Successful entrepreneur Jonathan Y. Dee founded and previously served as CEO and chairman of publicly listed Alliance Select Foods International, headquartered in Manila, Philippines. He grew the company from one operation into nine operations in five countries with more than 3,000 employees. Jonathan Y. Dee is also a co-founder of the nonprofit Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines.

People with Down syndrome commonly experience challenges in memory and learning, and have higher proportions of immune and blood disorders, heart and thyroid disease, in addition to a recognizable facial appearance. John Hopkins Medicine researchers reported in the June 29, 2020, edition of the eLife Sciences journal that they have reproduced a mouse with Down syndrome. This has long been viewed as one of the most difficult disorders to replicate in laboratory animals.

Compared to many other genetic dispositions, Down syndrome is exceedingly more complicated, hindering treatment development. Researchers are hopeful the recent breakthrough will serve as an excellent initial base to develop novel strategies to assist individuals with Down syndrome. Scientists from around the world often utilize mouse models to study human conditions to further the search for treatments and medicines.