Showing posts with label Department of Defense. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Department of Defense. Show all posts
August 24, 2011
The U.S. Department of Defense Awards $2.3 Million in Funding for Lupus Research
The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) Congratulates Trine Jorgensen, Ph.D., Cleveland Clinic Foundation and I-Cheng Ho, M.D., Ph.D., Brigham and Women’s Hospital
(Washington, DC- August 23, 2011) TheLupus Foundation of America (LFA) congratulates Trine Jorgensen, Ph.D., Assistant Staff, Department of Immunology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation and I-Cheng Ho, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Physician, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, for being selected to receive research grants totaling $2.3 million from the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Congressionally Directed Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP).
The DoD awarded Dr. I-Cheng Ho $1.2 million to fund a study that will examine a protein called Ets1 to determine if it can counteract the disease process of lupus. It is believed that the function of Ets1 may be impaired in people with lupus, and this research may help to better understand the cause of lupus.
Dr. Trine Jorgensen was awarded $1.1 million to further study why females are disproportionately affected by lupus. Nine out of ten people with lupus are female-a disparity that remains unexplained. Dr. Jorgensen’s studies will explore the role of a population of immunosuppressive cells in the development of lupus, and analyze related mechanisms of disease suppression as it may occur in males.
Through its advocacy initiatives that began in 2003, the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) pioneered efforts to have lupus included as a disease area eligible for research funding through the PRMRP. The LFA has continued to demonstrate to Congress the relevance of lupus research to military personnel and their dependents. These efforts have opened an additional source of much-needed funds to support research on lupus. To date, $11.8 million has been awarded to lupus researchers through the PRMRP.
Funding for lupus research through the DoD and other relevant federal agencies has been a long-recognized priority for LFA advocacy efforts. Due to the changing demographics of the military population, there is an ever-increasing prevalence of lupus in military. The LFA recognized this emerging health issue and worked to have lupus included in the PRMRP to advance research on lupus, which ultimately will help military personnel and their families affected by lupus.
To learn more, visit the DoD’s Congressionally Directed Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program’s Web site at http://cdmrp.army.mil/prmrp/.
Learn more about LFA advocacy initiatives or LFA-funded research.
June 22, 2009
Lupus Foundation of America Urges Department of Defense (DoD) to Expand Medical Research on Lupus
Foundation’s CEO Testifies Before Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee
Last Friday, Sandra C. Raymond, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Lupus Foundation of America, appeared before the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee to testify about lupus, the prototypical autoimmune disease that principally affects young women in their child-bearing years. Ms. Raymond also described the impact of the disease on men and young children and the disproportionate impact of the disease on African-Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and American Indians. She pointed out that this health disparity remains unexplained. Of the 17 national institutions and organizations that testified at the hearing, the Lupus Foundation of America was one of only five major disease-specific health organizations to present testimony.
In her remarks, Ms. Raymond reported on the genes linked to lupus and how they are triggered by environmental, hormonal and stress factors which, in the American service men and women may be exacerbated by intense training, foreign deployment, exposure to chemical agents, battle and more. Raymond thanked the Committee for including lupus in the Congressionally-directed Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program and asked that the disease remain in the program.
During her appearance, she pointed out that lupus is a significant health issue of concern in the military and in the population at large. She said that the disease is largely undiagnosed and that there was an urgent and unmet need to validate biological markers that can detect lupus in the early stages of the disease. She asked the Committee to consider providing a special focus on research to validate lupus biomarkers which could lead to a screening test for lupus.
Since 2005, the Department of Defense (DoD) has provided more than $7.1 million in new funding to support important studies on lupus and lupus biomarkers through the Congressionally-directed Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program. Four of the six DoD grants awarded to date have specifically focused on lupus biomarkers studies.
Last Friday, Sandra C. Raymond, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Lupus Foundation of America, appeared before the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee to testify about lupus, the prototypical autoimmune disease that principally affects young women in their child-bearing years. Ms. Raymond also described the impact of the disease on men and young children and the disproportionate impact of the disease on African-Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and American Indians. She pointed out that this health disparity remains unexplained. Of the 17 national institutions and organizations that testified at the hearing, the Lupus Foundation of America was one of only five major disease-specific health organizations to present testimony.
In her remarks, Ms. Raymond reported on the genes linked to lupus and how they are triggered by environmental, hormonal and stress factors which, in the American service men and women may be exacerbated by intense training, foreign deployment, exposure to chemical agents, battle and more. Raymond thanked the Committee for including lupus in the Congressionally-directed Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program and asked that the disease remain in the program.
During her appearance, she pointed out that lupus is a significant health issue of concern in the military and in the population at large. She said that the disease is largely undiagnosed and that there was an urgent and unmet need to validate biological markers that can detect lupus in the early stages of the disease. She asked the Committee to consider providing a special focus on research to validate lupus biomarkers which could lead to a screening test for lupus.
