Joseph L. Dowling III, of Narragansett Asset Management (Stamford, Conn.), has been named vice president and chief investment officer of Brown University. Dowling will take up his duties at Brown in June 2013. As Brown's vice president and chief investment officer, Dowling will work directly with the Investment Committee of the Brown Corporation to develop and implement an investment strategy for the University's Long Term Pool. He will lead the University's Investment Office, maintaining and managing a team of investment professionals that supports the Corporation's Investment Committee and the University's strategic priorities. Dowling will also serve with other senior officers as a member of the President's Executive Committee. Dowling and the Investment Office will identify, select, and monitor investments to ensure that risk-adjusted returns and liquidity profiles conform to the University's investment strategy. Dowling will also be responsible for communicating investment policies, performance, and practice to the larger University community of alumni, faculty, staff, and students. Kenneth Shimberg, managing director, will continue to serve as Brown's interim CIO until Dowling begins his work at Brown.

Advaxis Inc. announced that the Brown University Oncology Research Group (BrUOG) will be coordinating a Phase 1/2 study of ADXS-HPV in 25 patients with HPV-associated anal cancer. Dr. Howard Safran, professor of medicine, will be principal investigator. Patients will be treated at Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital (the main teaching hospitals of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University). Multiple institutions will collaborate. This non-randomized, open-label, multi-center study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ADXS-HPV when combined with standard chemotherapy and radiation treatment for anal cancer. The primary objectives of the trial include the evaluation of adverse events and the evaluation of 6-month clinical response. The study is expected to open for enrollment February 2013. The investigation of ADXS-HPV across a number of indications and in combination with other therapies will help learn how best to use Advaxis immunotherapy to benefit patients with HPV-associated cancers. The anal cancer study will continue to build the safety and efficacy profile of immunotherapy platform.

Parios Regenerative Sciences Inc. has entered into a comprehensive license agreement with Brown University, licensing exclusive rights to a proprietary organic nanotechnology for use in dermatological applications. The nanotechnology, Oderm(TM), has clinical relevance in cosmetic skin rejuvenation, dermatological applications, and advanced wound care. Under the terms of the agreement, Parios has obtained an exclusive license to a platform of intellectual property and technologies co-developed by Dr. Thomas Webster, former associate professor of engineering at Brown. The Oderm(TM) biomaterial consists of organic nanomolecules that self-assemble into structures resembling collagen -- a major component of skin. Using these organic structures to replace degenerated or damaged skin encourages the growth of natural tissue. The company's goal is to provide off-the-shelf materials that regenerate healthy and functional tissue and offer a repair that lasts the life of the patient.