The Foundation for Prader-Willi Research (FPWR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting research to advance the understanding and treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), has received the organization's largest donation to date. Philanthropists Leon and Irina Shaulov contributed $1 million in support of the organization's research programs and clinical initiatives.

"This gift has provided FPWR with the necessary resources to add a full-time director of clinical research and to foster a collaboration of scientists and representatives from pharma to advance treatments for PWS. This investment will undoubtedly accelerate our research program and with the addition of our newest team member, Nathalie Kayadjanian, Ph.D, we believe we will be able to facilitate the translation of projects from early stage research in laboratories to treatments in the clinic," said Susan Hedstrom, FPWR executive director.

PWS is a genetic disorder affecting approximately one in 15,000 people. Nearly every system in the body is impacted by PWS, but the hallmark symptom is extreme hunger. A person with PWS never feels full. There currently are no effective treatments to regulate appetite in PWS.

FPWR is composed of thousands of parents, family members, researchers and others who are interested in addressing the many issues related to PWS, including childhood obesity, developmental delays, psychiatric disorders and autism spectrum disorders. The mission of FPWR is to eliminate the challenges of Prader-Willi syndrome through the advancement of research. FPWR has funded over $5 million in PWS research.