Bruce I. Jacobs and Kenneth N. Levy, co-founders of Florham Park-based Jacobs Levy Equity Management, are putting their money on a sure investment – a new, personalized genomic medicine program at Morristown Medical Center – in honor of their firm’s 25
th anniversary.
The first of this magnitude in New Jersey, The Jacobs Levy Equity Management Personalized Genomic Medicine Program will evaluate genes and enable physicians to design personal treatment programs for patients suffering from rare diseases as well as common conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or cancer.
Early detection is often critical, and genomics can reveal a predisposition to genetic conditions before symptoms are apparent. With this foresight, physicians can help patients make environmental and lifestyle changes and suggest medications or surgery to delay or even prevent the onset of major illnesses.
“We are thankful for our rich history in Morris County. What better way to benefit our community and commemorate our quarter-century mark than by looking to the future and embracing this progressive technology,” says Mr. Jacobs.
“Our philanthropic philosophy is one of practical impact, what can be done now to help people and make a real difference in their lives,” says Mr. Levy.
Arnold Pallay, MD, director of Genomic Medicine at Morristown Medical, believes millions of people worldwide live with diseases that can be diagnosed early to improve outcomes.
“In many cases, disease is preventable, or the onset can be delayed, if predicted and diagnosed early enough,” says Dr. Pallay. “Genomics allows us to do precisely that – pinpoint the best treatment option with the highest success rate for a disease given an individual’s own history and health.”
“We are very grateful to Bruce Jacobs and Ken Levy for their foresight and generosity to the community they live in. We know this program will have a positive impact on the people we serve," says David Shulkin, MD, president of Morristown Medical.
The program began providing clinical services in October.
Pictured: (l-r) Dr. Arnold Pallay, Dr. David Shulkin, Dr. Bruce I. Jacobs and Mr. Kenneth N. Levy