Fuji 
Laurie Savage becomes Executive Director, having served for 9 years as Director of Programs and 3 years as Associate Director.
TASC Genetic Study identifies two new genes, ERAP1 and IL23R, which play a role in susceptibility to spondylitis. This is the most significant breakthrough in AS research
since HLA-B27 was uncovered 34 years ago and SAA plays a significant role in making the study possible. SAA oversees the nationwide recruitment of patients and families for the study. Together with HLA-B27, these genes account for roughly 70 percent of the overall cause of the disease.
The Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA) is signed into law. SAA contributes to the effort to bring about this important legislation through its participation in the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) Coalition, which had actively lobbied for the bill’s passage since its inception in 1997.
