The Wistar Institute

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The Wistar Institute

Founded in 1892, The Wistar Institute is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institute wit

Founded as the first institution of its kind devoted to medical research and training in the United States, The Wistar Institute has evolved from its beginnings as an anatomical teaching museum to its present-day status as an international leader in basic biomedical research.

11/14/2025

We were honored to welcome back Dr. Barbara Knowles to The Wistar Institute for a milestone moment: the opening of our Center for Advanced Therapeutics (CAT) and the announcement of the Barbara B. Knowles, Ph.D., Endowed Professorship—made possible through the generosity of Wistar Trustees Sue Dillon and Helen Pudlin.

This permanent endowment will recruit a visionary scientist to lead groundbreaking research at the CAT, where advanced computational biochemistry, AI, and robotics accelerate the path from discovery to cures.

Dr. Knowles’ pioneering work in pluripotent stem cell development and creation of the widely used HepG2 liver cell line continues to shape biomedical research worldwide. Her return reminds us that innovation thrives where collaboration and curiosity meet.

Here’s to honoring a legacy—and building the future of medicine. Read more: https://bit.ly/4oZe5ww

11/14/2025

Wistar president and CEO Dr. Dario Altieri was recently featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer highlighting how the entire biomedical research community in our region and beyond stands united to advocate for increased federal support for science.

It is a critical investment that fuels innovation, drives discoveries, and ultimately improves lives. NIH funding is a bipartisan issue, “It’s about the health of our Commonwealth,” said Dr. Altieri.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/43sdlrE (Link may be pay wall restricted for non-subscribers)

11/13/2025

On November 17, The Wistar Institute proudly hosts the 29th Jonathan Lax Memorial Lecture, honoring Richard Jefferys, a changemaker whose tireless advocacy has transformed HIV research and access to care.

As the Basic Science, Vaccines and Cure Project Director at Treatment Action Group, Richard has spent over three decades championing health equity—expanding access to medicines, clinical trials, and funding for HIV research worldwide. His lecture, “Community Advocacy and HIV Cure-Directed Research,” will explore the critical role of community engagement in driving scientific progress toward an HIV cure.

This annual lecture honors the legacy of Jonathan Lax, a pioneering activist & Philadelphia businessman who fought stigma and fear during the early AIDS crisis. Past speakers include Nobel Laureates and global leaders in HIV research—underscoring the significance of this event in shaping the future of HIV science and advocacy.

Together, we can advance research, improve access, and move closer to a cure.

11/13/2025

Register today for the upcoming Philadelphia Drug Discovery Forum at The Wistar Institute!

Join us on November 19 from 4 to 6 p.m. and connect with leading scientists from academia, biopharma, and government at the Philadelphia Drug Discovery Forum — an afternoon dedicated to accelerating the path from research to medicine.

🎤 Featured Speakers

- Nicholas Siciliano, Ph.D. – Vittoria Biotherapeutics
- Joe Rucker, Ph.D. – Integral Molecular

Expect dynamic discussions, meaningful networking, and opportunities to spark regional collaborations that drive innovation in drug discovery.

Register today and be part of the conversation shaping the future of medicine. https://bit.ly/4hQgasj

11/12/2025

🏆 Congratulations to Ron and Ellen Caplan, recipients of the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award from AFP Greater Philadelphia!

Ron and Ellen have been extraordinary champions of The Wistar Institute, offering both visionary leadership and generous support. Under Ron’s guidance, Wistar’s Bold Science // Global Impact Campaign raised over $67 million—the most successful in our history.

Their transformative $10 million gift to Wistar’s NCI-designated Cancer Center, now named in their honor, is helping accelerate breakthroughs in cancer research.

We’re proud to celebrate their impact on Wistar and the Greater Philadelphia region. 👏

Learn more about how you can help support Wistar's mission of solving some of the world’s most challenging problems in the fields of cancer, immunology, and infectious diseases: https://bit.ly/3IrAa77

11/11/2025

Researchers at The Wistar Institute have identified why hormone therapy often fails in ovarian cancer patients, even when their tumors have the hormone receptors that should make them responsive. With ovarian cancer claiming 13,000 lives annually in the U.S. and showing an 80% relapse rate, this research offers new hope for patients.

