PCORI awards more than $100 million for research studies

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute this week approved $83 million in funding for 26 research studies on a range of conditions and patient populations. Two of the awards totaling $29.5 million will support studies on caring for people infected with hepatitis C. Other studies will focus on comparing treatments for urea cycle disorders, genetic disorders caused by the liver’s inability to break down ammonia; non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, a rare lung disease; and syringomyelia, a debilitating neurological condition. In a separate announcement, the institute approved $23.5 million for two studies on efforts to reduce health disparities related to uncontrolled high blood pressure among African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, and low-income and rural individuals. PCORI said it plans to issue new funding announcements this fall on treatment of people with multiple sclerosis and long-term opioid treatment for chronic pain.