(OKLAHOMA CITY) — Today, Jordan Tang, Ph.D., was presented the Brumback Excellence in Research Award by the Alzheimer’s Association of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma Branch. Dr. Tang is the J.G. Puterbaugh Chair in Biomedical Research and Head of the Protein Studies Program at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.
The award was presented during the Alzheimer’s Association’s third annual “Celebration of Excellence” luncheon at the Myriad Convention Center in Oklahoma City. Dr. Tang also spoke at the Association’s Education Symposium, “Unlocking the Mysteries” which was held in conjunction with the awards ceremony. Dr. Roger Brumback, Head of the Department of Pathology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, presented the award that bears his name to Dr. Tang. Other recipients of awards included: The Sarkey’s Foundation, McDaniel Award of Excellence and Allen Gann, Special President’s Award. Lt. Governor Mary Fallin gave the keynote address.
Dr. Tang was recognized for his work concerning “Memapsin 2,” the enzyme believed to be responsible for Alzheimer’s disease. Upon discovering Memapsin 2, Dr. Tang and his laboratory team at OMRF were then able to design an “inhibitor” which prevents the enzyme from functioning, essentially stopping Alzheimer’s Disease at its genesis. Tang was quick to note that the inhibitor, while highly potent and effective, is still in the “test tube” phase. “This is a small step, but a very important step,” he remarked.
Dr. Tang thanked the Association for the award and stressed that the discovery or Memapsin 2 and subsequent design of an inhibitor to stop it were only possible because of the collaboration and efforts of his fellow researchers at OMRF.
After the luncheon, Dr. Tang gave a lecture on Alzheimer’s Disease and the recent scientific breakthroughs to those attending the symposium. He then answered questions from the audience.
For additional information concerning Dr. Tang and his research, please contact Andrea Miles, Public & Media Relations for OMRF at 405-271-7159 or http://www.omrf.ouhsc.edu. For additional information regarding the Alzheimer’s Association, please contact Penny Ridenour, Director, Central Oklahoma Branch, at 405-319-0780.
