Hoag Innovators-Funded Marfan Syndrome Program Assists Patients with Rare Disease

Expert Care Locally for Patients with Rare Disease

INVESTMENT DATE
Spring 2019

INVESTMENT AMOUNT
$250,000

THE CHALLENGE
Marfan syndrome and related conditions are rare and life-threatening genetic disorders that put patients at risk for aortic disease and dissection. Few programs exist in the U.S., so many patients must travel for expert care.

THE INNOVATION
World-renowned cardiologist Dr. David Liang, who was recruited from Stanford thanks in part to the investment provided by Hoag Innovators, leads Hoag's multidisciplinary team of experts at Hoag's comprehensive Marfan Syndrome & Related Conditions Program. The only comprehensive Marfan syndrome program in Southern California, it's also the only one at a community hospital in the United States.

THE RESULTS
• 82 families cared for with connective tissue disorders.
•  48% increase in patient volume from 2022 to 2023.
•  Hoag's program has diagnosed pathogenic mutations (connective tissue disorders) in 60 new patients.
•  The program is projected to complete over 250 genetic tests this year, a 25% increase from 2022.