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Yarmuth Delivers $1.6 Million to Fund Groundbreaking Cell Transplant Research at University of Louisville
Monday August 31, 2009
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“The National Foundation to Support Cell Transplant Research is one of the foremost research centers in our country dedicated to advancing life-saving medical research technologies - technologies that are being developed right here in Louisville,” said Congressman Yarmuth. “I am proud to support their work at
Congressman Yarmuth secured the $1.6 million for the research center in the FY09 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill. The NFCTR will direct the funds to support the research of Dr. Suzanne Ildstad at
“This funding is a great example of how public-private partnerships work to fund important research advancements within strong academic institutions,” said Dr. Paula Grisanti, Chair of the NFCTR. “We are very grateful for Congressman John Yarmuth’s efforts to secure these dollars, which will fund Dr. Suzanne Ildstad’s work at the
“I cannot thank enough Rep. Yarmuth and the National Foundation to Support Cell Transplant Research for their efforts to provide funding for research at U of L,” said Dr. James Ramsey, President of the
The funding will go toward advancing Dr. Ildstad’s research into adult stem cell transplant technology, transitioning the practice from a promising experimental procedure to a routinely applied standard of care treatment for catastrophic injury and loss of tissue. Dr. Ildstad garnered international acclaim for breakthroughs in bone marrow transplant technology that makes it possible to safely transfer marrow from one person to another without life-threatening rejection. Such an advance can help permanently treat or cure auto-immune diseases and blood disorders affecting millions worldwide.
"This funding is critical to the successful translation of basic research into clinical treatments for conditions that include sickle cell disease, thalassemia, multiple sclerosis and rare metabolic disorders in children, in addition to drug-free tolerance for transplanted organs and tissue,” said Dr. Illdstad, Director of the Institute of Cellular Therapeutics. “The potential impact on patients, their families and the
“At the
Ilstadt’s research effort and helping to move her work forward.”
The NFCTR was founded to support adult stem cell research and currently funds initiatives at three different institutions, including the University of Louisville, Northwestern University, and Duke University.