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Committee backs creation of pediatric cancer research and treatment grant fund; families and researchers urge seed investment
Summary
House Bill 1453 would create a pediatric cancer research and treatment grant program administered by the Indiana Department of Health, funded by state and private sources, to support research, clinical trials and treatments targeted to childhood cancers. Committee recommended recommitment to Appropriations after unanimous approval.
The Health and Provider Services Committee unanimously passed House Bill 1453 and recommended it to Appropriations after emotional testimony from families, clinicians and research leaders urging state seed funding for pediatric cancer research.
What the bill would do: HB1453 would create a Pediatrics Cancer Research and Treatment Grant Program within the Indiana Department of Health. The fund would accept state appropriations, federal grants, donations and private gifts; at the end of the fiscal year the fund would not revert to the general fund. The Department would develop award criteria, prioritize projects that address unmet pediatric cancer treatment needs and require annual reporting to the governor and Legislative Council.
Why sponsors and witnesses say it matters
- Families and clinicians described the clinical reality that many childhood cancers are treated with drugs developed for adults decades earlier. Parents and survivors testified about relapse risk, long-term toxicities and the lack of child-specific therapeutics. "Without research to support the development of less toxic and more effective treatments and access to clinical trials right here in our state our kids will continue to run out of options," one parent said.
- Research leaders said seed funding from the state would help assemble multi‑stakeholder collaborations and proof‑of‑concept work that can attract larger federal grants and philanthropic investments. The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, IU School of Medicine, Riley Children’s Hospital and other local research centers were cited as partners able to use seed money to scale trials and recruit patients locally.
- Supporters pointed to other states’ examples: Florida’s dedicated pediatric fund began with a small state investment in 2017 and now supports dozens of clinical trials; Kentucky recently increased its investment after demonstrating progress.
Vote and next steps
Committee members supported the bill, recorded as 12–0 with recommit to Appropriations. Sponsors and multiple nonprofit stakeholders pledged private donations contingent on a state commitment; proponents told the committee that grant seed money would help Indiana retain patients in-state, support local clinical trials and attract federal research dollars.
