Houston Methodist today announced it has received a $10 million philanthropic commitment from The John M. O’Quinn Foundation to support research, education and patient services across a full spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders. This commitment will establish the John M. O’Quinn Foundation Neurodegenerative Disorders Laboratory at Houston Methodist where physicians and research scientists in the Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology are conducting innovative research and clinical trials on neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, peripheral neuropathies, Parkinson’s disease and spinocerebellar atrophy.
Dr. Jun Li, chair of the Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology at the Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, also serves as The John M. O’Quinn Foundation Presidential Distinguished Chair in Neurology, leading the newly established laboratory where he and his team of physician scientists are exploring the best possible combinations of preventive interventions and targeted treatments in neurodegenerative diseases. Li’s research in peripheral nerve diseases and myelin biology has been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for nearly two decades. His vision to provide unparalleled care, clinical trial opportunities and subspecialty programs in the Greater Houston area to support those battling neurodegenerative disorders is strengthened because of this gift.