Health ServicesAureus Health Services

November 7, 2015 Westborough Country Club

MERCK & Co.MERCK & Co.

Dr. Jeff & Jennifer TeckmanDr. Jeff & Jennifer Teckman Tim, Emma & Anita BenefielTim, Emma & Anita Benefiel

with Jennifer & Jeff Teckmanwith Jennifer & Jeff Teckman

CheryllCheryll

PinderPinder Dr. Bruce Bacon Dr. Bruce Bacon

Paul AzzaraPaul Azzara

Dr. Brent & Dr. Brent &

Paivi TetriPaivi Tetri

Dr. John TavisDr. John Tavis

Dr. Maureen DonlinDr. Maureen Donlin

Stephanie Mannis Stephanie Mannis ––Wightman, Wightman,

Chris Ludwig, & Misty LudwigChris Ludwig, & Misty Ludwig

Brent & Elizabeth TaborBrent & Elizabeth Tabor Premier Specialty PharmacyPremier Specialty Pharmacy

Lou Ann BiermannLou Ann Biermann

Paul AzzaraPaul Azzara

Thanks to our Sponsors ...

Leisa & ChristineLeisa & Christine

Vic Perini, Leisa Vic Perini, Leisa

Duff & Vic TurveyDuff & Vic Turvey

Strathalbyn Farms May 14, 2016

Express ScriptsExpress Scripts

Team MembersTeam Members

Turvey TeamTurvey Team

Physicians Physicians

TeamTeam

Jamie LoPortoJamie LoPorto

Top Tier OutdoorsTop Tier Outdoors

P a g e 5

The Diamonds Gala 2015

German May Trimona Capital Commercial Bank

Shoot for a Cure

Thank you for supporting the 8th annual Shoot for a Cure held on May 14th. It was a

beautiful day at Strathalbyn Farms Club with 16 corporate teams and over 100 guests in

attendance. Guest participation with the sporting clays, and raffle, helped raise over $80,000 to support research at the SLU Liver Center and promote understanding and awareness of liver disease.

Special Thanks to the 2016 Planning Committee members, the Young Friends of SLU Liver

Center, and Friends’ Board members for their volunteer spirit!

Special Thanks for team support goes to Express Scripts employees and Commercial Bank!

Special Thanks to Team members, Guests and Sponsors for joining us again this year!

F r i e n d s & S L U L C n e w s

Friends enjoyed an adventurous evening at the 13th annual Diamonds Gala “MISSION: POSSIBLE”, held November 7, 2015 at Westborough Country Club.

Special Agents (guests) participated in a game that lead them through

5 stations to learn about liver disease, research at SLU Liver Center and to meet physicians, researchers and our guest speaker.

THANK YOU Sponsors, Guests, Volunteers and the Planning Committee! All helped raise over $400,000 for the Friends mission!

The doctors and researchers continue their quest to find better treatments and cures to improve the quality of life for patients affected with liver disease.

The Young Friends of the SLU Liver Center hosted the 2016 Unbelieva-BOWL on Saturday,

May 21st at Saratoga Lanes in Maplewood.

Over 100 guests came to partake in the festivities – bowling, pool, and a raffle

with incredible prizes which helped raise over $10,000 for research at the SLU

Liver Center. With wonderful food donated by Imo’s and beer donated by

Anheuser-Busch, everyone went home happy.

The night would not have been possible without our generous Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: Incentive Concepts Wine Toss Sponsor: Bill Fakonas

Beer Sponsor: Anheuser ▪ Beau Reinberg

Lane Sponsors: Panic Construction ▪ JNL Custom Homes ▪ Auto Action Fleet Services ▪ Imo’s Pizza

Gregg Reinberg Family ▪ Social K-9 ▪ SBH Special Marketing ▪ Soulard’s Restaurant

Special thanks to Terri Dohr, President of the Fraternal Order of Oakville Eagles AERIES 4422! Terry and the Oakville Eagles raised funds over the past year to behalf Friends of the Saint Louis University Liver Center.

The Eagles raised $6,300!

P a g e 6 F r i e n d s & S L U L C n e w s

Bonnie’s story began in 1998 when she donated blood and it was not accepted. She was urged to quick-ly make a doctor appointment to schedule a blood test. She received some bad news from the report. She had Hepatitic C. It would turn out to be a 17 year roller coaster ride.

“I was terrified,” Bonnie said. “I felt like I’d been handed a death sentence. It was very depressing,” she said. “Since I had no piercings, tattoos, intravenous drug use, or any of the other suggested ways to contract HCV, I determined it was most likely due to a blood transfusion I received in 1977.”

