| A Tribute: Hugo Moser, Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics, 1915–2007 |
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bridges vol. 14, July 2007 / News from the Network: Austrian Researchers Abroad
Hugo Moser
Moser devoted five decades of his life to the investigation of genetic disorders in children’s nervous systems. Since 1976 he had been a professor at The Johns Hopkins University, and was director of the renowned Neurogenetics Research Center at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore until 1988. His research on X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a rare and eventually deadly childhood disorder causing deterioration of the patient’s nervous system, was brought to public attention by the 1992 Hollywood movie, Lorenzo's Oil. The movie depicts the intertwined lives of Dr. Moser, authority in the field of nervous disorders, and the struggle of Augusto and his wife Michaela Odone to find a cure for their ALD-stricken son, Lorenzo. The self-taught Odones came up with a radically new treatment: an oil consisting of fatty acids found in olive and rapeseed oils. Shortly before his death, Moser’s 2005 study suggested a positive effect for Lorenzo’s oil, which is still regarded by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as experimental. In a touching tribute to Hugo Moser (to read all tributes made to Prof. Moser, please visit the Kennedy Krieger Insitute’s website dedicated to him), Augusto Odone reflects on his relationship to Moser, and offers an insight into the life story he and his family shared with Hugo Moser, a story that became known to people worldwide through Lorenzo’s Oil: Access to the full article is free, but requires you to register. Registration is simple and quick – all we need is your name and a valid e-mail address. We appreciate your interest in bridges. |
