LA BioMed to honor Emil D. Kakkis, M.D., Ph.D., and LA County Supervisor Don Knabe

The Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (LA BioMed) will honor Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe and Emil D. Kakkis, MD, PhD, founder and president of Kakkis EveryLife Foundation, as its "Spirit of Excellence" award winners at its annual Discovery Gala Nov. 6 at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes.

"We are so pleased to be honoring two outstanding men for the excellence each represents in his chosen field," said LA BioMed President and CEO David I. Meyer, PhD. "Dr. Kakkis is a renowned researcher who led a team of gifted scientists in developing a breakthrough treatment a life-threatening inherited disorder known as MPS I or Hurler-Scheie disease. Supervisor Knabe has excelled at serving the community and his constituents for more than a decade, and he's been a strong supporter of LA BioMed."

Dr. Kakkis is best known for his work over the last 18 years to develop novel treatments for neglected rare disorders. He began his work in a research bungalow at LA BioMed at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, working to develop an enzyme replacement therapy (Aldurazyme®) for the rare disorder, MPS I.

Supervisor Knabe was first elected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in November of 1996 and was overwhelmingly re-elected in 2000, 2004 and 2008. Supervisor Knabe represents the Fourth District, which is a uniquely diverse area that is home to more than 2 million residents. He has been a tremendous advocate for LA BioMed and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

"The theme of this year's Gala, 'The Art of Discovery,' celebrates the creative spirit, which is the essence of biomedical research and discovery," said Gala Co-Chair Jennifer Laity. "In bringing together our researchers and showcasing their discoveries, in the company of talented local artists and craftsmen, the Gala celebrates LA BioMed's innovative biomedical research, its continuing contributions to the community and the training it provides to ensure a better future with health care. With a beautiful new venue and these two wonderful honorees, this year's event promises to be an exciting, artistic and entertaining evening for all our guests."

Source: Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (LA BioMed)