Her first gastroenterologist started her on Ribavirin and Interferon which made her very sick. “I thought

it was funny that the disease slowly killing me had never caused me any pain or suffering, but the medicine to make me better was making me deathly ill,” said Bonnie. After only a short time, her doctor stopped the medication as a ‘non-responder’. There was nothing new out there, so she waited.

In the meantime, Bonnie joined a support group and read internet articles and books on Hepatitis C.

Most of what she read were stories of little success. “I had to know the reality of what I was facing. I’m not one to bury my head in the sand and hide from the facts.”

Bonnie met Dr. Bruce Bacon at a support group. His patients couldn’t say enough good things about him and the new medication - Pegylated Interferon and Ribaviron combo – a drug not available through

her current gastroenterologist. Her doctor said, “Dr. Bacon can do a lot of things many other doctors can’t.” Bonnie then made her first appointment with Dr. Bacon.

Dr. Bacon put her on the Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin combo, but unfortunately, once again, she was a ‘non-responder’. A liver biopsy indicated she was Phase II, there was no cirrhosis or liver cancer, and her liver was

functioning just fine. Bonnie was still in good shape and it appeared the disease was advancing very slowly. Dr. Bacon told her of some upcoming clinical trials for which she may be eligible.

In 2002, Bonnie heard of a new not-for-profit called Friends of the Saint Louis University Liver Center. Volunteering for Friends helped her in many ways. “Everyone was warm, kind, caring, generous, and supportive. It was the most wonderful feeling to be volunteering alongside those lovely people – all with one focus – finding a cure through research”.

The roller coaster ride continued.

August 2004—Bonnie enrolled in a clinical trial called an ‘Intermune study’. “It meant more injections but she thought, “Third time’s a charm, right?” WRONG. In February of 2005 she was once again classified as a ‘non-responder’.

March 2005—Bonnie enrolled in a clinical trial called ‘Vertex’. By October 2005, she was again, a ‘non-responder’ and

therapy was discontinued. At that point there was nothing new on the horizon, but her liver was healthy and she had plenty of time. “I just continued on with my life”, Bonnie said. “I had my job, my wonderful, supportive family, and the Friends.”

Years passed and at the 2013 Friends Gala, she saw Dr. Bacon and was excited when he spoke of a remarkable new drug coming out within the next year and to come see him in six months. At her appointment she learned the drug was to be available that fall and his office would handle her insurance pre-authorization. It would be in the form of a pill –no injections this time - and she would only have to take it for twelve weeks. “This sounded too good to be true. It was just too easy - too quick!” She wondered what kind of a pill could work that fast when combinations of pills and shots together, taken for much longer periods of time, didn’t work. But, science can change a lot in time. And research is always bringing new hope and results. The percentages of success Dr. Bacon quoted her were astronomical. “He assured me it was going

to work. I had no reason to doubt him”. This new miracle drug was called Harvoni. She started it, one pill a day, on November 13, 2014. There were no side effects throughout the twelve weeks of treatment. Dr. Bacon said headache and fatigue were the only side effects patients sometimes noticed, but she didn’t experience either of those. On December 11th she went for her first set of labs. On December 17th she received a call from Dr. Bacon’s office informing her she was virus free!

“I was crying so hard when I called my husband he couldn’t even understand what I was saying. He thought something was wrong. I started laughing then, telling him things were better than they had been in a long time thanks to Dr. Bacon, the SLU Liver Center, and the Friends.”

February 19, 2015—Virus was detected, but Dr. Bacon said he’d seen this hap-pen before and that in each case the person was actually virus free in the final three month follow-up. “Without the slightest bit of hesitation, I put my trust in Dr. Bacon and chose to wait.”

“In June 2015 I received news that I was officially virus free, and released from Dr. Bacon’s care. Dr. Bacon has such a wonderful staff. When I was checking out the nurse saw my status on my paperwork, jumped up, congratulated me, and gave me a hug. That prompted several others in the office to do the same. They are all a genuinely caring group of people. I’m going to miss them, but for all the best reasons.”

Bonnie Harris Hep C Survivor

Good News for a Hep C patient

P a g e 7 F r i e n d s & S L U L C n e w s

SLU Hepatologist Awarded NIH Grant to Study Liver, Gut Disorders

Ajay Jain is researching preventative strategies for parenteral nutrition associated injuries.

