PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP PRESS RELEASE

NIH -Pharmaceutical Industry Partnership Announces First Grants For Overcoming Barriers to Early Phase Clinical Trials
Unique Collaboration Assists Six Cancer Centers Across U.S.

July 9, 2003...Washington, D.C., The Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tommy Thompson announced today grant awards for six cancer centers involved in a unique public-private partnership "Overcoming Barriers to Early Phase Clinical Trials." Friends of Cancer Research (Friends) initiated this groundbreaking collaborative effort between the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) in partnership with five pharmaceutical companies: Aventis, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly and Company, GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis. The awards come less than a year after launching this collaboration between cancer advocacy leadership, private sector interests, and government research enterprise.

The five pharmaceutical companies together with NCI put forth a total of $5.6 million for this partnership. Institutions receiving funding include: Massachusetts General Hospital, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Washington University, St. Louis, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of California, Davis Cancer Center and Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The six cancer centers will use the grants to design and implement new approaches to enlarge minority and geriatric access to and participation in Phase I and II clinical trials. Proposed methodology includes the development of an on-line protocol information system with culturally relevant literature and budget allowances for travel and day care for prospective enrollees. Grant award emphasis was also placed on the accessibility of these programs to the most people possible.

Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tommy G. Thompson praised the collaboration. "With these grants, we are supporting greater and more exciting research in early clinical trials for cancer. The grants we announce today draw on the strength of both government and the free market to make a promising commitment for the future of cancer research."

"I am delighted that funding for critical work in expanding access to early clinical trials will be provided to these outstanding institutions," stated Ellen Sigal, PhD, chairperson, Friends of Cancer Research. "And, this expeditious result showcases the value and viability of synergizing public and private sector research in the interests of advancing new treatments for cancer," Dr. Sigal added.

"Innovations in public-private partnerships are essential to accelerating scientific discovery for human health, and the Foundation for NIH is uniquely positioned to help make them happen," said Foundation Executive Director Amy L. McGuire. "This initiative epitomizes what we are about."

Dr. John Kelly, Senior Vice President of Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), stated, "The participating pharmaceutical companies are pleased to support this innovative research that promises to identify improved strategies to encourage patient participation in clinical trials that are essential to develop new medicines to treat cancer."

Friends of Cancer Research, a non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, DC, mobilizes public support for cancer research funding and provides public education on key public policy issues. The Foundation for NIH builds and fosters collaborative relationships with philanthropy, industry, and academia to support the mission of the NIH--improving health through scientific discovery. Both worked closely with the NCI to make this innovative collaboration a reality. Friends also appreciates the support of the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) in this endeavor. Further information on these organizations can be found on their Web sites: www.focr.org; www.aaci.org and www.fnih.org.

Last updated 07/10/03