Copper(less) Committee
MIA's scientific advisory body, established March 2021. A multidisciplinary team of scientists, physicians, pharmacists and families working pro bono.
Mission
The Copper(less) Committee was established in March 2021 as the scientific advisory body of MIA. Its founding purpose was to develop the first dosing plan for human use for the exceptional treatment with elesclomol-copper (Es-Cu) for Menkes patients.
The committee comprises scientists, researchers, medical doctors, pharmacometricians, pharmacists, chemists, biologists and family members. All serve on a pro bono basis.
Elesclomol-Copper (Es-Cu) Exceptional Treatments
The committee develops and oversees the dosing plan for elesclomol-copper exceptional treatment for authorised patients — the first such protocol for human use.
Early Diagnosis Protocols
Developing and disseminating clinical protocols to improve early diagnosis of Menkes disease, including the bilingual brochure distributed to paediatricians worldwide.
Ongoing Research Projects
Members contribute to active research initiatives across genetics, pharmacology, biochemistry and clinical care.
Weekly Scientific Meetings
The committee meets every Friday at 16:00 CET to review cases, discuss treatment options and coordinate new initiatives.
Early Diagnosis Brochure
Produced by the Copper(less) Committee — available in English
Rules of Procedure
Internal operating rules of the Copper(less) Committee (signed)
NPP-Menkes — Free Treatment Program
Named-Patients Program with Elesclomol-Copper. 9 children treated in Spain and Switzerland. Treatment provided completely free of charge.
Committee Members
Census 2026
Francesc Palau
Chair
Pediatrician & Medical Geneticist, CSIC Research Professor · SJD Distinguished Investigator, Sant Joan de Déu Hospital and Research Institute
Barcelona, Spain
Vishal M. Gohil, Ph.D.
Vice-Chair
Professor and Chancellor EDGES Fellow, Dept. of Biochemistry and Biophysics · IHA Affiliate Member, Texas A&M University
College Station, TX, USA
Denis Broun
Rapporteur
Medical Director, Menkes International · Former WHO and World Bank Director · CEO, Givopax
Aurora Mateos
Secretary
Founder & President, Menkes International – Copper Rare Foundation
Málaga, Spain
Flor Rolleri
Technical Secretary
Medical Doctor, Servicio Valenciano de Salud · Menkes International – Copper Rare Foundation
CopperClinic
Reference physicians and clinicians, reporting to the Copper(less) Committee