What is “CDMRP”, and why do we care?

February 09 2011

Posted in Advocacy

One of the key points of discussion right now is CDMRP.  This stands for Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs.  For NF, this program has been a major lifeline.

CDMRP has its roots fifteen years ago, when there was considerable frustration with the lack of “real world” research for mitigation / treatment options for NF.  The National Institute of Health (NIH) did research on NF along with many other conditions, but the research was focused on basic science, rather than on treatments for the condition and understanding how it impacts those who have it.

With bipartisan support, CDMRP came into being as a way for Congress to specifically fund innovative research that would have near term treatment application.  Over the years, the programs have expanded to include Breast Cancer, Leukemia, Autism, and several other conditions.  Under the program, Congress designates the funds for specific research, and the defense department then allocates funds to deserving grant proposals.  All grant proposals are peer reviewed, and grant recipients are required to collaborate with one another to avoid silos of information.

For those who attended our October educational meeting in Kansas City, you may recall Dr. Farassati, who discussed research he has been working on toward the treatment of NF tumors, and methods of delivering medications specific to tumors without killing healthy cells. His research is one of the studies funded under CDMRP.

Funding for the program has ranged from $8 million to a high of $25 million; current 2010 funding was just under $14 million.  Key current initiatives include:

Study complications of NF with high mortality such as neoplasms and cerebrovascular abnormalities.

Research complications of NF with high morbidity such as skeletal maladies, learning deficits, hormone associated effects, and pain.

Refinement and standardization of imaging techniques, molecular and cellular markers, and quality of life metrics for use in future trials.

Translational research such as the development of preclinical testing of therapeutic agents for the treatment of NF.

Research focus areas such as wound repair, nerve regeneration, stress and inflammation, cognitive dysfunction, health-related quality of life, and neurofibromin protein.

For more details, visit the CDMRP web site here