Department of Defense NF Research Program will receive $12.8 million for the 2012 fiscal year

Press Release!  The Department of Defense NF Research Program will receive $12.8 million for the 2012 fiscal year! 

Since 1996, the Department of Defense has appropriated over $203 million for research directed at understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of NF1,  NF2,  and Schwannomatosis.

Say what?!  Department of Defense (DOD) funds medical research?

Yes! Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) is a unique partnership between the public, congress, and the military.  The CDMRP was established within the US Army Medical Research in 1992, when congress gave the DOD the job of developing and managing a breast cancer research program.  This was Congress’ response to grassroots efforts!  Since 1992, the CDMRP has grown and includes multiple areas of research, including  the Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP).

 $12.8 million sounds like a lot! What happens to all that money?

 Each year, scientists write up proposals for new or continuing research related to NF.  Proposals are reviewed by many people, including scientists, clinicians (doctors, health care providers) and consumer advocates (people who have NF themselves, or family members and caregivers).

Specific research that has benefited from this $$ includes:

• Natural history studies
• Development of nearly 100 animal models (for example, mice with NF) which allows scientists to study different things about NF, also test new medications.
• Support the development of new medications and treatments
• Establish the Clinical Consortium, which is a network of 9 clinical sites that conduct some of the clinical trials for NF

About 2/3 of the money is spent in “basic” research, which is done by scientists in the lab. The rest of the money is spent on clinical research (clinical trials), and population based studies (natural history).  

The exact amount of money budgeted toward NF research changes every year.  The largest amount was $25 million in 2005, and the smallest amount was $8 million in 2008. Since then, the money towards NF research has been rising, but we are a long way from $25 million.

Where do I learn more about this program?

Click HERE and  you will be linked to the DOD NF Research Program brochure. There you can learn about some of the research which has been funded in the past.