Since 2005, the Department of Defense (DoD) has provided more than $7.1 million in new funding to support important studies on lupus and lupus biomarkers through the Congressionally-directed Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program. Four of the six DoD grants awarded to date have specifically focused on lupus biomarkers studies.
January 30, 2009
LFA Congratulates Dr. Joseph Ahearn for Receiving DoD Grant for Research on Lupus Biomarkers
The Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. (LFA) congratulates Joseph M. Ahearn, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine and Co-Director of the Lupus Center of Excellence at the University of Pittsburgh, for being selected to receive a research grant from the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Congressionally Directed Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP). The DoD award will fund the Lupus Center of Excellence’s ongoing studies on lupus biomarkers.Biomarkers are specific biochemicals found in the body which are structured in a way that make them useful for diagnosing a disease, measuring its progress or measuring the effects of treatment. Research on lupus biomarkers is a key area of scientific interest for the LFA.
Dr. Ahearn also is the recipient of a research grant from the LFA for a study on lupus biomarkers, "Biomarkers for Diagnosis, Monitoring and Prognosis in Pediatric Lupus." This is the first study in which biomarkers for lupus are being investigated in both adults and children. Dr. Ahearn is one of two lupus investigators to receive grants through the LFA’s newly established Michael Jon Barlin Pediatric Lupus Research Program. The LFA is the only national voluntary health organization with a research program specifically dedicated to studies on lupus in children. Read more about this research initiative and Dr. Ahearn’s research study.
Through its advocacy initiatives that began in 2003, the LFA pioneered efforts to have lupus and lupus biomarkers included as disease areas eligible for research funding through the PRMRP. The LFA made a persuasive case to DoD officials that described the relevance of lupus research to military personnel and their dependents. These efforts have opened a new source of much needed funds to support research on lupus.
Since including lupus and lupus biomarkers among the areas approved for funding, the PRMRP has awarded six grants totaling more than $6 million in new funding to support important studies. Four of the six DoD grants have specifically been awarded for studies on lupus biomarkers.
The development of new biomarkers for lupus could have profound benefits in obtaining U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for new, safe and more tolerable therapies for lupus, not only by providing the sophisticated level of guidance needed so that these agents will work optimally, but also by simultaneously providing objective measurements to demonstrate if the new treatment is working. More targeted therapies, or even better biomarkers to guide existing treatments, will allow physicians to treat lupus while avoiding the sometimes devastating side effects caused by current methods used to control the disease.
Funding for lupus research through the DoD and all other relevant federal agencies has been a long-recognized priority for LFA advocacy efforts. Due to the changing demographics of the military population, there is an ever-increasing prevalence of lupus in military and Veterans Hospital Clinics. The LFA recognized this emerging health issue and worked to have lupus included in the PRMRP to advance research on lupus, which ultimately will help military personnel and their families affected by lupus.
To learn more, visit the DoD’s Congressionally Directed Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program’s Web site at http://cdmrp.army.mil/prmrp/
Learn more about LFA advocacy initiatives or LFA-funded research.
Watch a video interview with Dr. Joseph Ahearn, Director of the Lupus Center of Excellence at the University of Pittsburgh. Below, he discusses his LFA-supported research study, "Biomarkers for Diagnosis, Monitoring and Prognosis in Pediatric SLE."
October 24, 2008
Congress Reaffirms Support and Continues Funding For Lupus Research, Education and Patient Registry
Congress has again provided funding for critically important lupus research and education programs advocated by the Lupus Foundation of America. President Bush recently signed the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of 2009 (H.R. 2638). This legislation continues funding for important lupus programs, including basic, clinical and epidemiological research, and public education and awareness initiatives.
These programs include:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
In 2003, the LFA successfully advocated to have Congress provide funding for the CDC to expand the National Lupus Patient Registry (NLPR). LFA efforts have led Congress to triple funding of the NLPR since its inception. The NLPR will be funded at their current level of $3.122 million through March 6, 2009.
The NLPR is integral to completing the first national epidemiological study to determine the true national incidence and prevalence of lupus among all populations, and for determining the burden of the disease on individuals, families and society. This information also is important to LFAs efforts to stimulate additional investment by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to develop safe and effective therapies for lupus. It has been nearly 50 years since a new drug has been approved specifically for lupus and the LFA is supporting several initiatives to address this serious problem.
Department of Health and Human Services Department Office on Women’s Health
The appropriations legislation also continues funding for the Office of Women’s Health for initiatives to improve public awareness of lupus and conduct education projects on lupus. These efforts help to improve the early diagnosis and treatment of lupus, one of the LFA’s highest priorities.
