CPRIT Updates
Update on CPRIT Grant Moratorium
In a March 19 letter to the Oversight Committee, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House authorized CPRIT to move forward with the 25 researcher recruitment grants approved by the Oversight Committee in August and December 2012.
Once information becomes available regarding the remaining August and December awards that are awaiting final contracts, an update will be posted on CPRIT’s website.
Implementation of the State Auditor’s Report and other Reforms
Positive steps have begun to ensure proper controls and procedures are in place to prevent reoccurrence of issues identified by the State Auditor’s Office (SAO). These actions are designed to increase transparency and strengthen administrative controls of grant awards, both of which are crucial for restoring the Legislature's and public's trust in CPRIT's ability to carry out its mission.
View CPRIT's Implementation Plan – This document provides a detailed description of how CPRIT is addressing the 41 SAO recommendations, proposed legislative changes, and other changes. This document changes frequently and is the most recent available.
Update from Interim Executive Director - 01/28/2013
The State Auditor’s Office (SAO) conducted a review of CPRIT’s first years of operation, covering the period from September 1, 2008, through June 30, 2012. The SAO audit report was officially released today and includes findings and recommendations for the agency.
See Wayne Roberts’ transmitted letter to the SAO
Message from Interim Executive Director Wayne Roberts
We understand that many of our grantees, applicants and other stakeholders have questions about the effects of the recently announced moratorium on new CPRIT awards. Senior advisor Billy Hamilton and I reported to work on December 27, 2012, and our first priority is to review existing project solicitation, application, review, and approval processes and then to determine if those procedures were followed for cancer research and prevention grants announced at the August 2 and December 5, 2012, CPRIT Oversight Committee meetings. The respective Peer Review Committees reviewed and recommended these projects to the Oversight Committee. The Oversight Committee did not disapprove these projects but not all contracts have been finalized.
Message from CPRIT Leadership
In a letter sent December 19, 2012 to the CPRIT Oversight Committee, Governor Perry, Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst and House Speaker Straus stated that, "To continue this important work with the credibility it deserves, it is vital that CPRIT fully address the concerns that have been raised about its process and operations prior to future grants being awarded." See the full letter.
The CPRIT Oversight Committee Chairman Jimmy Mansour and Vice Chairman Joseph S. Bailes, M.D., issued the following statement:
"The CPRIT Oversight Committee agrees with and endorses the call by Governor Perry, Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst and House Speaker Straus for a moratorium on CPRIT grants until concerns about the agency are addressed. These issues need to be resolved to restore public confidence in CPRIT."
We expect that this will not affect currently funded grants. We will keep you updated as we have more information.
CPRIT Announces $85 Million in Research Awards
CPRIT is pleased to announce 75 Research awards to support a variety of cancer-fighting efforts in Texas. Included are 11 new CPRIT Scholar in Cancer Research awards that will potentially bring investigators from institutions such as Harvard, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to the state.
Innovations Conference a Success
The 3rd annual Innovations conference was a tremendous success – our largest conference to date! See the abstracts accepted this year, photos from the conference on Facebook, and video on YouTube. Presentation slides are also available!
Innovations Conference
If you haven't already, register today for this exciting event in Austin October 24-26. Check out the program schedule for a look at our impressive line up of speakers and sessions!
CPRIT Applauds MD Anderson Moon Shots Initiative
Today's "Moon Shots" announcement from the MD Anderson Cancer Center represents the kind of bold and uncompromising vision that is necessary to put an end to cancer once and for all. We at CPRIT applaud Dr. DePinho and his brilliant team for having the courage to take on this daunting task with such enthusiasm, vigor and determination. History will reward this challenge with countless lives saved not only in Texas but throughout the world!
Dallas, Lubbock Stakeholders Weigh in on Future Direction of CPRIT
Members of the Future Directions workgroup traveled to Dallas and Lubbock September 5-6 to hear from stakeholders regarding how CPRIT should prioritize efforts over the next several years.
Making Every Moment Count
19-year-old James Ragan is a student at Rice University, golfer, and founder of Triumph Over Kid Cancer Foundation. James is currently battling osteosarcoma, a type of cancer that starts in the bones, typically during adolescence.
The Challenge Ahead: A Message from CPRIT’s Executive Director
I am encouraged and inspired by the work CPRIT has accomplished in our first three years of operation - from recruiting some of the best scientists to Texas in search of cures, to investing in outstanding companies that will get therapeutics to the patient at a faster rate, to finding cancer precursors and early stage cancers through our life-saving prevention programs, to creating thousands of jobs and generating revenue for the State – CPRIT is making an impact on cancer in Texas. I hope you will join us in October as we recognize and celebrate these early successes at CPRIT's Innovations in Cancer Prevention and Research Conference. Register today to secure the early bird registration fee as well as discounted room rate.
Reserve Your Seat!
Register to attend one of our four Future Directions regional meetings in Dallas, Lubbock, Houston, or San Antonio. These meetings will serve as a vehicle for gathering input to inform CPRIT’s strategic priorities over the next several years. Space is limited, so reserve your seat today!
CPRIT’s Governing Board Ratifies $114 Million in New Cancer Awards
CPRIT is pleased to announce 45 newly funded projects totaling more than $114 million.
Great news! CPRIT Conference early bird registration deadline extended!
Early bird registration deadline: Extended to September 10
