Benaroya Research Institute

Congratulations to GentiBio on this important milestone — dosing the first participant in the POLARIS trial. We’re excited to see this approach move into clinical evaluation for type 1 diabetes (T1D) 👏

This work builds on years of collaboration and discovery — including contributions from many BRI scientists led by Jane Buckner, MD, BRI president and scientific cofounder of GentiBio, alongside partners at Seattle Children's.

At BRI, we’ve long worked to understand how the immune system can be rebalanced in immune system diseases like T1D. We’re encouraged by this progress and its potential to preserve the body’s natural insulin production and improve lives.

Learn more: bri-news.short.gy/J1I295

GentiBio has successfully dosed the first participant in our clinical trial, the POLARIS Study, for adults recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). We are incredibly proud to announce this meaningful milestone for our team and community.

This achievement marks a critical step in advancing our research and would not have been possible without the dedication of the entire GentiBio team, current and former members, along with our clinical investigators, partners, and most importantly, the individuals who participate in clinical research.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their expertise and commitment to achieving this moment. We look forward to continuing the trial as we work to better understand and improve outcomes for people living with T1D.

Read the full announcement: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gentibio-announces-first-participant-dosed-in-polaris-phase-1-clinical-trial-of-gnti-122-in-recently-diagnosed-type-1-diabetes-302716586.html?tc=eml_cleartime

Learn more about the POLARIS Study: https://www.polarisstudy.com/

Applications are open for our 2026 summer internship program! 🔬📚✏️

We encourage undergraduate students to apply and join us in advancing research that improves the lives of people affected by autoimmune disease and other immune system conditions, including cancer, allergies and asthma.

Our in-person, eight-week program gives interns the opportunity to go beyond the classroom and gain hands-on research experience alongside our scientists. Students work directly with a lab mentor, perform experiments and/or analyze data, attend lab meetings and guest lectures, and take part in journal clubs and an end-of-summer intern symposium.

🗓️ Program dates: June 22–August 14, 2026

⏰ Application deadline: February 13, 2026

📣 Accepted applicants will be notified no later than March 13, 2026.

📌 If you’re passionate about science and interested in research that advances our understanding of immune system diseases, we encourage you to learn more and apply today: bri-news.short.gy/baBfPT

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects about 1.5 million Americans — including PGA TOUR Champions professional golfer Jerry Kelly ⛳️🏌

Ahead of the 2025 Boeing Classic, BRI President and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health rheumatologist Jane Buckner, MD, sat down with Jerry to talk BRI research, life with RA, and golf.

Watch now:

Jane Buckner and Jerry Kelly Talk Research, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Golf BRI President Jane Buckner and PGA TOUR Champions Professional Golfer Jerry Kelly talk research, rheumatoid arthritis and golf ahead of the 2025 Boeing Classic.

BRI is honored to be among the first recipients of grants announced today by the Fund for Science and Technology (FFST), made possible by the estate of Paul G. Allen.

The FFST is a new Seattle-based foundation that will support transformational science and technology for people and the planet.

At BRI, this funding will support 11 biorepositories — an essential engine behind groundbreaking discoveries in human immunology — as well as our bioinformaticians who analyze the vast datasets derived from this resource.

Read the full announcement: bri-news.short.gy/m9ACQK

It’s not too late — support BRI by making your 2025 gift by midnight tonight ⬇️

2025, Washington’s largest annual online giving event, is here! 🎉

Make a gift to BRI today to power discoveries that will allow us to predict, prevent, reverse and cure diseases of the immune system — and ultimately, achieve our vision of a healthy immune system for everyone: bit.ly/3vtOhii

GiveBig 2025, hosted by Washington Gives and powered by 501 Commons, runs from Tuesday, May 6, through Wednesday, May 7.

Thank you for choosing to support BRI! 🩵🔬

2025, Washington’s largest annual online giving event, is here! 🎉

Make a gift to BRI today to power discoveries that will allow us to predict, prevent, reverse and cure diseases of the immune system — and ultimately, achieve our vision of a healthy immune system for everyone: bit.ly/3vtOhii

GiveBig 2025, hosted by Washington Gives and powered by 501 Commons, runs from Tuesday, May 6, through Wednesday, May 7.

Thank you for choosing to support BRI! 🩵🔬

This afternoon at 4 p.m. PDT, BRI Advisory Board Member Gretchen Schoenstein will host BRI President Jane Buckner, MD, on her KSVY Sonoma radio show, Finish Line Moments 🎙️

Tune in for a special interview in honor of Autoimmune Awareness Month: bit.ly/3DyqxRQ

This Tuesday on Finish Line Moments (March 12th, 4-5 PM)

As part of Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month, join Gretchen Schoenstein for a special series of interviews highlighting incredible experts and advocates in the autoimmune space. This Tuesday, Dr. Jane Buckner, President of the Benaroya Research Institute (BRI), will share her wealth of knowledge on groundbreaking research advancing our understanding of autoimmune diseases.

https://ksvy.org/finish-line-moments/

What to expect:

Insight into cutting-edge autoimmune disease research
How genetics, immunology, and clinical medicine are transforming treatment
The hope and progress emerging for those affected by autoimmune diseases
Dr. Buckner has been at the forefront of immunology research for over two decades and is a practicing rheumatologist at Virginia Mason Medical Center. Her work is helping to shape a brighter future for those with autoimmune conditions.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation! Tune in Tuesday, March 12th from 4-5 PM on KSVY Sonoma 91.3 FM Or listen online at https://ksvy.org/finish-line-moments/

Let’s raise awareness, inspire action, and support the fight for better research and treatment during Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month!