The Lundquist Institute

06/02/2026

People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) face a heightened risk of heart disease due to chronic inflammation that extends beyond the joints.

A new study published in Rheumatology found that inflammation surrounding the heart’s major arteries may reveal cardiovascular risk not captured by traditional assessments. TLI Investigator and lead author on the study George A. Karpouzas, MD says the findings could pave the way for earlier detection and intervention.

"For many patients with rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease develops silently for years and the risk of silent events or sudden cardiac death as a first manifestation of atherosclerosis is significantly more common than in patients without this disease” said Dr. Karpouzas. “Our goal is to identify those at highest risk earlier so that preventive measures can be timely implemented."

Read more below.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and for people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the risk is significantly higher. While RA is commonly recognized for causing painful joint inflammation, the disease also triggers chronic inflammation throughout the body that can accelerat...

05/28/2026

At The Lundquist Institute, impact extends far beyond our labs. While scientific discovery is at the core of our mission, our latest Donor Impact Report reflects the many ways this work reaches people and communities. 🔬 🧬 🩺

Behind every breakthrough is a story made possible through partnership: foster children finding stability and access to compassionate medical care, high schoolers furthering their passion for science and understanding of the impact they can have on their communities, and patients receiving the care they need with the innovation and lifesaving research at TLI that fuel hope.

Because of donor support, promising ideas are becoming real-world solutions that improve lives. This year’s report highlights what can happen when philanthropy fuels innovation, opportunity, and compassionate care.

To our donors, partners, and supporters who helped make this progress possible: thank you for being part of the momentum driving discovery forward. Explore the full FY2025 Donor Impact Report and see the impact you helped create: bit.ly/499m8Sa.

05/20/2026

This Clinical Trials Day, we’re celebrating the people behind the progress.

Behind every clinical trial is a team of passionate individuals dedicated to advancing medicine, improving patient outcomes, and shaping the future of healthcare. Clinical research isn’t just about science, it’s about the people who make innovation and discovery possible.

In honor of Clinical Trials Day on May 20, we’re proud to spotlight three incredible team members. Get to know the faces behind the research and the meaningful impact they help create everyday.

Here’s to the individuals whose passion, dedication, and commitment continue to move research forward and improve lives. ✨

05/13/2026

What happens when the heart’s natural stress-response system breaks down during pregnancy?

New research from the lab of TLI Investigator Michelle Matter, PhD highlights a key disrupted pathway linked to pregnancy-related heart failure, helping scientists better understand peripartum cardiomyopathy and where future treatments may emerge.

“Our goal was to understand how pregnancy-associated stress reshapes molecular signaling in the failing maternal heart,” said Dr. Matter. Discover the findings behind this important study by reading more below.

Michelle Matter, PhD, investigator at The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, and her lab have identified disruptions in cell stress-response and protein quality-control pathways in peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), a rare but life-threatening form of heart failure that develops during ...

05/12/2026

Congratulations to The Lundquist Institute President & CEO, Joe W Ramos, PhD, on being named to the 2026 LA500 by the Los Angeles Business Journal!

In just over a year in Los Angeles, Dr. Ramos has helped guide TLI through an exciting period of growth and transformation — strengthening our research programs, expanding strategic partnerships, and helping shape the future of biomedical innovation in Los Angeles.

We are grateful for his leadership, vision, and commitment to advancing discoveries that improve human health, and proud to see his contributions recognized among Los Angeles’ most influential leaders.

Read more: https://labusinessjournal.com/la500-2026/health-care-2026/la500-2026-joe-ramos/

05/07/2026

Congratulations to TLI Investigator Ashraf S. Ibrahim, PhD!

Dr. Ibrahim has been elected by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) as a Fellow. This prestigious fellowship reflects his professional excellence and dedication to advancing the field of infectious diseases.

Read more: https://www.idsociety.org/news--publications-new/articles/2026/idsa-honors-166-new-fellows-for-leadership-in-infectious-diseases/

04/30/2026

What does progress look like for families facing rare disease? At The Lundquist Institute, researchers are working to turn that kind of progress into reality.

In our latest story, we highlight TLI Investigator Lynda Polgreen, MD and her team’s research on mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), a rare genetic lysosomal storage disorder.

While current treatments like enzyme replacement therapy can help manage some symptoms, many children with MPS continue to experience chronic inflammation, pain, and reduced quality of life. Dr. Polgreen’s research is focused on understanding the role inflammation plays in disease progression—an area that could unlock new approaches to care.

This is the power of translational research—turning discovery into everyday hope. Read the full story: bit.ly/48BUA7E.

04/30/2026

We're proud to share that The Lundquist Institute has been recognized in the inaugural 2026 Cure. Innovation Index as one of the nation’s leading biomedical research institutions transforming scientific discovery into real-world health impact.

Amongst 60 U.S. institutes and centers, the Index also recognized our institution within the Clinical Translators archetype and named us a "Leader in Entrepreneurial Readiness"—highlighting our strength in advancing research, fostering innovation, and accelerating translation from bench to bedside.

“This recognition reflects the extraordinary work of our investigators, clinicians, research teams, and partners who are dedicated to turning discovery into better health outcomes,” said TLI President and CEO Joe W Ramos, PhD. “At The Lundquist Institute, innovation is not just about ideas. It’s about delivering meaningful impact for patients, families, and communities.”

Read more about the : http://bit.ly/4eXuUGe

04/24/2026

We’re proud to celebrate Richard and Melanie Lundquist, whose generosity and leadership continue to create meaningful impact across communities.

Recently featured on Homeboy Industries' podcast, Melanie reflects on the power of compassion, connection, and societal impact. “Philanthropy is a sense of responsibility that we have for each other. It’s the meaning of life. Philanthropy is about time and talent in terms of resources and connections. It’s more about the opportunity to make a difference,” says Melanie Lundquist.

Richard and Melanie’s impact demonstrates that philanthropy is not only about giving, but also about helping create opportunity and long-term change. We are honored that their vision and philanthropy have helped shape The Lundquist Institute and support work that advances health, discovery, and hope for communities everywhere.

🎧 Listen to the podcast: youtube.com/watch?v=Cg1Vbq-RYBg