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Jouni Uitto, M.D., Ph.D, professor and chair, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, and professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, has been awarded the 2009 Astellas Award for outstanding research on inheritable skin diseases. Dr. Uitto and his team have made several breakthroughs in diagnosis and management of epidermolysis bullosa, a rare genetic skin disease characterized by the presence of extremely fragile skin and recurrent blister formation. These discoveries include the first mutations analyses, DNA-based prenatal diagnostic test and the ability to use stem-cell transplantation as a treatment. Dr. Uitto formally received the award March 6, 2009 at the 67^th American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting held in San Francisco, CA.

“I am honored to be recognized by my peers,” said Dr. Uitto. “It is certainly a reflection of all the great people I have trained and worked with over the years.”

The award is made possible through the generous support of the Astellas USA Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing medical research and related sciences.

Dr. Uitto is internationally recognized for his research on connective tissue biochemistry and molecular biology in relation to cutaneous diseases. He has been professor and chair of the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology at Jefferson Medical College since 1986. Dr. Uitto is also director of the Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University.

His publications include 584 original articles in peer-reviewed journals, seven manuscripts submitted for publication, 262 textbook chapters and review articles, and 875 abstracts which have been presented at national and international meetings. He is also a member of several professional societies, including the American Society for Clinical Investigation, the American Dermatological Association, and the Association of American Physicians, and has been the recipient of numerous awards and honorary doctorate degrees in the past.

Editors Note: Dr. Uitto resides in Gladwyne, PA.