CPRIT awards the first $61M in grants for cancer research

The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) awarded on January 20^th 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