From The ALS Association National Office:

The US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command just announced specific information regarding the application process for securing research funds for ALS. For the first time, ALS is one of 28 diseases eligible to receive funding from the $50 million Peer Review Medical Research Program.

This research funding is separate from funds that are allocated through the National Institutes of Health.

As you recall, securing ALS specific research funding from the Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP) was the top legislative priority for The ALS Association and ALS advocates during the second session of the 107th Congress. Late last year, President Bush signed the Department of Defense Appropriations bill, H.R. 5010, into law on October 23, 2002.

In order to complete submission requirements for the FY03 PRMRP, ALS researchers wanting to apply will need a copy of this FY03 Supplement and the USAMRMC BAA 02-1, which is available at http://www.usamraa.army.mil/pages/index.cfm.

Proposals will be assessed based on how they complement existing DOD research. The submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI), due no later than April 3, 2003, is required to facilitate this objective. Applicants are expected to survey the peer-reviewed literature in order to avoid duplication of previously
described research efforts.

Lucie Bruijn, PhD, ALSA's Science Director, is following up with the ALS research community to encourage their participation and prompt application. Any questions concerning the application process, can be directed to Lucie Bruijn, Science Director & Vice President, via e-mail at lbruijn@snet.net.