University of Missouri Secures Vital Funding for Cancer Research in State Special Session

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri is on track to significantly increase its production of vital cancer drugs. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe is now urging lawmakers to allocate $50 million for cancer research, up from an initial request of $25 million made earlier this summer.

The funding proposal faced challenges during the regular session, but Governor Kehoe revived it during the special session after productive negotiations. The Missouri Senate has approved the full amount, and the proposal will now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

The University plans to enhance its NextGen nuclear research reactor, known as NextGen MURR, which will be twice the size of its current reactor and function alongside it. This upgrade aims to triple the university’s output of radioisotopes used in cancer treatments.

MURR is currently the most powerful university research reactor in the U.S., operating at 10 megawatts. It’s unique in that it produces Lutetium-177, a radioactive isotope crucial for treating several types of cancer, including pancreatic, liver, thyroid, and prostate cancers. With recent FDA approvals for new treatments, the demand for Lutetium-177 is rising.

MU President Mun Choi expressed gratitude for the support from the governor and state leaders, highlighting the project’s potential to create life-saving opportunities and boost the local economy. However, opinions among lawmakers vary. Republican Sen. Mike Moon opposed the increased spending, while Democratic Sen. Steve Roberts wished for expanded funding for additional projects.

Moon expressed that if the desire for the reactor was genuine, the funding could have come from the university’s endowment without adding to state expenses. Construction of NextGen MURR is already underway, with a contract signed with Hyundai Engineering Company and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. The project is estimated to cost around $1 billion and take about ten years to complete. Currently, about $200 million in funding is secured, primarily from state sources, as the Board of Curators seeks additional support from donors and federal grants.

In recent discussions, experts have emphasized the growing importance of radiopharmaceuticals in cancer treatment. According to a report from the National Cancer Institute, the market for radiopharmaceuticals is set to reach $12.4 billion by 2027, reflecting the rising demand for targeted cancer therapies. As states like Missouri invest in advanced research, they play a crucial role in shaping the future of cancer care.

For more detailed insights into cancer research funding and its impact, check out the National Cancer Institute’s resources here.

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