For immediate release: September 19, 2003
For more information, contact George Stamatis at 216-368-3635 or george.stamatis@Case.edu

CLEVELAND—The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF) announced the results of its first research funding cycle of 2003 and an exceptional new grantee is from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

Barbara Grimpe

Since 1988, CRPF has invested $288,154 in the laboratories of four investigators from Case to further their work on spinal cord injury research. Only 15 outstanding neuroscientists were awarded funding in CRPF's first grant cycle of 2003, including Case Department of Neuroscience's Barbara Grimpe, Ph.D.

"CRPF has proudly supported many of the world's most accomplished neuroscientists in the field of spinal cord research," said Christopher Reeve, CPRF's chairman of the board. "Case Western Reserve University has established itself as a focal point of some of the most exciting and promising of that research."

Every research application is reviewed by CRPF's Science Advisory Council, a panel of accomplished neuroscientists who volunteer their time and expertise to evaluate proposals based on scientific merit, relevance to CRPF's research priorities, and promise for clinical application. This rigorous process ensures that CRPF funds only the most meritorious science that is targeted at developing effective therapies for the paralysis and other dysfunctions caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders.

"The new technology that CRPF has invested in has a high potential to pay off in the future as a therapeutic agent based on its possible intravenous delivery after injury," said Grimpe, who is currently working to stimulate regeneration in spinal cord injury patients. "I am thankful that the Science Advisory Council of CRPF has the foresight and wisdom to support this novel technology."

The award assists Grimpe in continuing her work in the laboratory of Jerry Silver, Ph.D., professor of neurosciences.

In addition to Grimpe, other Case faculty members to receive funding from CPRF are: George Smith, Ph.D., funded in 1988; Michael Bolesta, M.D., and Dennis Landis, M.D., both funded in 1991; and Mesut Sahin, Ph.D., funded in 1999.

CRPF's Individual Research Grants are awarded twice yearly with application deadlines in June and December of each year. For a complete list of grantees or more information on CRPF's research programs and the research projects that are funded, visit: http://www.christopherreeve.org/research/researchmain.cfm.

The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF) is committed to funding research that develops treatments and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders. The foundation also vigorously works to improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities through its grants program, paralysis resource center, and advocacy efforts. For more information, please call (800) 225-0292 or visit http://www.ChristopherReeve.org.

–Case–

 

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