Below is exciting news from the good people at The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation regarding a new research fund. This fund’s goal is finding a cure for pulmonary fibrosis.
Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Launches Research Fund to Cure Pulmonary Fibrosis
POSTED BY MATT DERDA ON 10/17/11
New Awards Totaling $200,000 to be Offered in 2012;
Deadline for Letters of Intent is November 17, 2011
CHICAGO, October 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 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, MD, 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, MD, 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, novelty, 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.
For more information on the Research Fund to Cure Pulmonary Fibrosis, or to learn more about the other programs and services offered by the PFF for the PF community, please visit www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org or call 888-733-6741.
About Pulmonary Fibrosis
According to the National Institutes of Health, pulmonary fibrosis is a condition in which over a period of time the lung tissue becomes thickened, stiff, and scarred. The development of the scar tissue is called fibrosis. As the lung tissue becomes scarred and thicker, the lungs lose their ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. As a result, the brain and other organs don't receive the oxygen they need. In some cases, doctors can determine the cause of the fibrosis, but in most cases, there is no known cause. When there is no known etiology for the fibrosis (and certain pathologic criteria are met) the disease is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or IPF. IPF affects approximately 200,000 individuals in the US, and the annual mortality is estimated to be 40,000. At present there are no FDA-approved medical therapies.
About the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
The mission of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation is to help find a cure for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), advocate for the pulmonary fibrosis community both locally and in Washington D.C., promote disease awareness, and provide a compassionate environment for patients and their families. The PFF collaborates with physicians, organizations, patients, and caregivers worldwide. From December 1-3, 2011, the PFF will host its first international scientific conference, IPF Summit 2011: From Bench to Bedside, in Chicago. With more than 60,000 constituents worldwide, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation is the international resource for the pulmonary fibrosis community. For more information visit www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org or call 888-733-6741.
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