ST. LOUIS - A lifesaving therapy for premature babies and people with injuries that prevent

them from eating can cause severe liver failure and gut atrophy. A Saint Louis University researcher is studying how to prevent the damage from parenteral nutrition (PN), more commonly known as intravenous feeding.

Ajay Jain, M.D., a SLUCare pediatric hepatologist and gastroenterologist and the medical

director of the pediatric liver transplant program at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, received a $703,620 grant from the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to continue studying strategies for PN-associated disorders. The funds will further his work into the role of bile acid activated receptors FXR and TGR5 in PN-associated hepatic and gut disease. The grant also provides support for research into gut microbes.

The NIH grant builds on previous research. Jain, an assistant professor of pediatrics at

Saint Louis University, received a $150,000 grant from the North American Society for Pedi-atric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) in 2015 and a $50,000 grant from the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) Rhoads Research Foundation in 2014.

People receive PN when part, or all, of their digestive system doesn't function normally. A solution containing carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients essential for normal nutrition is given intravenously.

It is a common and critical therapy for sick babies, children and adults all around the world. Despite being a life saver, PN causes several complications, Jain said, including a life threatening and potentially fatal liver and bowel disease -especially in fragile NICU babies. The cause of the liver and bowel disease is unknown, Jain said, but is likely caused by several factors. No established therapies exist to prevent the onset of the liver and bowel disease.

Jain's research focuses on understanding the interplay of bile acid regulated pathways that modulate the gut-liver axis during PN infusion. He says the way the gut and liver communicate to maintain normal health is disrupted while a patient receives intravenous nutrition.

In a clinical setting, Jain has found mitigation of PN-associated side effects if at least some nutrition can be provided via the gut. "It almost appears as if some food delivery to the gut is of paramount importance to generate critical signals to maintain normal health and prevent such injury," Jain said.

Jain's research also will assess the role of the gut microbiome during parenteral nutrition.

"There are about a 100 trillion bacteria in the gut. In fact, microbial genome exceeds the human genome by almost a 100 fold, making us genetically 99 percent bacteria and 1 percent human," Jain said. "PN may change the finely regulated gut microbiome. Our measures are aimed at restoring the normal gut-liver cross talk and the gut microbiome to as close to normal again as possible."

Jain said his previous work on PN, funded through competitive SLU grants (Presidents Research Fund, Fleur-de-Lis grant, Liver Center grant) and foundation grants including the American Liver Foundation award, has yielded encouraging new data. With the NIH funding, Jain aims to:

Critically evaluate gut and hepatic injury during PN therapy;

Explore the mechanisms that regulate PN pathology; and

Address alteration in gut microbiota.

Jain's work has identified unique molecules and pathways that are altered during PN. In this project, he will assess these molecules and devise strategies and pharmacological therapies to correct the defect and mitigate complications.

Such research could help bring a paradigm change to current preventative strategies. "It would be the biggest reward if we can ultimately devise interventions to help PN-associated injuries which unfortunately maximally affect our most vulnerable and most precious population segment - the babies," Jain said. Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute of Diabetes And Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under award number 1K08DK098623-01A1.

The Saint Louis University Liver Center enjoys worldwide recognition as a center of excellence for

research and treatment of liver diseases and liver cancer.

Dr. Ajay Jain, M.D. Associate Professor

Pediatric Liver Transplant Program, Division of Gastroenterology and

Hepatology Saint Louis University

P a g e 8 F r i e n d s & S L U L C n e w s

NIH Gives SLU $2.2 Million to Design a Cure for Hepatitis B

ST. LOUIS— With proof-of-principle in his pocket and a new $2.2

million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), SLU scientist

John Tavis, Ph.D., will take his 25 year mission to finally develop a cure

for the hepatitis B virus into the next phase.

Tavis, who is professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at

Saint Louis University, says his team has built a warhead that will kill

the virus; now, it’s time to design a cruise missile that will deliver the

drug.

After exposure, the hepatitis B virus can linger, causing chronic

infection in many people. Over time, the illness causes liver damage.

While current treatments can suppress the virus, they cannot fully kill it,

and it will return if treatments are stopped.

More than 350 million people are chronically infected with the hepatitis

B virus. Of those infected, up to 1.2 million die from liver failure and

liver cancer each year.

Because current treatments are costly, lifetime medications, scientists

are keen to develop better options, likely in the form of combination

therapies, to knock out the virus for good.

Tavis and his team have finished one stage of research and are moving

on to another in their quest to design a new drug.