In 2007 the LFA collaborated with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health and The Advertising Council to develop the first ever national public advertising campaign on lupus. The campaign is a three-year, $2.3 million effort to increase public awareness and understanding of lupus with an emphasis on populations most at risk for developing the disease.
The U.S. Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP).
The recently enacted legislation provides continued funding for the PRMRP through the end of the 2009 fiscal year. Lupus again is one of the diseases eligible to receive this research funding. To date, $5.8 million has been awarded for lupus research, including three studies on lupus biomarkers totaling $3.1 million.
The LFA first proposed a PRMRP research program on lupus biomarkers to members of the House Appropriations Committee in 2004. Validated biomarkers for lupus are necessary to develop screening tools to detect undiagnosed cases of lupus and improve monitoring of response to treatment. Recognizing the relevance of lupus to thousands of military personnel and their dependents, Congress responded by authorizing PRMRP funding for lupus studies starting in Fiscal Year 2005. The LFA has continued to advocate for the program each year through its public policy initiatives.
LFA Advocacy Efforts Improve Quality of Life for People affected by Lupus
Funding for lupus research and education programs supported through federal agencies has been a long-recognized priority for LFA advocacy efforts. “Each year, LFA brings more than 350 lupus advocates to Washington, including people with lupus, their families, physicians, and lupus researchers, to advocate for more funding for lupus research and education programs,” said Sandra Raymond, LFA President and CEO.
“LFA-led advocacy initiatives have opened new sources of much-needed funds to support research on lupus, provide for improved government services for those living with lupus, and increase public awareness to improve early diagnosis and treatment of lupus. The LFA will continue to work with congressional and administrative leaders to further expand federal support for lupus initiatives so people with lupus can have hope that more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure can be found.”
These programs include:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
In 2003, the LFA successfully advocated to have Congress provide funding for the CDC to expand the National Lupus Patient Registry (NLPR). LFA efforts have led Congress to triple funding of the NLPR since its inception. The NLPR will be funded at their current level of $3.122 million through March 6, 2009.
The NLPR is integral to completing the first national epidemiological study to determine the true national incidence and prevalence of lupus among all populations, and for determining the burden of the disease on individuals, families and society. This information also is important to LFAs efforts to stimulate additional investment by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to develop safe and effective therapies for lupus. It has been nearly 50 years since a new drug has been approved specifically for lupus and the LFA is supporting several initiatives to address this serious problem.
Department of Health and Human Services Department Office on Women’s Health
The appropriations legislation also continues funding for the Office of Women’s Health for initiatives to improve public awareness of lupus and conduct education projects on lupus. These efforts help to improve the early diagnosis and treatment of lupus, one of the LFA’s highest priorities.
In 2007 the LFA collaborated with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health and The Advertising Council to develop the first ever national public advertising campaign on lupus. The campaign is a three-year, $2.3 million effort to increase public awareness and understanding of lupus with an emphasis on populations most at risk for developing the disease.
The U.S. Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP).
The recently enacted legislation provides continued funding for the PRMRP through the end of the 2009 fiscal year. Lupus again is one of the diseases eligible to receive this research funding. To date, $5.8 million has been awarded for lupus research, including three studies on lupus biomarkers totaling $3.1 million.
The LFA first proposed a PRMRP research program on lupus biomarkers to members of the House Appropriations Committee in 2004. Validated biomarkers for lupus are necessary to develop screening tools to detect undiagnosed cases of lupus and improve monitoring of response to treatment. Recognizing the relevance of lupus to thousands of military personnel and their dependents, Congress responded by authorizing PRMRP funding for lupus studies starting in Fiscal Year 2005. The LFA has continued to advocate for the program each year through its public policy initiatives.
LFA Advocacy Efforts Improve Quality of Life for People affected by Lupus
Funding for lupus research and education programs supported through federal agencies has been a long-recognized priority for LFA advocacy efforts. “Each year, LFA brings more than 350 lupus advocates to Washington, including people with lupus, their families, physicians, and lupus researchers, to advocate for more funding for lupus research and education programs,” said Sandra Raymond, LFA President and CEO.
“LFA-led advocacy initiatives have opened new sources of much-needed funds to support research on lupus, provide for improved government services for those living with lupus, and increase public awareness to improve early diagnosis and treatment of lupus. The LFA will continue to work with congressional and administrative leaders to further expand federal support for lupus initiatives so people with lupus can have hope that more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure can be found.”
April 21, 2008
Lupus Funding Available through Dept. of Defense Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program
Hey everyone ...
It's a completely soggy morning here in DC. It's raining like nobody's business. Before I jump into lupus news, I did want to give a special shout-out to the Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Washington Chapter, which hosted its Walk for Lupus Now walk this past Saturday.
