A New $45 Million Initiative to Combat Cancer with THORs HAMMR
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Chapter 1: Introduction to THOR and HAMMR
In a groundbreaking move, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) has allocated $45 million to enhance the development of implant technology. This innovative technology is designed to adapt to changes within the body, with the potential to decrease cancer-related deaths in the United States by over 50%.
President Joe Biden highlighted the boldness of this initiative, stating, "ARPA-H will pursue ideas that break the mold on how we normally support fundamental research and commercial products in this country. Ideas so bold that even the private sector hesitates to invest heavily, yet they have the potential to be transformative."
Section 1.1: The THOR Initiative
Emerging from Rice University, a visionary team of researchers is adapting the traditional "closed-loop" insulin pump model, commonly used in diabetes management, to develop a novel treatment approach for various cancers. Their results are showing great promise.
Subsection 1.1.1: Key Researchers
Omid Veiseh and Amir Jazaeri are pivotal figures in this research. Veiseh, a bioengineering associate professor at Rice and a CPRIT Scholar, leads the "Targeted Hybrid Oncotherapeutic Regulation" (THOR) project. The team has successfully engineered a compact implant that continuously monitors a patient's cancer status and adjusts immunotherapy dosage in real time. Jazaeri, co-principal investigator and a gynecologic oncology professor at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, plays a crucial role in this innovative project.
Section 1.2: The Technology Behind THOR
The THOR project involves a collaborative effort of engineers, physicians, and experts from 20 labs specializing in synthetic biology, materials science, and more. The Hybrid Advanced Molecular Manufacturing Regulator (HAMMR) is central to this initiative. Veiseh emphasizes its broad applicability across various cancers affecting organs like the pancreas, liver, and lungs. The first clinical trial will target refractory recurrent ovarian cancer, leveraging ongoing trials with their encapsulated cytokine "drug factory" technology.
Chapter 2: The Future of Cancer Treatment
The video titled "Thor Cosplay but with REAL LIGHTNING - YouTube" showcases innovative ideas that parallel the bold approaches taken in the THOR project. It highlights the importance of creativity and innovation in science and technology.
Rice University President Reginald DesRoches expressed immense pride in the funding awarded to the university, emphasizing the transformative potential of the research led by Veiseh. He noted the global implications of such advancements in cancer treatment.
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