WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) will be providing a total of $861,634 to South Jersey institutions.

The Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine will receive $564,713 from HHS’ National Institute on Aging for a research project on blood-based biomarkers for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease. Andrew Technologies, LLC, will receive a $296,921 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from HHS’ National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) so they can study ways to reduce insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes.

“Innovative research projects are the only way we are going to improve treatments and find cures for some of the most devastating diseases of our time, and I am proud to say quite a few of these research projects are taking place in South Jersey,” said Rep. Norcross. “With tens of thousands of families in South Jersey dealing with the grief placed on them by Alzheimer’s, it is encouraging to see a predictive test is being developed by our hometown researchers at Rowan University. Additionally, while we are finding cures, we can also be supporting small businesses and creating jobs in our communities. I am delighted Andrew Technologies will be boosting our local economy, knowledge-base and innovative spirit in Camden County.”

“This grant moves us closer to the day when we have an early diagnostic test that could ultimately open a pathway to defeating Alzheimer’s disease,” said Thomas A. Cavalieri, DO, Dean of the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. “We are grateful to the NIA for supporting this amazing research at Rowan SOM and wish to extend our gratitude to Congressman Norcross for his continuing support for research and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents of our state and of our nation.”

"We are very pleased to receive this NIH grant which will assist us in the funding of research and development for Visceral Lipectomy, a minimally invasive and potentially groundbreaking treatment for Type 2 Diabetes," said Mark S. Andrew, M.D., Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Andrew Technologies.

More on the Alzheimer’s Grant

Around 85,000 South Jerseyans are affected by Alzheimer’s, and the research project at Rowan University will allow for the continued development of early detection blood test. The three-year project will begin in May and will be led by Dr. Robert Nagele.

Current funding opportunities with the National Institute on Aging are listed here.

More on the Diabetes Grant

NIDDK participates in the SBIR program, also known as America’s Seed Fund, which supports innovative research projects conducted by small businesses that have the potential for commercialization. The program facilitates the development of life-saving technologies and creates jobs.

Andrew Technologies, located in Haddonfield, is a medical technology company with proprietary ownership of Tissue Liquefaction Technology™. In 2012, the FDA cleared the HydraSolve® Lipoplasty System and Andrew Technologies commenced a pilot launch of that device, which can be used in reconstructing the breasts of patients who’ve been successfully treated for breast cancer. In addition to HydraSolve, Andrew Technologies has a research pipeline that includes minimally-invasive surgeries to correct type 2 diabetes.

###

Contact: Ally Kehoe, Communications Director
ally.kehoe@mail.house.gov