CPRIT launches new liver cancer initiative to address growing Texas public health concern

SAN ANTONIO – Today, the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) announced a new statewide initiative aimed at reversing the rising rates of liver cancer. Texas has the highest incidence rate of liver cancer among all states. Texans of Hispanic ethnicity living along the US-Mexico border have more than twice the incidence rate of liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular cancer (HCC), than non-Hispanic whites.

“CPRIT is uniquely positioned to foster collaboration between clinical liver cancer research and community stakeholders,” said James Willson, MD, CPRIT Chief Scientific Officer. “By encouraging new partnerships across the state, we can better identify risk factors for cirrhosis and HCC and implement more effective evidenced-based interventions among high-risk populations.”

CPRIT Surpasses $2 Billion Milestone with 64 New Grants

AUSTIN – Today, with the approval of 64 new research, product development, and prevention grants totaling more than $177 million, the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) has awarded $2.15 billion of the $3 billion approved by Texas voters in 2007 to fight cancer.

“CPRIT has reached a significant milestone, which is only possible due to the support of Texans, their elected representatives, and our partner institutions and grantees,” said Wayne Roberts, CPRIT Chief Executive Officer. “As a result of this historical undertaking, Texas is developing into a world class center of cancer research and prevention as our state’s institutions grow in international prominence.”

Roberts receives Administrator of the Year Award from the Texas State Agency Business Administrators

AUSTIN – The Texas State Agency Business Administrators’ Association (TSABAA) has named Wayne Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), its Administrator of the Year. The award was presented at the TSABAA Annual Conference in San Antonio.

“Wayne Roberts exemplifies the qualities we look for in state administrators – integrity, sound leadership and proven expertise in public policy,” said Rebecca Trevino, TSABAA President and Chief Financial Officer of the Texas Water Development Board. “Today, we recognize not only Mr. Roberts’ outstanding leadership since he took over the helm at CPRIT, but also his 40-plus years of service to the state of Texas where he has distinguished himself as an example for all administrators in the public sector.”

CPRIT Announces New Early Translational Research Award RFA

CPRIT announces a novel and collaborative programmatic approach aimed at the development of innovative technologies at Texas research institutions, which demonstrate great promise to impact the cancer burden in Texas and elsewhere.

Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas Awards New Grants

AUSTIN — Today, the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) awarded eight new academic research recruitment grants and a prevention dissemination grant totaling more than $30 million towards advancing the fight against cancer. “CPRIT continues to attract the brightest minds in cancer research to Texas,” said Wayne Roberts, CPRIT Chief Executive Officer. “This investment further enhances research talent to our state institutions to escalate our fight against cancer. The prevention dissemination award is to expand a highly successful CPRIT-funded project to new areas of the state.”

CPRIT Announces New Seed Award for Early-Stage Oncology Startups

AUSTIN – Today, the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) is unveiling a new award mechanism targeting early-stage oncology startup companies. Under this program, known as the Seed Award, companies can apply for up to $3 million in nondilutive funding to support development of innovative cancer therapeutics, diagnostics or tools.

"After consulting with different players in the life-sciences industry, we believe that this new award mechanism goes even further in helping great research journey from labs to clinical trials," said Mike Lang, CPRIT Chief Product Development Officer. "CPRIT’s crucial role is to support companies with promising research cross over the ‘Valley of Death’, the early translational stages where it’s difficult to raise venture capital."