The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) awarded on
January 20th the first $61 million in grants for cancer
research projects at academic institutions and private companies
throughout Texas. These are the inaugural grants of the $3 billion to be
invested in cancer research in Texas over the next ten years.
“I support the efforts of the Cancer Prevention and
Research Institute of Texas and look forward to the innovations and
discoveries these funds will achieve.”
“Texas continues to be on the forefront of cancer research and treatment
thanks to the dedicated work of our medical and research communities,
and the overwhelming support of voters who approved the creation and
funding of CPRIT in 2007,” Gov. Perry said. “The groundbreaking ideas
created as a result of these investments will bring us one step closer
to finding a cure for this indiscriminate killer.”
The 66 research projects, selected from nearly 900 proposals submitted
to the Institute, underwent extensive scientific review by a team of
more than 100 scientific experts. The research projects will investigate
the causes and potential treatments for a wide range of cancers
including brain, breast, blood, cervical, colon, liver, lung, ovarian,
and prostate cancer. A majority of the selected projects are considered
translational research focused on moving the discoveries quickly from
the laboratory to the patient.
"Virtually every Texas family has felt the devastation cancer can cause;
that's why I'm so hopeful the investment the state is making in the
Cancer Prevention and Research Institute will result in life-saving
preventions and cures for this horrible disease. That's also why it's
vital that every taxpayer dollar spent by CPRIT is spent wisely and
efficiently in this effort to beat cancer,” Lt. Governor David Dewhurst
stated.
All CPRIT-funded research will be conducted in state by Texas-based
scientists. The proposals selected represent institutions, foundations,
public and private companies from all parts of the state and reflect
CPRIT’s mission to attract and expand the state’s research capabilities
and create high quality new jobs in Texas.
"Texas is now at the forefront of the fight against cancer," said
Speaker Joe Straus. "I support the efforts of the Cancer Prevention and
Research Institute of Texas and look forward to the innovations and
discoveries these funds will achieve."
CPRIT also approved the second CPRIT Scholar in Cancer
Research award, this time for the recruitment of an outstanding
candidate to join the staff at University of Texas Health Science Center
at San Antonio. The CPRIT Scholar in Cancer Research
program recruits exceptional researchers to Texas universities and/or
cancer research institutions in the state to enhance innovative programs
of excellence by providing scientific and programmatic support for
promising first-time, tenure-track faculty; rising stars or established
outstanding investigators.
“The eyes of Texas and the nation are truly upon CPRIT and we will make
the most of this opportunity to change the face of cancer,” said Jimmy
Mansour, Chairman of the CPRIT Oversight Committee.
Texas voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment in 2007
establishing the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas
(CPRIT) and authorizing the state to issue $3 billion in bonds to fund
groundbreaking cancer research and prevention programs and services in
Texas. CPRIT’s goal is to expedite innovation and commercialization in
the area of cancer research and to enhance access to evidence-based
prevention programs and services throughout the state. CPRIT accepts
applications and awards grants for a wide variety of cancer-related
research and for the delivery of cancer prevention programs and services
by public and private entities located in Texas. More information about
CPRIT and the funded proposals is available at its website, www.cprit.state.tx.us.
January 20, 2010 CPRIT Research Awards
High Impact/High Risk: Short term projects that are developmental
or exploratory in nature targeting new avenues of cancer research that,
if successful, will contribute to major new insights into the etiology,
diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of cancers.
Total monies awarded: $ 2,596,950
Individual Investigator: Innovative research proposals directed
by a single investigator addressing critically important questions that
will significantly advance knowledge of the causes, preventions and/or
treatment of cancer.
Total monies awarded: $ 56,311,597
Recruitment (First Time, Tenure Track, Rising Stars and
Superstars) Awards tailored to the career stage of the targeted recruits
for relocation to Texas.
Total monies awarded: $ 2,000,000
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