“We’ve achieved the first stage of the laboratory research. We’ve

developed the warhead of a drug, the portion that does the actual

activity that the drug is designed to do. We did this with a class of

compounds called alpha hydroxyl tropolones.

“We have advanced beyond what is called ‘target identification and

validation’,” Tavis said. “We found something to hit in the virus and

proved that it is a good thing to hit. Then, we identified about 35

inhibitors. This tells us about the types of compounds needed to block

the viral activity. This is the first step to drug development. Now, we’re

done with proof-of-principle part of the work.

“The inhibitors we found are the warhead of the drug, but this is only

one portion of a drug. The next part is the delivery, which involves all

kinds of things. We must design a molecule for minimal toxicity, that

can be absorbed by the body and that can last long enough for therapeu-

tic benefit. Then, we’ve got to package it so people can take it in a pill.

Ideally, we’d like to avoid injectables, which are difficult for people to

take.

“So, now we’ve got to design the package -- the cruise missile -- that

will hold and deliver the warhead.”

The recent NIH grant will allow Tavis, his key collaborators Ryan

Murelli, Ph.D., of the City University of New York and Marvin Meyers,

Ph.D., director of medicinal chemistry at SLU’s Center for World

Health and Medicine, and the rest of his team to take their promising

findings a step closer toward drug development. This stage will focus on

medicinal chemistry, testing the drug in repetitive cycles aimed at

optimizing the drug and limiting toxicity.

“We need an inhibitor that is safe enough and good enough to give to

people,” Tavis said. “This is very hard work. While this new grant

won’t get us all the way there, if we are very successful we will get deep

into the preclinical stage in preparation for clinical trials.”

Tavis credits early support from the NIH and SLU, as well as the unique

John Tavis, Ph.D., professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at Saint Louis University

collaborations possible through partnership with SLU’s

Center for World Health and Medicine (CWHM) with

allowing his work to progress.

“Drug design has not traditionally been done in academia,”

Tavis said. “The work is not always compatible with

academic duties and it requires an interdisciplinary team. It

can be difficult to organize the workflow. But, the Center for

World Health and Medicine at SLU is a unique resource. It

has enabled those of us in the basic sciences to advance our

work.”

Initial research funding for Tavis’ work included seed grants

that allowed him to gather enough data to publish early

findings and attract NIH funding.

“This project is a result of 25 years of background studies in

basic science funded by the NIH,” he said. “And, the initial

stages of the more recent work were generously supported by

seed grants from SLU through the President’s Research Fund.

We also received funding from “Friends of the Saint Louis

University Liver Center” and from the Saint Louis University

Cancer Center, as well as Washington University’s Institute of

Clinical and Translational Sciences. All of those different

organizations saw value in this work at an early stage,

invested, and now we are seeing the payoff.”

Established in 1836, Saint Louis University School of

Medicine has the distinction of awarding the first medical

degree west of the Mississippi River. The school educates

physicians and biomedical scientists, conducts medical

research, and provides health care on a local, national and

international level. Research at the school seeks new cures

and treatments in five key areas: cancer, liver disease, heart/

lung disease, aging and brain disease, and infectious diseases.

SLU’s Center for World Health and Medicine is dedicated to

the development of medicines to treat diseases that affect the

world’s poor and underserved populations. The center consists

of a multidisciplinary team of former pharmaceutical

company scientists with extensive translational research

experience. They have the skills to discover and develop small

molecule drugs, and they are experienced in advancing such

agents into clinical trials.

P a g e 9 F r i e n d s & S L U L C n e w s

Saint Louis University Liver Center

Seed Research Grant Program

SLU Liver Center Research Seed Grants support novel research aims of their investigators. Seed grants are expected to yield data that the applicant will use as the basis for an extramural grant application. These directed research grants were established to provide funding to Liver Center investigators while they work toward developing their projects, gath-ering preliminary data allowing them to submit NIH grant applications and publish their results. The 33 grants that have been awarded since 2005 total $968,482 and additionally $60,300 of research equipment and laboratory supplies were purchased for a grand total of $1,034,173.

These seed grant funds generated NIH, VA and foundation awards totaling over $17.6 million.

To Date – Return on Investment (ROI) for all SLULC grants awarded since 2005 is 17.1.

More than 600 original papers, chapters, reviews and editorials have been published by Liver Center members in the past 10 years.

