MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENT- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE World's First Dedicated Vitiligo BioBank VR Foundation is proud to present world’s first dedicated Vitiligo BioBank - a repository of genetic material from patients and related unaffected individuals, together with associated health records. The Vitiligo BioBank aims to promote coordinated large-scale biomarker discovery and validation, facilitate the identification of susceptibility genes, environmental and lifestyle factors and etiological pathways for vitiligo, and aid the design of treatments for this disease. The BioBank currently holds 150+ samples, including 75+ DNA profiles, with scheduled weekly additions. Vitiligo BioBank provides storage facilities for hair follicles, co-morbid diseases material, and the physical collection of material that may be vulnerable to disposal through completion of research projects. The Vitiligo BioBank is operated by the Center For Innovative Biotechnologies ALLELE based in Moscow, Russia. Importantly, it will work with the active participation of the Vitinomics.net patients’ community, and share benefits with them. VR Foundation is a non-profit philanthropic organization funding and fast-tracking medical research globally, firmly committed to curing Vitiligo. For further information : VR Foundation (www.vrfoundation.org - www.vitinomics.net ) General inquiries: Alessandra Fabbri Palmieri (a.palmieri@vrfoundation.org) Telephone Number: +39 328 6214588 Scientific inquiries: Dr. Igor Korobko, Chief Scientific Director (i.korobko@vrfoundation.org) Business & administration matters: Dr.Yan Valle, VRF CEO (yan@vrfoundation.org). Un abrazo: Luis Ponce de León (ASPAVIT)