What is PNDRI?

The Pacific Northwest Diabetes Research Institute was established as Pacific Northwest Research Foundation in 1956 by Dr. William B. Hutchinson, Sr., as the first private non-profit biomedical and clinical research institute in the Northwest. As Founder and first Director, Dr. Hutchinson's primary objective was to provide a facility for basic and clinical research dedicated to the improvement of patient care. Today, the Institute is committed especially to the prevention and cure of diabetes.

PNDRI employs more than 85 researchers and scientists in 6 investigative teams. Two of its principal scientists are members of the National Academy of Sciences. PNDRI collaborates actively with researchers around the world. Its results are highly regarded by peer scientists, and its work is supported by the most prestigious government and private funding agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and the American Diabetes Association.

Visit our Press Room for more information:

• Fact Sheet
• Timeline of PNDRI Achievements
• 2007 Progress Report (1,340KB PDF)

Areas of Research

Biochemistry, molecular biology, and immunology—these sciences and others help PNDRI investigate T-cell tolerance in autoimmune disease, glycosylation, DNA lesions, the mechanisms of pancreatic beta cells, general population screening for type 1 diabetes, glucose and lipid toxicity, and pancreas and islet transplantation.

Clinical Studies

Scientists at PNDRI engage in clinical as well as basic research. Some of their studies have targeted early detection of breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer. Currently, among other investigations, they are collaborating in a multi-center trial of an immune suppressive drug designed to preserve beta cell function. They are also leading a consortium of Northwest research and healthcare organizations conducting human islet transplants.

Scientific Director

William A. Hagopian, M.D., Ph.D., is PNDRI's current Scientific Director. Prior to coming to PNDRI Dr. Hagopian was Director of the Pancreatic Islet Satellite Core of the Diabetes Endocrinology Research Center at the University of Washington. He is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington, and serves on several grant review committees at the National Institutes of Health.

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees page (requires login)

• Richard J. Omata, Chair
• Ardythe Johnson, Vice Chair
• Gilliat G.Schroeder, Jr., Treasurer
• Dan Caldwell, Secretary
• Sarah Armstrong
• Karl L. Aschenbach
• Lois Jean Broadway
• Barry Erickson
• Juanita M. Garrison
• Carol L. Heimkes
• Lynn Kern
• James M. Norman
• Jerry P. Palmer, M.D.
• Doug Shaw

PNDRI's Mission