WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) will be providing $402,500 to Rowan University for allergy, transplant and cancer-related research.

“Tens of millions of people in New Jersey and around the country are currently suffering from one of the worst allergy seasons ever, so it is very appropriate to see federal funding allocated to researching this seasonal occurrence. Plus, we’ll see more cancer and transplant research locally that will help us improve treatments and find cures for some of the most devastating diseases of our time,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “I am proud that cutting-edge research is being conducted in South Jersey and that Rowan University will be boosting our local knowledge-base and innovative spirit.”

The NIAID is a division of the National Institutes of Health that supports basic and clinical research to increase our understanding of the causes and mechanisms that lead to the development of allergic and immunologic diseases. It also works to expand knowledge that can be applied to improving techniques of diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

"Despite advances in antibiotic therapy, there is a significant need for better treatments of severe bacterial infections, including sepsis, a dangerous illness that causes nearly 250,000 deaths each year," said Dr. Thomas Cavalieri, Dean of the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. "Our school is grateful for the recognition of Dr. Yin's important research in combatting this problem and for the support and encouragement of Congressman Norcross for our continuing efforts to expand biomedical research in South Jersey."

"Overuse of antibiotics can result in antibiotic resistance, which can be particularly dangerous for patients with lowered immunity," said Dr. Kingsley Yin, the principal investigator for the grant. "This proposal will address how a specific set of natural fat compounds can better resolve infection by promoting host defense and reduce the deadliness of certain bacteria."

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