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The House Appropriations Committee has made mesothelioma research eligible for funding through the FY2014 Defense Appropriations Bill. The bill, passed in June, includes a provision for a Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program, and mesothelioma is listed as one of the included research topics. This is the third year that mesothelioma has been included in the program, and researchers can apply for grants of up to $15 million.
About 3,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, about a third of whom were exposed to asbestos while serving in the Navy or working in Navy shipyards. By including mesothelioma on the list of eligible research topics, Congress acknowledges that our service men and women are at serious risk for developing the devastating disease and gives researchers a valuable opportunity to continue their search for a cure.
The Department of Defense has been funding mesothelioma research in various ways since Fiscal Year 2008, when it was first included in the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program. Through the CDMRP, mesothelioma researchers have thus far been granted $8.9 million. In Fiscal Years 2008, 2009, and 2010, the disease was included in the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program, where researchers were eligible to compete for $50 million.
In 2011, mesothelioma advocacy groups successfully petitioned to have the topic moved to the Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program. Under this classification, it would compete for less money, but against fewer topic areas. The amount of funding allotted for these topics decreased to $12.8 million in FY2012, but was raised back to $16 million in FY2013. FY2014 will see a slight decrease in funding to $15 million.
This funding opportunity is extremely helpful to researchers studying treatment options for mesothelioma. There is as yet no cure for the disease, and it is very difficult to treat if it is not detected early. In addition to painful physical symptoms, mesothelioma can take a devastating emotional and financial toll on patients and their families. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, an experienced mesothelioma attorney can help you get the compensation you need and deserve.
The Pennsylvania and New Jersey mesothelioma law firm of Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown, & Sandler has represented mesothelioma victims since 1984. Our knowledgeable, professional team of personal injury lawyers will review your case and help you through every step of the process to get you the compensation to which you are entitled. With offices conveniently located in Center City Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Call us today at 1-800-369-0899 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our qualified mesothelioma attorneys.