December 5, 2023 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

Local Researcher Takes Top Honors

Cedars-Sinai’s Stephan R. Targan, MD, a pioneering physician and researcher in gastroenterology, has been awarded the Sherman Prize for groundbreaking work in the understanding and treatment of debilitating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Targan, director of the F. Widjaja Foundation Inflammatory Bowel and Immunobiology Research Institute at Cedars-Sinai, accepted the award recently at a private ceremony in New York.

The Sherman Prize was established by the Bruce and Cynthia Sherman Charitable Foundation to recognize and reward outstanding medical professionals, educators and advocates who are advancing research and improving patient care in the field of Crohn’s disease and colitis.

Supporting the work of exceptional healthcare professionals is a personal mission for the Shermans,who have family members affected by Crohn’s.

“Not only has Dr. Targan helped to fundamentally change the way IBD is treated, he has trained, mentored and inspired hundreds of physician scientists around the world, multiplying the impact of his life’s work,” said Bruce Sherman.

“He has brightened the future of millions of people living with the disease.”

Targan is the principal investigator of the longest study of genetic and immunological causes of inflammatory bowel disease ever funded by the National Institutes of Health.

A hallmark of his research is an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the various ways IBD can affect patients. He calls it a “360” approach.

“We bring experts together from several areas of science to try and understand this disease,” Targan said.

“Our work has revealed that this challenging disorder in fact comprises several forms of the disease, each with a different biology causing chronic and painful inflammation of the intestines.”

Targan received one of two Sherman Prizes of $100,000 awarded to individuals with extraordinary records of achievement in addressing the challenge of IBD.

“The award will be used to support promising research with an eye towards personalizing treatment. Our goal is to identify patients with particular subtypes of the disease and design drugs to treat their specific form of the illness,” Targan said.

One of the most significant outcomes of Targan’s research has been scientific discoveries and clinical trials that have led to the development of the first biologic treatment for IBD patients, an effective therapy that can put the disease in remission. His passion for this work is fueled by a desire to eliminate the suffering he has witnessed over a long career.

“Some of the sickest people with this disease come to us from around the world. People who are so frustrated in their search for relief. People who have lost hope,” Targan said. “There is nothing more exciting than being able to turn the course of their devastating disease and improve their lives. It is incredibly rewarding.”

Stephan R. Targan, MD, with the Sherman Prize for Excellence, presented by Bruce and Cynthia Sherman.
Photo: Alex Li.
Related Posts

George Lucas’ $1 Billion Lucas Museum of Narrative Art Takes Shape in Exposition Park

December 3, 2023

December 3, 2023

A Five-Story Marvel Blending Art, Architecture, and Green Innovation By Dolores Quintana The completion date for the Lucas Museum of...

Los Angeles City Council Approves Police Permits for Airbnb Hosts and Short-Term Rentals

December 3, 2023

December 3, 2023

New Law Targets Party Houses and Crime, Introduces Permitting Requirement The Los Angeles City Council has given the green light...

Suspect in Custody: Los Angeles Man Linked to Serial Homeless Murders and San Dimas Slaying

December 3, 2023

December 3, 2023

Authorities Seek Information on Additional Crimes Suspect May Have Committed By Dolores Quintana On December 1, a press conference was...

(Video) Culver City’s Annual Tree Lighting Sled-tacular

December 1, 2023

December 1, 2023

Culver City’s Annual Tree Lighting Sled-tacular successfully brought the holiday spirit to the city’s residents. A large crowd happily sledded,...

Tragic Loss: Los Angeles Tree Trimmer Dies While Working, Community Rallies to Support Family

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Noel Gonzalez Sixtos, a 33-Year-Old Father, Remembered Fondly as Community Joins Hands to Assist Grieving Family By Dolores Quintana Noel...

Ladytron’s Surprise Gift: ‘All Over By Xmas’ Drops, Unveiling a Festive Classic Decades in the Making

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Liverpool’s Electronic Pioneers Deliver a “Majestic Glam Stomp” for the Holidays By Dolores Quintana At the stroke of midnight, Ladytron,...

Los Angeles County to Open CARE Court One Year Earlier Than Planned

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Program Seeks to Solve Mental Health Crisis Among the Unhoused By Dolores Quintana In a collaborative effort led by Los...

Alarming Surge in Hate Crimes: Los Angeles County’s Troubling Report Reveals Disturbing Statistics

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Report Reveals Alarming Trends and Urgent Need for Action By Dolores Quintana The Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations...

(Video) Via Veneto, a classic Italian restaurant

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Via Veneto, a classic Italian restaurant with real ingredients and delicacies from Italy. You can tell that the restaurant is...

Farewell to a Legend: Primo’s Donuts Founder Remembered in Heartfelt Celebration

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Community Gathers to Honor Ralph Primo SR., Entrepreneur, and Family Man By Keemia Zhang The life of Ralph Primo Sr.,...

Red Chickz Unveils $5 Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich for One Day Only

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

The Savory-Sweet Sandwich is Red Chickz’s Newest Craveable Creation By Dolores Quintana Red Chickz, the red hot chicken eatery known...

Esquire’s Culinary Picks: Unveiling the Best New Restaurants in Los Angeles for 2023

November 29, 2023

November 29, 2023

Esquire Magazine Spotlights Most Memorable New Eateries  Esquire Magazine has released its year-end lists of the best new restaurants in...

(Video) The Culver City Free Covid Vaccine Clinic

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

The clinic offered free vaccinations against the newest variants and has lots of people there taking advantage of the opportunity....

Bloomsybox Challenges Christmas Movie Fans to Rate Hallmark Christmas Movies

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

Applicant Chosen Will Receive Prizes and Cash Worth $2,500  By Dolores Quintana A flower delivery company, Bloomsy Box, is challenging...

Snowy Delight and Tree Lighting Magic: Downtown Culver City’s Annual Sled-tacular Celebration

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

Join the Festive Fun with Snow, Sledding, and a Dazzling 22-foot Holiday Tree Lighting By Dolores Quintana Embrace the holiday...