Rare Opportunity

A disease expert faces a new challenge—business.

When Allan Rubenstein, M.D., started the National Neurofibromatosis Foundation 25 years ago to focus on the rare genetic disease, he was lauded. But when he announced that he planned to start a company to find a cure, many were dubious. Drug companies have largely ignored neurofibromatosis, which is characterized by development of tumors along nerves, for several reasons—not the least because its symptoms vary widely across individuals and the tumors’ slow growth mean long clinical trials. Undeterred, Dr. Rubenstein’s company, Nexgenix, hired its first full-time scientist in July.

News Analysis

SARS Sequel?

False Positives

Morality Play

A Bitter Pill

Stress Test

» Rare Opportunity

Show and Tell

Joint by Joint

File-o-Facts

Columbia’s Lesson?

Briefly Noted