Lifetree Center for Neuroscience Research
With the formation of Lifetree Center for Neuroscience Research (LCNSR) in 2008 Lifetree is dedicated to researching disorders of the Central Nervous System (CNS) which represent the second largest therapeutic area in terms of research and development (R&D) spending by biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and account for more than 15 percent of the global cost of disease treatment. With such a large proportion of R&D resources dedicated to CNS disorders, companies developing products in this field need to choose a research partner with leading CNS expertise to maximize the impact of their investment.
Lifetree Clinical Research has a strong collaborative relationship with our local Alzheimer’s Association. The Association is very supportive of our Alzheimer’s research. In 2008, the association had contact with > 3,000 individuals in SLC with Alzheimer’s or their caregivers and encourages them to seek out clinical trials. Lifetree is allowed to post flyers with our contact information within the Association.
Our research facility in Salt Lake City, Utah is capable of executing studies involving new drug candidates for the treatment of: CNS diseases and disorders, including:
Neurological Disorders:
- Alzheimer's
- ADHD
- Cognitive Function
- Epilepsy
- Migraine Headaches
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neuropathic Pain
- Parkinsonism
- Seizure Disorders
- Sleep Disorders
Psychiatric Disorders:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Bi-Polar
- Major Depression
- Schizophrenia
Neuroscience Research Team
Miroslav "Misha" Bačkonja, MD
Medical Director
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Mark A. Johnston, MD
Principal Investigator
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N. Lee Smith, MD
Sub-Investigator
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Daniel B. Vine, MD
Associate Medical Director,
Lifetree Center for Neuroscience Research (LCNSR)
Full bio
Mary Jane Norman, MD
Investigator
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Dennis Thoen, MD
Investigator
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Debra F. Hobbins, DNP, APRN, LSAC, CARN-AP
Executive Research Scientist
Lifetree Center for Neuroscience Research (LCNSR)
Full bio
Lifetree is aggressively augmenting our capabilities by broadening our strategic alliances. The most recent collaboration is with the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) and specifically with Dr. Hoffman, a board certified neurologist and Director of Nuclear Medicine, Dept of Radiology, U of U School of Medicine and Director of Molecular Imaging Program, HCI, U of U School of Medicine. Dr Hoffman was present at the University of Penn when the first human PET study 30+ years ago was performed. Lifetree’s affiliation with Dr. Hoffman brings unprecedented expertise to Lifetree and allows our clients access to the HCI state of the art nuclear medicine equipment.
The nuclear medicine facility within HCI includes a cyclotron that prepares radiotracers for distribution throughout the Intermountain West. The PET/CT scanner is reserved specifically for research which ensures a ready capacity for our research subjects.
[18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), [11C]PIB to measure plaque burden in Alzheimer’s disease are only a few tracers that this facility is licensed to use. The facility also includes a dozen modules for synthesis of new neuroscience radiotracers under GMP conditions.
Lifetree is awarded a Multiple Sclerosis study and will collaborate with Western Neurological Associates
Western Neurological Associates, PC, (WNA) is a multi-facility, group, medical practice in Salt Lake City, Utah, whose sole purpose is to provide comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic care for adult and pediatric patients with neurological (nervous system) disorders. Among the disorders addressed at Western Neurological Associates, are headaches, back and neck pain, numbness and other sensory loss, balance difficulties, seizures, memory impairment, Bell's palsy, Parkinsonism, and multiple sclerosis.
Western Neurological Associates has recently installed state-of-the-art imaging equipment from Philips Medical to perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This scanner is one of the most advanced scanners in the world. Western Neurological Associates' new Secura computed tomography (CT) scanner uses a significantly lower dose of radiation than other scanners. Three thousand square feet of office space have been dedicated to Western Neurological Associates' Multiple Sclerosis Center for the purpose of providing a comprehensive treatment of multiple sclerosis.
Through the development of these varied facilities and the use of comprehensive diagnostic testing equipment, Western Neurological Associates is able to ensure patient testing and treatment on the cutting edge of technology and medical knowledge, performed in an efficient and timely manner.
