Emory University to lead federal research with a goal of curing cancer

The Biden Administration has chosen Emory University to be the lead researcher in an initiative to find a cure and better treatments for cancer, autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases. (Courtesy of Emory University)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has established the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). Their challenge is to find a cure and better treatments for cancer, autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases. The Biden Administration has chosen Emory University to lead the research.

Dr. Philip Santangelo is the lead investigator. He spoke to Rose Scott on Tuesday’s episode of “Closer Look,” stating that their work will be a continuation of decades of research into these diseases, but with one difference.

“We are trying to take a big leap forward,” said Santangelo. “In other words, by combining different technologies and specifically, modulating what the immune system does, but in more complex ways than what’s been done in the past.”

Santangelo says his lab is working toward developing a new suite of drugs that can be tailored specifically to different diseases and give doctors a new way to approach the illnesses.