The SLU Liver Center awarded 4 new seed grants totaling $163,050 to the following SLU Liver Center investigators:

John Tavis, PhD - SLULC Seed Grant—$ 38,050 Dept of Molecular microbiology and Immunology

The HBV & RNA stem loop as a novel anti-HBV drug target

Ratna Ray, PhD - SLULC Seed Grant—$ 50,000 Division of Infectious Diseases & Immunology

Establishment of PDX mouse models liver cancer patients

Brent Tetri, M.D, P.I. - SLULC Seed Grant—$50,000 Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology

The role of RGD-binding integrins in NASH and NASH fibrosis

Mustafa Nazzal, M.D., P.I.—SLULC Seed Grant—$25,000 SLU Center for Abdominal Transplant Surgery

Post Orthotopic Liver Transplant Immunosuppression Regimens and Post Transplant Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence. A National Study.

2016 AWARDEES

John Tavis, PhD

Check presentation of funds raised in 2015

FRIENDS of the Saint Louis University Liver Center YOUNG FRIENDS of the Saint Louis University Liver Center

Ratna Ray, MD Mustafa Nazzal, MD, PI

Brent Tetri, MD, PI

P a g e 1 0 F r i e n d s & S L U L C n e w s

Emma, Age 12 Cured, Hepatitis C

Kaylin, Age 5 Biliary Atresia, Liver Transplant

Donations at every level are greatly appreciated! Supporting Friends of the SLU Liver Center with your donation can be one of the most impactful ways to help CURE liver disease.

Donate online: www.friendsoftheslulc.org Mail: Friends of the SLU Liver Center, 14323 South Outer 40, Suite 200M, Chesterfield, MO 63017

P a g e 1 1 F r i e n d s & S L U L C n e w s

IN MEMORY OF NANCY BARTON Jeanne Cablish Susan Jutz Irene Mispagel Marybeth Zerdecki

IN MEMORY OF JUDY BERSCHE Joe & Joan Lipic

IN MEMORY OF JOANNE CHADBOURNE Dave & Augie Swengros

IN MEMORY OF MARY GARMELLA William Hudgins

IN MEMORY OF DR. SAMUEL HARDY Richard & Carole Muckler IN MEMORY OF CHARLES HARMONY Joseph Willis IN MEMORY OF JOSEPH F. HOFF Daniel & Sharon Kemper IN MEMORY OF BILLY MANNING LAMB Jan & George Beck Joanna Brown Stephanie Roman

IN MEMORY OF ALICIA MUNDER Max Munder IN MEMORY OF HERBERT OHLEY Gary Ayres

IN MEMORY OF JEFFERY D. REINBERG Karen Avacos Robert & Deborah Balster Thomas C. Barnett David Bender Jill Brackbill Boaz Joe & Betty Bradley Jim, Rose & Patrick Brennan William Cassidy Christine Cinciripini Marilyn & Steve Crimmins Bill & Marianne De Roze Tom Edgette Susie & Chuck Fandos Sharon Graham John & Ann Grana Raymond Hartman Kathleen Hensler Leslie & Matt Hodges Robert & Lisa Howenstein Jeff & Mary Kalinowski

IN MEMORY OF JEFFERY D. REINBERG —Continued David Diehl & Mary Kreppel Mary Ann Kerber & Girls Richard Krulik Lily Landy Gerald T. Lawlor III Joe & Joan Lipic Debbie & Joe Liuzza Marilyn Marcus Nancy Marsh Molly Meara Mr. & Mrs. David Nations & Family Megan Oliverio Joan Ortbal John & Mary Risberg Dianne Rogers Mary Sherman Jacquie & Tom Steinbrecher Suzanne & Henry Stolar Judy & Bob Swearingen Duane & Mary Lynn Trower Robin Ude IN MEMORY OF VIRGINIA SCHWARZENBACH Jen Sandefur IN MEMORY OF DANIEL SHIPLEY Donna S. Aholt Lynn M. Braun Ronald & Gail Brinker Dale Diener Donald & Christine Elbert Kim Erisman David & Diane Glastetter Edward & Karen Jasper Joseph & Connie Rigg Arnold & Harriet Sallaberry Sherri Schaefer Mary Shipley Mary Louise Soete William & Dolores Straatmann Andrew & Marcella Tobben IN MEMORY OF STEVE SLATER Fred & Shelley Brandenburg Laverne Oetting & Linda Walsh IN MEMORY OF DAVID ANTHONY SWENGROS Marjorie & Charles Amelotti Robert & Donna Arnold Joe & Carole Bradley Ralph & Christine Clermont Tom & Martina Doherty Gwen & Ronald Elz Debbie Fritz Robert Gau Betty & Michael Graven Barbara Hausfater & Judy Levens Linda Jamieson & Robert Lawton Yvonne Klunk James & Wylaine Korbelik Helmut & Mary Rose Kramer Lafayette Industries North

