Chicago, IL (July 16, 2015)—

As part of the American Lung Association's continued efforts to find cures for all lung diseases, the organization will be funding more than $6.49 million in grants in 2015-2016, $3.89 million of which for newly awarded research on lung disease through the nationwide Awards and Grants Program.

"Making investments in this research is key to ensuring that research efforts on lung disease maintain momentum," said American Lung Association National President and CEO Harold P. Wimmer. "We are proud to invest $6.49 million in research this year, which will move us toward achieving our mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease."

The American Lung Association Awards and Grants Program provides investigators with the funds they need to initiate and grow their lung disease careers. Currently the Lung Association is funding a total of 69 research projects at 47 institutions throughout 28 states. Newly funded research includes, but is not limited to, projects aimed at:

• Mapping the route to personalized medicine by investigating different approaches to lung cancer treatment resistance
• Advancing our understanding of the mechanisms of lung cancer development using novel and innovative models and technologies
• Examining the role of genetic predisposition in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Improving lung injury outcomes and treatment options for chronic lung illnesses
• Assessing adherence and risk behaviors for optimal disease management and treatment outcomes
• Researching the long-term effects of indoor air pollution, including indoor pollution that may be caused by electronic cigarettes (commonly known as e-cigarettes).

"We are extremely proud of our research program, which not only funds important research, but also allows us to identify and support junior investigators and trainees who are interested in lung health research," said Wimmer. "By championing these talented individuals early in their careers, we hope to ensure long-term commitments to lung disease research and to maintain a healthy supply of scientists dedicated to lung disease."

The Lung Association also undertakes patient-centered research to investigate improved treatments for asthma and COPD through its Airways Clinical Research Centers Network (ACRC). Between ACRC and the Awards and Grants Program, the Lung Association has invested a total of $20.8 million from 2012 to 2016 in promising research on lung disease.

Applications for the 2016-2017 American Lung Association Awards and Grants Program will be accepted beginning in August.

For media interested in learning more about research supported by the American Lung Association, contact Media@Lung.org or call 312-801-7628.

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About the American Lung Association The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases.  For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.