For the first time ever, federal funds have been given to a nonprofit group dedicated to eradicating mesothelioma.


The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation), said it received federal research funding from the Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program and National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH).


Mesothelioma is a deadly disease that is most commonly associated with asbestos exposure. Workers in certain occupations, including shipyard workers and auto works, are among the hardest hit with mesothelioma.


The group received its funding after its executive director, Chris Hahn, testified before the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcomittee. Mr. Hahn testified that a high proportion of military veterans develop mesothelioma. The group also met with senators to educate them on the disease and the potential for treatments if research funding were available. The DOD Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program was established to provide funding opportunities for medical research projects of clear scientific merit and direct relevance to military health.


It is estimated that over 30 million tons of asbestos were used in the United State during the 20th century. Today, many asbestos-containing products remain in buildings, ships and industrial facilities where the fibers can be dislodged and become airborne. Family members are often exposed to asbestos fibers through another family members clothing.


There are approximately 3000 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed each year. Some estimates predict there will be about 250,000 cases of mesothelioma before 2020.The disease tends to mostly affect men over the age of 40. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose and if often affects victims many years after their exposure to asbestos. The disease has a latency period of 20 to 50 years.


Source: News Inferno


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Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation Achieves First-Ever Federal Appropriations for Asbestos-Cancer Research


SANTA BARBARA, Calif., August 15, 2006 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation), the national nonprofit dedicated to eradicating mesothelioma as a life-ending disease, announced today two historic victories in federal research funding to combat the deadly asbestos-related cancer.




Meso was just included as an eligible disease in the Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program, enabling meso investigators from across the nation to compete for research funding under the program's $45 million budget for 2007. At the same time, the National Mesothelioma Registry, which is being created through a 2006 year-end appropriation to the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH), was just awarded another $1 million for 2007.


The inclusion of meso in the DOD Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program, and the allocation to NIOSH for the National Mesothelioma Registry, represent the first federal appropriations for meso research ever. They resulted from an intense advocacy effort by the Foundation. In May, Meso Foundation Executive Director Chris Hahn testified before the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcomittee on the high proportion of military veterans who develop mesothelioma. He, the Foundation's government affairs representatives, the Foundation's Scientific Advisory Chairman Harvey Pass, M.D., and other scientific representatives met extensively with Senators and their staffs, educating them on the disease and the exciting potential for treatment breakthroughs if research funding were available. The Foundation also organized a large grass-roots campaign, and many meso investigators, patients, families and volunteers contacted their states' Senators to urge their support.

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