IN MEMORY OF DAVID ANTHONY SWENGROS - Continued Carol Madlinger Greta Miller Patricia Moran Bill & Mary Nolan Coleen O’Rourke Patricia Rebholz Christine Schweiss Terry Signorelli & Family Leo & Karen Smith Bob & Elaine Snyder Alice Stuckenberg Joe & Frankie Svezia Suzon Villa Kathleen Wade Stanley & Theresa Welker Mike & Suzi Willey Timothy & Catherine Young Carol & Bob Ziegler IN MEMORY OF CONNIE WALL Thomas Carmody Daniel Quon Melanie & Ted Thomas IN MEMORY OF JAY WYNN 2015 & 2016 Karyn Wynne IN HONOR OF DR. BACON Anne & Mark Astroth Cathryn Bacon Reid Townsend & Elizabeth Hilliker

IN HONOR OF DRS. BACON, NAZZAL & BHATTACHARYYA Dayle E. Kline Randy & Muriel Zimring IN HONOR OF LINDSAY MORRIS Bob & Lucretia Craig III IN HONOR OF JOE LIPIC’s BIRTHDAY Natalie & John Alberici IN HONOR OF RANDY ZIMRING Zimring Family OTHER GENERAL DONATIONS NOT RELATED TO AN EVENT Bruce & Sarah Bacon John & Elizabeth Barack Mary Barnett Robert Buck Anthony Cassity William Collins Terry Dohr Mike & Mary Ann George Bettie Gershman John & Diane Heath Ed Heumann Peter & Christine Horton Daniel & Sharon Kemper Lenoir Charitable Trust Kent A. Lewis Lou Ann Michels Alan Ortbals Sally Palmer Manjra & Jaimini Patel Judy & Howard Pearlstone Forest Summers Maryanne Weld

The following tributes and memorial donations were received between January 1, 2015 and August 1, 2016.

Thank you to everyone who honored a loved one with a gift to Friends of the Saint Louis University Liver Center.

Donations come in all shapes and sizes. Supporting the Friends through a financial commitment can be one of the most impactful ways to help CURE liver disease.

Many treatments that benefit today’s patients are the result of life-saving research that was funded by others who included liver research in their estate plans.

You can help shape the future and leave your mark on tomorrow by making a provision for Friends in your will or trust. Through your will or trust you can leave:

A specific amount or a percentage of your estate All or part of what remains in your estate after all other bequests are made A conditional gift if beneficiaries do not outlive you.

Consider naming Friends as a beneficiary in an insurance or retirement account, or donating stocks.

Please contact the Friends office at (314) 576-3078 on how to connect your legacy to Friends of the Saint Louis University Liver Center!

Friends of the Saint Louis University Liver Center

Leisa Duff, Executive Director

14323 So. Outer 40, Suite 200M

Phone 314-576-3078

Fax 314-576-3654

Website: http//friendsoftheslulc.org

Saint Louis University Liver Center

3635 Vista at Grand

St. Louis, MO 63110-0250

Phone: 314-577-8764

Fax: 314-577-8125

Website: http//livercenter.slu.edu

October is LIVER DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH

October 29, 2016 Diamonds Gala at Hilton St.

Louis—Frontenac

November 11-16, 2016 AASLD Liver Meeting

in Boston, MA where 9,500 hepatologists and health

professional exchange the latest research in liver

disease.

Spring 2017—Shoot for A Cure Date TBA

For information on Friends events:

p: 314-576-3078

www.friendsoftheslulc.org

Interested in learning about PBC? The Mission of the PBC Alliance is to Care for the needs of

PBC patients by Advocating for new technology and

treatment, funding Research, and to provide Education for

PBC patients, medical professionals and the community.

Call Joan for information (417) 249-0340

Friends Board of Directors Mr. Vic Perini, Chairman

Mr. Paul Azzara, Secretary

Ms. Leslie Hodges, Treasurer

Mr. Gary Becker

Mr. Tom Fisher

Mr. Mike Higgins

Mr. Todd Keske

Ms. Kathleen Morris

Mr. Joe Reinberg

Mr. James Sanders

Ex Officio Members Dr. Bruce R. Bacon

Ms. Lou Ann Biermann

Founding Members Ms. Sue Barlett

Mrs. Joan Lipic

Mr. Jeff Reinberg

Special Thanks to our newsletter Sponsor