CPRIT announces 47 grants totaling $69.7M for innovative cancer research projects

The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Oversight Committee convened on May 21, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding grant training and compliance, as well as to review funding recommendations for upcoming research initiatives.

During the meeting, it was reported that CPRIT successfully conducted training sessions for new grantees, including Texas Biomedical Research Institute, Curve Biosciences, Adapta Therapeutics, and Arition, Inc. A total of 59 staff members attended these sessions, which aim to enhance compliance and reduce disallowances in grant funding. The committee noted a significant decrease in disallowances over the past few years, attributed to the technical assistance and training provided to grantees.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of evaluating the efficiency of resource allocation in grant oversight. The committee is considering a tiered approach to compliance, where grantees with no disallowances may undergo less frequent reviews in subsequent years. This proposal aims to streamline processes and focus resources more effectively.

Dr. Labeaux presented an update on the academic research program, detailing the recommendations from the Program Integration Committee for the fiscal year 2025. The committee recommended 47 awards totaling approximately $69.7 million, which includes new requests for applications (RFAs) developed to support investigator-initiated research and core facilities at eligible institutions. Notably, four grants are aimed at drug discovery, a key focus for CPRIT.

The meeting concluded with a review of the compliance certification process, which confirmed that all applications followed CPRIT's administrative rules. The committee expressed satisfaction with the timely completion of the compliance portal, marking a first in the past decade without reminders needed.

Overall, the meeting underscored CPRIT's commitment to supporting cancer research in Texas through effective training, compliance measures, and strategic funding allocations. The next steps will involve further discussions on the proposed funding awards and the implementation of the new compliance structure.