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Gary M. Hellmann Ph.D. Joins FirmLogic as Molecular Toxicology Consultant

(May 2005) Gary Hellmann, Ph.D., MBA, joins FirmLogic as a Consultant in Molecular Toxicology. Dr. Hellmann has expertise in all matters relating to molecular biology and molecular genetics, and is likely to have a tremendous impact on how FirmLogic is able to help its clients investigate issues related to toxicology. The benefit of having a molecular toxicology consultant like Dr. Hellmann available lies in his ability to assist in the development of an effective and scientifically sound legal defense that is based on the latest scientific research and understanding of relevant issues. His knowledge and expertise helps clients gain key insight into disease processes that may form the basis for a number of defense strategies.

"Our clients find that having Gary involved in medical analysis offers several distinct advantages to the case," states Mike Lebo, president and CEO of FirmLogic. "His skills support sophisticated analyses and research techniques in a modern, professionally managed group. Our core medical personnel collaborate with attorneys and expert witnesses to solve unique research problems. We are able to provide our clients with sound methods of medical development, validation, and interpretation."

The landscape of toxic tort litigation is evolving rapidly in that more and more cases are hinging on the molecular details of toxic injury and disease processes. While many cases still involve the more traditional metrics of injury such as gross pathology, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry, an appreciation for the molecular underpinnings of these events provides the basis for an enhanced and detailed analysis and interpretation of case facts that may lead to novel approaches. Dr. Hellmann's years of research experience in both academic and industrial settings has yielded a deep knowledge and understanding of scientifically complex issues that are likely to bolster any case effort. Attorneys that deal with molecular toxicology issues are not expected to have intimate knowledge of the how and why of toxicology. Dr. Hellmann's experience as an instructor is invaluable in educating trial counsel regarding the scientific issues of a case. This same skill is used to consult and translate information between attorneys and expert witnesses and to gain their trust and confidence and help build cases. He has a unique talent when it comes to explaining the most complex science in the most simplistic terms.

Another responsibility of Dr. Hellmann is to stay current with molecular toxicology literature, research, academic, or otherwise. As and Adjunct Associate Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, he has close contact with principals in key areas, and has been a regular attendee and presenter at the annual meetings of the American Association for Cancer Research and Society of Toxicology. He also maintains ties to the regional scientific community in Research Triangle Park, the home of NIEHS and EPA.


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