Mesothelioma researchers, physicians, and patients are concerned that recent funding cuts may stall groundbreaking innovations in treating the rare and deadly disease. Though the freeze on funding does not affect patient care, it will impact the ability to operate and maintain the facilities and laboratories in which critical tests and clinical trials are performed.
Academic Institutions Where Mesothelioma Research is Conducted See Funding Halt
In the United States and across the world, mesothelioma research is conducted at academic institutions. Though funding for the research itself has not been impacted, the money that pays for basic operations and equipment, including computers, microscopes, electricity, and maintenance staff have been, and this will have a chilling effect on scientists’ ability to continue their work.
The shift in funding policy from the government will not just affect mesothelioma research. According to a researcher at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, it will affect research on everything from chronic illness to cancer to heart disease. Dr. Theordore Iwashyna explains, “Everybody who comes to a place like Johns Hopkins, who comes to a place like Ohio State University to get a second opinion, the ability to do that depends on the research they’re doing.”
New Policy Freezes Payment for Indirect Costs for Institutions Researching Mesothelioma
Though a federal judge has put a temporary halt on the funding freeze for government grant funding, institutions like the University of Pittsburgh, which leads the nation in mesothelioma research, are uncertain about the future. Officials there and from Carnegie Mellon are attempting to reassure staff while assessing the fallout and consulting with other research universities. For Pitt, the change means $183 million less in National Institutes of Health grants, representing a cut of more than 25 percent.
A statement issued by Allegheny County Director of Economic Development Lauren Connelly makes clear the impact that the funding freeze will have on research into mesothelioma and other deadly diseases: “Because of NIH funding and the work of our universities and research institutions, we are the forefront of medical breakthroughs and technological advancements … loss of NIH funding is a setback that extends far beyond the walls of academia.”
If you or someone you love has been impacted by mesothelioma or other deadly asbestos-related diseases, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are here to help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
