The CPRIT experience

The CRBCM has been considering the creation of an independent CPRIT monitor organization for future generations to learn about government initiatives as it pertains to health promotion and research.  We have 3 years of experience and 7 more to go.  One thing is for sure, this will be an exciting endeavor.  With its ups and downs and our own participation in the submission process to collect data, we look forward to an exciting observation.

CPRIT was created by the Texas legislature to achieve Prevention and cancer research.  With 3 billion Dollars in its coffers to spend on a 10 years period, it is in Texas the most powerful government  health funding organization. Most organizations succeed when the CEO has a vision.  This vision is the unbiased compass that helps choose the organization's path, and resist multiple influences that are bound to happen.  Sorting through the maze of vultures cannot occur without a strong soul to the CEO of the organization.  This is why you need a VISION, Intelligence and Boldness to lead such an organization.  This is CPRIT's challenge.  The legislature had the will and the purse, the CEO needs a soul, vision, the smartness and the boldness to lead towards the goal without being swayed by all kinds of pressures.

When it comes to research, Universities feel entitled because they have the people, the infrastructure and the staff. They provide a safe path when it comes to secure investment for CPRIT.  Biotech companies follow in line mostly because they have the equipment and technology.  CPRIT has responded to this Lobby by pouring 85% of its initial disbursement to these 2 groups.  The problem is that Universities and Biotech Companies can only hire so many, limiting thus job creation and the pool of ideas.  Biotech companies want to locate in certain cities, close to the universities,  thus limiting the impact or foot print of CPRIT. ( After Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth),  El Paso for example, the 6th city in Texas, has received 1 (one) percent of CPRIT disbursement  to date while Houston, San Antonio and Austin received the Lion Share despite the existence of a University in El Paso (UTEP).  This is about who you know and nothing else really. However, like in any low income community, this is where government intervention will have the largest impact in the community -  if the CPRIT foot print is a genuine priority.

The emphasis on Biotech has taken a turn at CPRIT.  There is a perception that there is a fundamental lack of strong Biotech companies in Texas, so CPRIT has hired BioAlliance to vigorously search for out of state companies.  This is being done sometimes at the disadvantage of local companies who can easily expand to provide the same service with only researcher hiring.  A lack of organized use of local community Oncologists is now leading to a crisis.  Too many unused Biotech equipments and labs in some cities.  There is no guarantee that these biotech  companies will stay in Texas with this mounting problem or after CPRIT funding is exhausted.   After having received funds for certain equipment, other funding foundations are finding that the equipment is not used for the intended purpose during or after the period of the mission at hand   Foreign or out of state companies can switch allegiance.  So things need to be kept in proportion and moderation.  The push for Commercialization makes sense for the Survival of CPRIT and continuation of the individual programs.  However, the danger of skewing our emphasis looms around the corner.  Prevention will take a significant brunt in its loss of the support unless serious survivorship programs are considered.  Survivorship programs are a more secure investment for CPRIT, because services under these categories are reimbursed by the federal government.  The idea that a new product of significant potential interest will result in positive financial return, is more of a gamble.  And the impact on living Texans will be more immediate and a sure thing with a survivorship program than it is in the hope of a big discovery.

CRBCM will seek the support of President Obama, Rick Perry (our governor) and local senator and congressmen to weigh in this issue.  CRBCM is a coalition.  And Coalitions are made to fight until the opposition comes to its senses for progress to occur!