The David H. Murdock Research Institute (DHMRI) has acquired the Immune Tolerance Institute (ITI) as part of the North Carolina-based Institute’s mission to accelerate the discovery and development of breakthrough treatments for a range of immune-related diseases.

DHMRI provides integrated, state-of-the-art genomic, cellular, proteomic and bioinformatics technology platforms to both academic and industry partners undertaking both pre-clinical and clinical research.

By acquiring ITI, DHMRI will enhance its capabilities to accelerate the discovery of novel immunomodulatory therapies and of the corresponding biomarkers necessary for their effective translation into medical practice.

Biomarkers can help to better predict the course of disease progression and the likelihood of an individual's response to diet or therapeutic intervention, as well as serving as surrogate endpoints of mechanism, efficacy and safety.

"Advancing immune science will lead to new approaches to investigate the biological mechanisms of disease and functional properties of foods to better determine and predict the efficacy and safety of emerging products," said Mike Luther of the DHMRI. "The acquisition of ITI will allow us to extend the DHMRI's capabilities even further into the pre-clinical and clinical settings, ultimately improving the health of patients and consumers alike."