Davids Announces Federal Grants to Improve Research at the University of Kansas Medical Center

Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) more than $2,100,000 to boost research capabilities in Kansas’ Third Congressional District. The four projects being awarded will develop treatments for new cancer, blood disease, alcohol-induced disease, and oral disorders. KUMC is one of the top 36 public research universities in the country.

"We are lucky to have such a widely respected and advanced medical research center in our region, and I'm glad to help increase their research capabilities with these new federal resources," said Davids. "The four studies being awarded will further contribute to medical research breakthroughs at the University of Kansas Medical Center, keeping our community and the entire country healthy."

“This is a good opportunity to reflect upon how important it is to seek federal support to answer big questions in medicine,” said Dr. Matthias Salathe, Vice Chancellor for Research, University of Kansas Medical Center. “We truly appreciate the work of Representative Davids in supporting and promoting our researchers as they work to improve the health of Kansans and beyond.”

The federal grants announced today support four specific research projects at the University of Kansas Medical Center:

1. Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry Research - $601,893
   1. These federal resources will be used to investigate the functions of certain cell processes that have significant relevance to cancer therapy. The results will be instrumental in developing and advancing therapeutic strategies.
2. Blood Diseases and Resources Research - $519,069
   1. These federal resources will be used to determine the biological structure of Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a rare but potentially fatal blood disorder. The results will provide insight into the causes of TTP side effects and change how the disorder is treated in the future.
3. Alcohol Programs Research - $406,852
   1. These federal resources will be used to determine how to reduce alcohol-induced pancreatitis, which has high morbidity and mortality and no specific available treatment. The results will help develop therapeutic strategies for treating alcoholic pancreatitis.
4. Oral Diseases and Disorders Research - $576,790
   1. These federal resources will be used to investigate specific genetic mutations that lead to structural birth defects, including cleft palates, that can have significant, lifelong implications on eating and speaking. The results will help provide new therapeutic strategies for future use.

Davids has worked to support the University of Kansas Medical Center’s life-saving research and medical treatment since being sworn into Congress. She successfully advocated for the purchase of advanced CT and MRI machines at the Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center, a research-based imaging facility on KUMC's campus. Davids also announced federal resources to improve youth mental health through expanded primary care clinician training at KUMC and to prepare children in Wyandotte County for life inside and outside of the classroom through programs focusing on early learning, health, and family well-being.