The Walk went very well. The weather was perfect. There was a fantastic turnout. I don't think it was possible to have asked for a better day! I do also want to say "congrats" to my colleagues in that chapter -- Penny Fletcher, Elizabeth Muniot and Sarah Guy. You all did a phenomenal job!
Donations are still being accepted for the LFA, Greater Washington Chapter's Walk. You can make your donation here.
And now, to other lupus news.
Wick
Lupus Funding Available through Dept. of Defense Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program
The Department of Defense (DoD) has once again issued a Request for Proposals for medical research studies to be funded through the Congressionally Directed Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP). Through its advocacy initiatives that began in 2003, the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) pioneered efforts to have lupus and lupus biomarkers included as disease areas eligible for research funding through the PRMRP. The LFA made a persuasive case to DoD officials that described the relevance of lupus research to military personnel and their dependents. These efforts have opened a new source of much needed funds to support research on lupus.
The LFA is pleased that Congress has appropriated another $50 million in 2008 for the PRMRP, enabling funding of additional studies on lupus. Since including lupus and lupus biomarkers among the areas approved for funding, the PRMRP has awarded $5 million in new funding to support important studies. Last year, the PRMRP funded three new studies and two studies were funded in 2006.
According to the Department of Defense, the PRMRP was established in 1999 to provide support for military health-related research of clear scientific merit. Appropriations for the PRMRP from Fiscal Year (FY) 1999 through FY 2006 totaled $344.5 million.
The PRMRP program announcements reports that the vision of the FY08 program is “to find and fund the best medical research to protect, support, and advance the health and welfare of military personnel and all beneficiaries.” DoD officials seek “innovative ideas to foster new directions in basic science and translational research; novel product development leading to improved therapeutic or diagnostic tools, or improvements in clinical policies/guidelines; or clinical trials that address an immediate clinical need.
Funding for lupus research through the DoD and all other relevant federal agencies has been a long-recognized priority for LFA advocacy efforts. Due to the changing demographics of the military population, there is an ever-increasing prevalence of lupus in military and Veterans Hospital Clinics. The LFA recognized this emerging health issue and worked to have lupus included in the PRMRP to advance research on lupus, which ultimately will help military personnel and their families affected by lupus.
It's a completely soggy morning here in DC. It's raining like nobody's business. Before I jump into lupus news, I did want to give a special shout-out to the Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Washington Chapter, which hosted its Walk for Lupus Now walk this past Saturday.
The Walk went very well. The weather was perfect. There was a fantastic turnout. I don't think it was possible to have asked for a better day! I do also want to say "congrats" to my colleagues in that chapter -- Penny Fletcher, Elizabeth Muniot and Sarah Guy. You all did a phenomenal job!
Donations are still being accepted for the LFA, Greater Washington Chapter's Walk. You can make your donation here.
And now, to other lupus news.
Wick
Lupus Funding Available through Dept. of Defense Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program
The Department of Defense (DoD) has once again issued a Request for Proposals for medical research studies to be funded through the Congressionally Directed Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP). Through its advocacy initiatives that began in 2003, the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) pioneered efforts to have lupus and lupus biomarkers included as disease areas eligible for research funding through the PRMRP. The LFA made a persuasive case to DoD officials that described the relevance of lupus research to military personnel and their dependents. These efforts have opened a new source of much needed funds to support research on lupus.
The LFA is pleased that Congress has appropriated another $50 million in 2008 for the PRMRP, enabling funding of additional studies on lupus. Since including lupus and lupus biomarkers among the areas approved for funding, the PRMRP has awarded $5 million in new funding to support important studies. Last year, the PRMRP funded three new studies and two studies were funded in 2006.
According to the Department of Defense, the PRMRP was established in 1999 to provide support for military health-related research of clear scientific merit. Appropriations for the PRMRP from Fiscal Year (FY) 1999 through FY 2006 totaled $344.5 million.
The PRMRP program announcements reports that the vision of the FY08 program is “to find and fund the best medical research to protect, support, and advance the health and welfare of military personnel and all beneficiaries.” DoD officials seek “innovative ideas to foster new directions in basic science and translational research; novel product development leading to improved therapeutic or diagnostic tools, or improvements in clinical policies/guidelines; or clinical trials that address an immediate clinical need.
Funding for lupus research through the DoD and all other relevant federal agencies has been a long-recognized priority for LFA advocacy efforts. Due to the changing demographics of the military population, there is an ever-increasing prevalence of lupus in military and Veterans Hospital Clinics. The LFA recognized this emerging health issue and worked to have lupus included in the PRMRP to advance research on lupus, which ultimately will help military personnel and their families affected by lupus.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
