Rutgers University Cell & DNA Repository (RUCDR) Infinite Biologics, the world’s largest university-based biorepository, will be receiving up to $19 million in federal funding.Photo courtesy of RUCDRThe NCGS was established by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to conduct research on drug abuse and addiction to be used to improve treatment and inform policy discussions. As a scientific resource for informing the human molecular genetics of drug addiction, NCGS produces, stores, and distributes clinical data and biomaterials, such as DNA samples and cell lines, from human subjects participating in studies. 

“Rutgers continues to be a leading institution in this country, and in the world, for groundbreaking research and development,” said Congressman Pallone.  “And the biomedical research performed at research universities, like Rutgers, is not only the biggest and best in the world, but it is also an economic powerhouse.  The government has a responsibility to foster an environment where Americans can continue to innovate and transform scientific discoveries into health benefits and, ultimately, a more stable future.  I am glad that the Department of Health and Human Services recognizes the critical work being done at Rutgers.”

Congressman Pallone has repeatedly called for continued funding for biomedical research and development in the United States, specifically funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  Last month, he joined 191 of his colleagues to request that the NIH receive $32 billion in funding in Fiscal Year 2015.