NEWS RELEASE

Released: September 7, 2012

Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to fund Consortia
Studying Combat Related PTSD and TBI

In support of the August 31, 2012 Presidential Executive Order 13625, the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are combining more than $100 million to fund two new consortia aimed at improving diagnosis and treatment of mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Once in place, these consortia, the Consortium to Alleviate PTSD (CAP) and the Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium (CENC) will be jointly managed by the VA and by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) on behalf of the DoD.

"PTSD and mTBI are two of the most devastating injuries suffered by our warfighters in Iraq and Afghanistan, and identifying better treatments for those impacted is critical," said Dr. Terry Rauch, Program Director for Defense Medical Research and Development within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, Department of Defense. "These consortia will bring together leading scientists and researchers devoted to the health and welfare of our nation's Service members and Veterans."

More than 15 percent of Service members and Veterans suffer impaired functioning as a result of PTSD. CAP will study potential indicators of the trauma, as well as prevention strategies, possible interventions, and improved treatments. Biomarker-based researched will be a key factor for CAP's studies.

A primary goal of CENC is to establish an understanding of the aftereffects of an mTBI. Potential comorbidities also will be studied; that is, conditions that are associated with and worsen because of a neurotrauma.

"Traumatic brain injury has been identified as the signature injury of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, and ensuring the best possible care for those affected service members is a high priority," said Dr. Joel Kupersmith, Chief Research and Development Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs. "Likewise, PTSD is an ongoing concern for our Veterans, whether they experience it while serving in the military or many years later. Defining and developing potential treatments is critical to the health of our Veterans."

Specific information on the consortia, including the full description of each award, eligibility, and submission deadlines, and General Application Instructions, are posted on the Grants.gov and CDMRP websites (https://www.grants.gov and https://CDMRP.HEALTH.MIL, respectively).

Point of Contact:

Gail Whitehead
CDMRP Public Affairs
301-619-7783
Gail.Whitehead@us.army.mil

The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) funds innovative bio-medical competitive awards and manages research programs in cancer, military relevant injuries and conditions, and specific disease programs for the benefit of all Americans. Recognized for our unique collaborations with scientists, clinicians, consumers, and the military, the CDMRP is a subordinate command of the United States Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, Department of Defense (https://CDMRP.HEALTH.MIL).