Twin Research Registry at SRI International Seeks Bay Area Twin Pairs for Seasonal Flu Vaccine Study at Stanford University

For Release: October 12, 2010

MENLO PARK, Calif. — SRI International, an independent nonprofit research and development institute, is seeking healthy fraternal and identical twin pairs for the second year of a flu vaccine study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. This year’s vaccine covers both the seasonal and the H1N1 flu. The goal of the Stanford University-led study is to identify immunological responses and develop more effective flu vaccines.

"Influenza is a major cause of illness and is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.  Understanding how the influenza virus causes disease could help us develop even better vaccines and other preventive measures," said Yvonne Maldonado, M.D., Chief of Pediatric Infectious Disease at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. Only twins who did not participate in last year's study are eligible to join. All volunteer participants will receive compensation and the approved influenza vaccine given to the public.

The Twin Research Registry at SRI International is seeking volunteers who are within easy driving distance to Stanford University. Volunteers of the following ages are needed:

• 8-17 identical twins only (parent/guardian registration and approval required)
• 18-30 fraternal and identical
• 40-59 fraternal and identical
• 70-100 identical twins only

“Volunteers who are able to give their time in order to help scientists conduct health studies and determine more effective treatments are extremely valuable and appreciated,” said Gary E. Swan, Ph.D., director of SRI’s Center for Health Sciences, which is partnering with Stanford to evaluate results from twin pairs who participate in the flu vaccine study. “Over the years, twin volunteers have contributed to greater understanding of genetic influences on health. We hope that twin pairs will see study participation as an opportunity to protect themselves from the flu and help advance research.” Volunteers can join the Twin Research Registry at SRI International, a valuable science resource that reflects the diverse population of the region. The registry was established in 1995 by SRI's Center for Health Sciences, and currently includes more than 2,600 adult twin registrants. Registry members have participated in studies focusing on the pharmacokinetics of nicotine, metabolism of commonly used medications, genetic susceptibility to cancer-causing chemicals, and sleep patterns in young twins.

To volunteer or for more information, call 1-800-SRI-TWIN (1-800-774-8946),

Authors

Robert Dicks
(650) 497-8364
rdicks@stanfordchildrens.org

About SRI's Center for Health Sciences

Serving government and commercial clients in the health arena, SRI's Center for Health Sciences uses a multidisciplinary research approach to address complex challenges that arise at the interface of the basic sciences, clinical medicine, health care economics, and the regulatory and legal environments.

About SRI International

Silicon Valley-based SRI International is one of the world's leading independent research and technology development organizations. SRI, which was founded by Stanford University as Stanford Research Institute in 1946 and became independent in 1970, has been meeting the strategic needs of clients and partners for more than 60 years. Perhaps best known for its invention of the computer mouse and interactive computing, SRI has also been responsible for major advances in networking and communications, robotics, drug discovery and development, advanced materials, atmospheric research, education research, economic development, national security, and more. The nonprofit institute performs sponsored research and development for government agencies, businesses, and foundations. SRI also licenses its technologies, forms strategic alliances, and creates spin-off companies. In 2009, SRI's consolidated revenues, including its wholly owned for-profit subsidiary, Sarnoff Corporation, were approximately $470 million. Sarnoff Corporation, a leader in vision, video, and semiconductor innovations, will be fully integrated into SRI effective January 1, 2011.