Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute

The Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute (LFKRI) is the research branch of the New York Blood Center. Since its founding in 1964, LFKRI's research efforts have paved the way for new blood-related products, techniques and therapies. The Institute's commitment to ground-breaking research has resulted in numerous landmark patents and licenses.
LFKRI's many innovations include:

• A practical screening method for hepatitis B as well as a safe, effective and affordable vaccine for it.
• The identification of hepatitis C, the so-called "naked virus" that causes many of the cases of cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure across the globe. It was only after researchers at LFKRI visualized and purified the virus that a means of treating it became possible.
• LFKRI researchers created a solvent detergent procedure that is now used to inactivate viruses in blood plasma. This breakthrough has had an immeasurable impact on blood safety around the world by eliminating the risk of hepatitis and HIV transmission through plasma transfusions. The methodology was patented and licensed nonexclusively to more than 80 manufacturers.
• Detailed epidemiological studies on the prevalence of HIV infection in New York City and currently participating in HIV vaccine trials.
• Demonstrated the feasibility of using cord blood stem cells for transplantation. The clinical research performed using cord blood stem cells over the last ten years has established the clinical utility of these cells for treatment of a number of human diseases.
• A number of clinically relevant red cell blood group antigens have been molecularly characterized. These advances are likely to lead to DNA based typing of blood group antigens which should lead to better transfusion practices.
• Developed mouse models of various red cell disorders including sickle cell disease to test the effectiveness of new therapeutic strategies.

LFKRI continues to be at the forefront of some of the most important health-related research taking place around the world. Investigators at LFKRI are heavily involved in research related to combating HIV and AIDS, and continue to make great strides in the development of anti-HIV drugs. They also continue to research other global health threats and work towards the developing treatments for diseases such as Malaria, Sickle Cell Disease, and Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Onchocerciasis, also known as "River Blindness", and Lymphatic Filariasis, also known as Elephantiasis.

The Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute has spearheaded much of the significant blood research on a molecular level. Through its dedicated staff of expert scientists, researchers, and administrators, it will continue its commitment to innovative research on blood and blood related diseases.