Unlikely Alliance: Trial Lawyers Support Doctors’ Medical Breakthrough

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--While doctors and trial lawyers have rarely been on the same side of the bench (or table), a collaboration of plaintiffs firms are providing support to researchers from the International Mesothelioma Program (IMP) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) who are working to advance the treatment of mesothelioma patients. Mesothelioma, a debilitating and invariably fatal cancer caused primarily by exposure to asbestos, claims over 3,000 lives each year in the United States.

This week, IMP announced a breakthrough in the use of DNA sequencing technology to identify the unique genetic mutations of an individual patient’s mesothelioma tumor. This new technique will allow a more efficient, personalized approach to making treatment decisions for mesothelioma patients. Initial use of the technique in four mesothelioma patients found three to four new genetic mutations that had not been found in previous studies of the disease—something like a genetic fingerprint for the tumor—which highlights the value of a very individualized approach to treatment.

According to research findings published in the February 25, 2008 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the new technique allows a tumor to be analyzed in a month, facilitating the rapid development of individualized treatments.

The work of the IMP has largely been funded through philanthropic and corporate contributions. Despite the historically contentious relationship between doctors and lawyers, in 2004, Baron & Budd, one of the oldest and largest asbestos litigation firms in the country, became the first member of IMP’s Advisory Board and made a commitment of $3 million to support their innovative research.

“Knowing intimately the devastating effects of mesothelioma on our clients, we were honored to have contributed to this important program,” said Russell Budd, managing shareholder of Baron & Budd. “Sadly, the incidence of asbestos-related mesothelioma are on the rise, but we’re firmly committed to improving the lives of those who now, or may one day, suffer from it.”

About Baron & Budd, P.C.

For 30 years, the law firm of Baron & Budd, P.C. has championed the rights of people and communities harmed by corporate misconduct. With more than 50 attorneys and offices in California, Texas and Louisiana, Baron & Budd enjoys a national reputation as a leader of the plaintiffs’ bar. The firm represents individuals with mesothelioma and other diseases caused by asbestos; leukemia caused by benzene; injuries caused by other toxic substances and unsafe pharmaceuticals; water authorities seeking clean-up costs for drinking water contamination; government entities and whistleblowers fighting corporate fraud; securities investors defrauded by corporate wrongdoing; and consumers in class actions.