Washington, D.C. (November 14, 2011)—

The American Lung Association Nationwide Research Program released its Research Awards Nationwide 2011-2012 report that highlights research supported by the American Lung Association through its Asthma Clinical Research Centers (ACRC) and its Awards and Grants Program.

The American Lung Association Nationwide Research Program funds high quality research with the goal of uncovering effective prevention and treatment strategies as well as cures for lung disease. The Program supports basic, applied and socio-behavioral research related to lung health and is a fundamental part of the Lung Association’s mission to improve lung health and prevent lung disease.

“These grants play a critical role in attracting and retaining talented scientists who are invested in improving the lung health of more than 37 million people living with chronic lung diseases,” said Norman H. Edelman, M.D., American Lung Association Chief Medical Officer.

In 2011-2012, the Lung Association is providing more than $5 million to support approximately 90 lung disease research projects. Previous medical advances made possible from the Lung Association’s research contributions have helped shed new light on a multitude of devastating lung diseases, touching the lives of millions of Americans.

Research provides us all with hope that one day we will live in a world without lung disease.  Dr. Lin Zhang of the University of Pittsburgh is one such example.  As a result of his American Lung Association/CHEST Foundation award, Dr. Zhang identified the role of PUMA, a novel controller of apoptosis (cell death), in treating lung cancer.  Apoptosis is the normal bodily process of killing abnormal cells and when halted, uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation may occur. Dr. Zhang’s research lead to the development of a new screening method to determine which anti-cancer agents could induce PUMA.

The Lung Association jointly supports research initiatives with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; Chest Foundation; NTM Info & Research Inc., and the American Asthma Foundation.

Research Awards Nationwide 2011-2012 is available and searchable on the American Lung Association web site www.lung.org/research.

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About the American Lung Association
Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association, a Charity Navigator Four Star Charity and holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.LungUSA.org.