The team, led by Dr. Maureen Murphy, found that mutated p53—present in 96% of high-grade serous ovarian cancers—actively blocks estrogen signaling, driving treatment resistance. The researchers identified how to overcome this resistance in tumors that possess a specific variant of p53 using an existing drug, rezatapopt. Because rezatapopt is already in clinical trials, this combination approach has significant potential to help ovarian cancer patients with this mutation in the near future.

Read more about the breakthrough study, published in Genes and Development: https://bit.ly/4hVTMxF

11/11/2025

Join Wistar’s Heather Steinman, Ph.D., MBA, SVP of Business Development, at the PABC Regional Biotech Conference!

🗓 Thursday, November 13
🕘 Starting at 9:00 AM
📍 Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, Doylestown, PA

Dr. Steinman will moderate a dynamic panel discussion on Technology Transfer, featuring insights tailored for leaders of start-up and early-stage biotech companies.

Don’t miss this half-day event packed with expert speakers and timely topics shaping the future of biotech innovation.

🔗 Learn more: https://bit.ly/3LvIAfa

11/10/2025

Behind Every Breakthrough is a Story 🔬✨

Wistar researchers have incredible journeys—whether it’s their path to science, the “aha” moments that shaped their careers, or the groundbreaking work happening in their labs.

We’re excited to launch a new series: Between Two Microscopes, where scientists share their personal perspectives, passions, and discoveries through candid conversations with colleagues.

Stay tuned for inspiring stories from the minds driving biomedical innovation!

11/07/2025

Investing in Wistar Science is an investment in healthier futures.

It’s more than supporting research—it’s a commitment to advancing disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment that can improve the lives of our friends, families, and communities.

At Wistar’s Center for Advanced Therapeutics, we’re accelerating foundational discoveries into potential medicines that help people live longer, healthier lives.

“Take great pride in what you have done for so many people, out of love for mankind” – Kerry A. Bennighoff, PA State Rep, Chairman, Bipartisan Cancer Caucus

🔗 Learn how you can support science that transforms human health: https://bit.ly/48zXSc9

11/06/2025

Wistar Welcomes Two New Trustees

We’re thrilled to welcome David Krupnick and Elliot Menschik, M.D., Ph.D. to the Wistar Board of Trustees!

With deep expertise in business development, strategic leadership, and the biotech industry, David and Elliot bring invaluable insight that will help advance Wistar’s groundbreaking research into tomorrow’s treatments and cures.

🔗 Learn more: https://bit.ly/47LmNrr

11/05/2025

Collaboration in Cancer Education!

Wistar’s Dr. Jason Diaz, Education Program Director in the Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Education and Training Center, joined fellow education leaders from Philadelphia’s top cancer centers at the 2025 Cancer Biology Training Consortium (CABTRAC) Annual Retreat in Richmond, VA.

Representatives from Temple’s Fox Chase Cancer Center, Jefferson’s Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center, and Wistar’s Ellen & Ronald Caplan Cancer Center came together to share strategies for advancing cancer biology education. Special thanks to Dr. Cauleen Noel for the photo!

We’re proud to be part of this vibrant ecosystem shaping the next generation of cancer researchers!

11/04/2025

Wistar's Drs. Kristy Shuda McGuire and David Zuzga of the Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Education and Training Center attended the National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Principal Investigators’ Conference in Washington, DC October 29-31. Kristy presented her work on expanding Wistar’s Biomedical Technician Training (BTT) Pre-apprenticeship program in the tri-state region and was able to thank long-time NSF Program Director, Dr. Celeste Carter.

Learn more about our award winning BTT program here: https://bit.ly/46cekhz

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3601 Spruce Street
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+12158983700

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http://www.wistar.org/

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