New York, NY – March 2003 – Angela Christiano, Ph.D., associate professor of dermatology and genetics and development at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, and longtime research collaborator Colin Jahoda, Ph.D., a professor at England’s Durham University, have been awarded a grant by the Kirsch Foundation of San Jose, Calif. to conduct joint research in hair follicle stimulation and growth. Drs. Christiano and Jahoda will use the $230,000 award to formalize their partnership through a new research consortium—known as the Catalyst for Hair Follicle Biology (CHFB)—and to apply novel technologies and approaches, such as developmental biology, stem cell biology, and tissue engineering, to the production of human hair follicles.

“We are very grateful to the Kirsch Foundation for its support of hair research,” said Dr. Christiano. It is not often that scientists in our field have the privilege of being sponsored by such a prestigious organization. We are now in a unique position to make great strides in our work as a direct result of this commitment.”

Through the CHFB consortium, Drs. Christiano and Jahoda will build on the groundbreaking hair growth methods that they pioneered in animal models, working to translate previous research findings and previously developed techniques into meaningful, scientifically sound, and effective treatments for human hair loss. To achieve this goal, the researchers will attempt to demonstrate that new human hair follicles can be grown, using transplantation methodologies, from cultured cells in adult human skin. Drs. Christiano and Jahoda ultimately hope to apply new technologies derived from this research to any number of hair loss conditions, such as premature balding, alopecia areata, and chemotherapy-related hair loss.

“We are thrilled that we are able to sponsor Dr. Christiano’s and Dr. Jahoda’s research,” said Steve Kirsch, co-founder of the Kirsch Foundation. “We hope that by encouraging and supporting an effective collaboration, we will add real value to the work being conducted in these laboratories and send a positive message that can be leveraged into funding from other sources.”

The Kirsch Foundation, established in 1999 by Infoseek founder Steven Kirsch and his wife, Michele, aims to effect widespread change through strategic philanthropy and political advocacy. 
Reflecting the broad charitable interests of its two founders, the foundation is committed to an extensive array of issues and causes—ranging from curing cancer and other major diseases to cleaning up the air and supporting local non-profit organizations—and invests its resources in high-impact activities that can help create a safer and healthier world.

Founded in 1767, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons was the first institution in the country to grant the M.D. degree. Among the most selective medical schools in the country, the school is also home to the largest medical research enterprise in New York State and one of the largest in the country. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital is the primary teaching hospital for the Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, providing international leadership in biomedical research and patient care.