PFF establishes Research Fund to Cure Pulmonary Fibrosis

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) announced today that it has established the PFF Research Fund to Cure Pulmonary Fibrosis, a fund created to support research that will assist in the development of successful therapies for pulmonary fibrosis (PF). PF is a progressive and ultimately fatal lung disease that affects more than 200,000 Americans, and takes an estimated 40,000 lives each year. The primary goal of the Fund is to help identify new treatments, and ultimately a cure for PF

There are currently no FDA-approved therapies to treat PF, and there is no known cure. The Research Fund to Cure Pulmonary Fibrosis has been established to support projects in the areas of basic science, clinical research, or translational research.

"The Foundation is pleased to be able to establish the Research Fund, which will be a critical part of our mission to cure pulmonary fibrosis for years to come," said Daniel M. Rose, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. "We sincerely hope that these new Awards, and future Awards, will help provide the necessary research that will advance our understanding of PF and related conditions, and eventually lead to a cure."

In 2012, four recipients will receive Awards totaling $200,000:

• Young Investigator Awards - $100,000 to be given over two years. This award category was established to encourage young investigators (researchers within 5 years of completion of their formal training) to maintain and enhance their interest in PF research during the early stages of their academic career.
• Established Investigator Awards - $100,000 to be given over two years for established investigators to explore preliminary innovative areas of research that may not yet be eligible for an NIH grant.

Further details for each Award category, including specific criteria for investigator eligibility and an annual calendar of deadlines, are available on the PFF's website at www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org.

The Chairman of the Research Advisory Committee is Jesse Roman, M.D., Chairman of the Department of Medicine at the University of Louisville (Louisville, KY). The Research Advisory Committee is comprised of respected PF researchers who are recognized leaders in the field. Applications will be scored based on their scientific merit, originality, and responsiveness to the specific purpose of each Award category.

"Once again the PFF has stepped up to the plate to address a very important need - support for innovative research in lung fibrosis and the recruitment/retention of talented investigators into this field. Investing in research and future leaders in pulmonary fibrosis research is critical for promoting advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of lung fibrosis. It is an honor to support this important endeavor," said Dr. Roman.