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New York City, NY -- Montefiore Medical Center is one of 25 healthcare institutions in New York State to receive funding under a new initiative by the Spitzer administration to support stem cell research. The Empire State Stem Cell Board approved $14.5 million in initial grants, to be allocated from a $600 million multi-year funding program. The awards are intended to boost New York's biomedical capabilities in the growing area of stem cell research.
"We're pleased that the Empire State Stem Cell Board has recognized Montefiore's pioneering efforts among hospitals in this important frontier in medical research," said Montefiore President and Chief Executive Officer Steven M. Safyer, MD. "This grant will enable us to expand our studies in key areas of stem cell research with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, our university partner."
The Albert Einstein College of Medicine was the recipient of a $1 million grant from the Stem Cell Board in the announced funding.
"The initial $160,000 grant will help fund a new stem cell research facility at Montefiore," said Brian Currie, MD, Vice President of Research at Montefiore. "We have been leaders in the study of stem cell therapies for many years and this grant will allow us to translate new knowledge for the benefit of our patients."
"The first research protocol will involve clinical trials in which adult stem cells are injected into heart-failure patients who have received left ventricular assist devices as a bridge to a heart transplant," said Robert E. Michler, MD, Chairman, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Montefiore. "This award underscores our commitment to innovation and leading edge medicine."
Additional initiatives involving stem cell research at Montefiore are focused on liver disease, lymphoma and pediatric cancers.
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