Public Interest

This is where you can learn about AOP-endorsed endeavors through other organizations.  Because we feel strongly about these projects, we want to encourage our Researchers to get involved with these organizations.  In addition to membership, social media, and events, many of our Researchers show their support by donating their annual Profit-Sharing bonus to help these causes.

U.S. Patent Reform:

Article One is energizing the reform effort by providing additional patent validity information to the public and industry so that interested parties can assess the validity of important patents.

Article One also directly supports other reform efforts, including early review of pending applications submitted to the USPTO. Article One joined the USPTO and Congress in endorsing the important work of Peer To Patent, which invited the public to submit prior art for U.S. patent applications. After reviewing the submitted art, Peer-to-Patent forwarded the top six references to the USPTO for consideration as to whether a patent should be granted for that invention.  While the U.S. pilot has come to a close, Article One supports the work of the other pilot programs around the world, including Australia, Japan, and the U.K.  In addition, Article One supports the continued involvement of peer review in the patent application process.

Other Public Interest Projects:

Greenhouse gases: Virgin Earth Challenge to Save the Earth

This research is for a commercially viable design which results in the removal of anthropogenic, atmospheric greenhouse gases so as to contribute materially to the stability of Earth’s climate. Virgin Earth Challenge: virginearth.com

Fragile X Research

Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited cause of mental impairment. It is an X-linked chromosomal disorder whose effects are typically more pronounced in boys than girls. Boys who have fragile X (and many girls who have it as well) suffer from intellectual disabilities that may cause mental retardation and in approximately one-third of the case, autism. Persons who have fragile X may also suffer from attention deficit disorders, speech and other developmental delays and unusual sensory responses to, e.g., various touch, auditory or visual stimuli. Fragile X syndrome is caused by a single abnormal gene, and researchers around the globe are working on treatments that could significantly improve the quality of life of persons who currently have the syndrome. Finding a treatment for fragile X may pave the way for treating other disorders including cases of autism regardless of whether they are caused by this gene. For more information please contact the National Fragile X foundation at www.fragilex.org.

GLUT1 Research

Among the many severe pediatric neurological disorders is a rare brain energy metabolic syndrome called glucose transporter deficiency syndrome (GLUT1). It means that an afflicted child’s cells do not pick up and transport glucose to his brain properly. Glucose is the principal source of fuel to the brain. Children with this disorder have a myriad of physical and mental disabilities, ranging from mild to so severe that they cannot walk or talk. The only known treatment to date is a very restrictive diet called the ketogenic diet which is usually used for children with seizure disorders that do not benefit from conventional drugs. It is a treatment of last resort for them. For children with GLUT1, it is the only treatment that can control the seizures and hopefully help with providing energy to the brain. However, it is currently unknown how effective this treatment may be. Dr. DeVivo and his team of researchers at Columbia Presbyterian are working toward finding a more effective treatment or cure for GLUT1. If they can do so, then we would have the miracle that children with GLUT1 could lead lives free of neurological symptoms and disabilities. For children with GLUT1, it is a race against time. As they develop, their brains are developing without the necessary amount of energy to do so - clearly the sooner there is a more effective treatment, the better the odds are for all children with GLUT1.

The primary support for the GLUT1 research effort has been a grant from the National Institute of Health (NIH). This year, the NIH notified the Colleen Giblin Laboratories, which are the only laboratories in the world that conduct GLUT1 research, that it will not continue funding the GLUT1 research. The Colleen Giblin Laboratories have only two appeals to try to reverse the NIH’s decision. In the meantime, this funding has stopped, and it is unlikely that the NIH will reverse its decision at the appeal level. This creates an immediate funding deficit as well as a threat to the future of this important life-altering research. This research is vital to diagnosing children with GLUT1 as well as finding a cure for the disorder. There are no other laboratories in the country or the world currently capable of providing the testing necessary to definitively diagnose GLUT1. Unless the GLUT1 research continues, a cure will not be attainable and innumerable future children may not be diagnosed in time to help them. More information is available at www.colleengiblinfound.org. 

In the spirit of giving back to the community, Article One donates directly to the GLUT1 research efforts of The Colleen Giblin Foundation.  In addition to this year's holiday donation, Article One encourages Researchers to consider donating their Profit-Sharing Rewards to one of these fantastic causes.