Sohail Masood, PharmD
Founder
Dr. Sohail Masood is a well-known pioneer and serial
entrepreneur in the home infusion industry. Dr. Masood started one of the first home infusion pharmacies in California in 1990 after graduating from USC School of Pharmacy. Over the years,
his passion and drive have led him to develop several successful companies focused on the home infusion industry. His many philanthropic ventures over the years was a natural segway into
Dysimmune Diseases Foundation (DDF), where he continues to focus his energy and expertise on helping those who need it most.
W. King Engel, MD
Co-Chair
Dr. Engel’s research interests include diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disease. He received the prestigious Weir Mitchell Award from the American Academy of Neurology for pioneering the development of muscle biopsy as a new diagnostic and research tool for neuromuscular disorders. Dr. Engel serves on the executive committee/advisory board of the Research Group for Neuromuscular Disorders, World Federation of Neurology, Myasthenia Gravis Foundation, Myositis Association, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In 2002 he received a Life Achievement Award from the World Federation of Neurology and in 2006 he was honored with the Life Achievement Award from the Neuropathy Association.
Valerie Askanas, MD
Co-Chair
Dr. Askanas is the Co-Director at the USC Neuromuscular Center, Good Samaritan Hospital
and Professor of Neurology and Pathology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC
She is a neurology expert specializing in neuromuscular diseases, especially among the elderly.
Abdul R. Ahmed, MD
Member
A. Razzaque Ahmed, MD, DSc, MPA is a dermatologist who is locally and nationally recognized as an expert on blistering diseases. He is uniquely trained for treating blistering diseases, because he is trained in dermatology and oral medicine. He is a Professor of Dermatology at the Tufts University School of Medicine and Director of the Center for Blistering Diseases. Dr. Ahmed is credited with having pioneered the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and rituximab therapy in treating blistering diseases.
Marinos C. Dalakas, MD
Member
Dr. Dalakas is the Director of the Neuromuscular Disease Program at Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College.
His areas of clinical and research interests are broad but mostly focused on neuroimmunology, neurovirology, genetics, and immunotherapies in neurologic diseases with application and design of new therapies.