The Department of Defense (DoD) Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program has, for the first time ever, included mesothelioma as a research priority. Beginning next month, mesothelioma researchers will be eligible to apply for a grant from the medical research program’s $50 million appropriation. Senator Max Baucus of Montana was influential in getting mesothelioma added to the research priority list. Sen. Baucus is very aware of the need for mesothelioma research because of the high rate of the disease in Libby, Montana, caused by exposure to asbestos-contaminated vermiculite from W.R. Grace’s mine operations in the town.
For a research project to receive federal funds through the program, the researcher must be able to demonstrate that the research will have direct relevance to military health. Mesothelioma research seems an excellent candidate for inclusion because military service has long been associated with asbestos exposure, and military populations have a significantly increased risk of developing mesothelioma.
