Saranac Lake, N.Y. – The Trudeau Institute has been notified of final congressional passage for the Department of Defense appropriations bill, which includes an additional $1.6 million for the Institute’s collaboration with researchers in the U.S. Navy. The funding would be used to research the impact and efficacy of combining influenza vaccinations with antiviral drugs.

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand made the announcement on Monday. Former New York congressman John M. McHugh helped secure the defense department funding while serving in the House, prior to being named secretary of the Army by President Obama.
 
"This is great news for the Trudeau Institute," said Schumer. "As we’ve seen, any strain of flu can be a serious threat to public health, especially to children, pregnant women and the elderly, and we must do everything we can to provide our research institutes with the funding needed to prepare for any influenza breakouts. This funding will help the Trudeau Institute study how to keep our military safe, but often this kind of research leads to breakthroughs that can be applied to society at large."
 
“It is critical to invest in life-saving medical research at our world-class facilities in the North Country,” Senator Gillibrand said. “Federal funding for this cutting edge research and treatment will help save and improve lives while supporting economic growth in the North Country. I will continue to work with Senator Schumer to ensure that New York receives its fair share of federal dollars and improved healthcare initiatives.”
Funding for this project will expand current efforts by assessing the efficacy of combining influenza vaccination with antiviral drugs.

“Pandemic influenza has the potential to wreak havoc on public health and could have a devastating affect on military readiness,” said Trudeau president and director David L. Woodland. “I am grateful to Senators Gillibrand and Schumer and former Congressman McHugh for their combined support and efforts to secure these research funds on behalf of the Trudeau Institute and the U.S. Navy.”

The Appropriations Bill for the Department of Defense was passed by the House and Senate this past weekend. President Obama signed it into law shortly thereafter.

The Trudeau Institute is an independent, not-for-profit, biomedical research organization, whose scientific mission is to make breakthrough discoveries leading to improved human health. Trudeau researchers are identifying the basic mechanisms used by the immune system to combat viruses like influenza, mycobacteria, such as tuberculosis, parasites and cancer, so that better vaccines and therapies can be developed for fighting deadly disease. The research is supported by government grants and philanthropic contributions.

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