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Pioneering scientist wins annual Jay Van Andel Award

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Sept. 27, 2017) — Van Andel Research Institute announces pioneering physician-scientist J. William Langston, M.D., as the 2017 winner of the Jay Van Andel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Parkinson’s Disease Research. Dr. Langston’s work with the “frozen addicts,” six people who came down with severe Parkinson’s-like symptoms in the 1980’s after taking synthetic heroin, revolutionized the way the disease is studied. He went on to author more than 360 publications in the field of neurology and founded the Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center in Sunnyvale, California, where he continues to conduct research and treat patients.

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Van Andel Institute (VAI) is an independent nonprofit biomedical research and science education organization committed to improving the health and enhancing the lives of current and future generations. Established by Jay and Betty Van Andel in 1996 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, VAI has grown into a premier research and educational institution that supports the work of more than 360 scientists, educators and staff. Van Andel Research Institute (VARI), VAI’s research division, is dedicated to determining the epigenetic, genetic, molecular and cellular origins of cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases and translating those findings into effective therapies. The Institute’s scientists work in onsite laboratories and participate in collaborative partnerships that span the globe. Learn more about Van Andel Institute or donate by visiting www.vai.org. 100% To Research, Discovery & Hope®

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