Meso Foundation Gets New Board Chairman

August 9, 2006 - The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, a.k.a. the Meso Foundation, has announced the appointment of a new chairperson for its Board of Directors.  The foundation has chosen Dr. Nicholas J. Vogelzang, M.D., one of the world’s foremost experts on the disease, to fill the position.

Dr. Vogelzang is currently the director of the Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI) and formerly served as the director of the University of Chicago's Cancer Center.  Press releases describe him as having an “intense interest” in the disease, citing his involvement in some of the most important clinical trials for meso drugs.  He also led the clinical trial of Alimta, the first drug ever approved by the FDA specifically for mesothelioma. In 2005, he co-edited Malignant Mesothelioma, the leading research clinical textbook on the cancer.

Dr. Vogelzang succeeds Roger Worthington, who conceived the foundation in 1999 and provided much of its initial funding.  Vogelzang has also served on the board since its conception.

"I am honored to succeed Roger's visionary leadership, and to continue to grow what he started,” said Vogelzang. “The Meso Foundation is fortunate to have committed staff, amazing volunteers and a growing body of public leaders, researchers, patients, and families who turn to us as the definitive organization for meso information, support of research, and advocacy. Together in the coming years we will increase our impact on overcoming the meso tragedy."