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Baylor Research Institute names Dr. William Duncan Chief Operating Officer and Chief Scientific Officer

(DALLAS, Sept. 8, 2004) - Michael Ramsay, M.D., president of the Baylor Research Institute, has announced the appointment of William R. Duncan, Ph.D., to the dual positions of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Scientific Officer for Baylor Research Institute. Dr. Duncan comes to Baylor from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Duncan assumes the position on Sept. 13.

Dr. Duncan most recently served as deputy director of the Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation, NIAID, where he coordinated development, implementation and oversight of clinical trials programs in immune-mediated diseases.

During his 16-year career with the NIAID, Dr. Duncan also served as associate director of the Therapeutics Research Program, Division of AIDS. In this position, he implemented and directed NIAID's primary extramural clinical research programs for the development and evaluation of potential therapies for the treatment of HIV infection and associated complications and intervention strategies to prevent perinatal transmission of HIV.

"We are so pleased to welcome someone with Dr. Duncan's experience and expertise to Baylor Research Institute," Dr. Ramsay said. "He brings extensive capabilities in operational support, including statistical and data management activities, clinical site monitoring, protocol development, and pharmaceutical and regulatory support."

Dr. Duncan earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin and his doctorate from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas. He is author or co-author of more than 50 scientific publications and has organized numerous workshops and symposia.

At the Baylor Institute for Immunology Research, an affiliate of Baylor Research Institute, the primary focus is the study of the immune system. Investigators are developing novel approaches to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases and infections diseases. In 2003, BRI received a $14.6-million grant from the NIAID to create the Baylor/NIAID Center for Translational Research on Human Immunology and Biodefense. Investigators in the center will study the human immune system's response to emerging pathogens, such as West Nile Virus, SARS and other virulent agents, and seek to develop vaccines against them.

Established in 1982, Baylor Research Institute promotes and supports research bringing innovative treatments from the laboratory to the patient bedside. To achieve this bench-to-bedside concept, the institute focuses on basic science, clinical trials, and health care effectiveness and quality of care research. Investigators at Baylor are conducting more than 500 active research protocols in more than 20 medical specialties.