American Brain Coalition: Federal Funding for Brain Research

Federal Funding for Brain Research

What Is the American Brain Coalition?

The American Brain Coalition (ABC) is a non-profit organization that brings together people with disabling brain disorders, the families of those that are affected, and the professionals that research and treat diseases of the brain. The mission of the ABC is to reduce the burden of brain disorders, and advance the understanding of the brain.

Congressional Support Accelerates Discovery

In the late 1990s, Congress made a commitment to double the budget of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) over the course of five years. The primary goal for the added funds was to discover better treatments and cures for human disease. Congress has delivered on its promise, and scientists have amassed a wealth of medical knowledge. Today, researchers have a greater understanding of how the brain and nervous system function due to NIH-funded research.

Many recent scientific discoveries, including those in neurology, psychiatry, and behavioral research have begun to show their potential. Insights into the biology of schizophrenia, epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and other disorders have led to the development of enhanced diagnostic techniques, better prevention methods, and more effective treatments. Simply put, the result of Congressional support for research leads to improved patient care.

Today’s Research: Hope for the Future

Today's research is the foundation for future breakthroughs. The federal government's investment in research must be sustained in order to translate today's scientific findings into further bedside treatments, and the ABC supports NIH in its entirety. Recent discoveries, such as those listed below, are a direct result of robust funding for the NIH.

The development of drugs that reduce the severity of symptoms for those suffering with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease

The identification of stroke treatment and prevention methods

The discovery of a new class of anti-depressants that produce fewer side effects than their predecessors

The creation of new drugs to help prevent epileptic seizures

The expansion of treatments for the psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia

Funding Must Keep Pace with Inflation

Calculated by the Department of Commerce, the Biomedical Research and Development Price Index (BRDPI) is the rate of inflation for items and services related to life sciences research. BRDPI is generally in the three to five percent range each year. More recently, the rate of biomedical research inflation has been higher than initially projected.

BRDPI indicates the percentage that the NIH budget would have to increase each year in order to maintain its current purchasing power. However, since the NIH budget doubling was completed in FY 2003, funding levels have failed to keep pace with BRDPI. This ultimately translates into cuts in funding. As NIH's purchasing power decreases, the public health payoff from Congress' earlier investments suffer.

Funding Must Keep Pace with Inflation

BRDPI indicates the percentage that the NIH budget would have to increase each year in order to maintain its current purchasing power. However, since the NIH budget doubling was completed in FY 2003, funding levels have failed to keep pace with BRDPI. This ultimately translates into cuts in funding. As NIH’s purchasing power decreases, the public health payoff from Congress' earlier investments suffer.

Recommendation

The American Brain Coalition supports a 6.7 percent increase in funding for NIH for FY 2008, FY 2009, and FY 2010. This sustained increase is necessary just to make-up for lost purchasing power that has occurred in the past three years and to provide sufficient resources to sustain the pace of recent NIH discoveries. Improved treatments for diseases and disorders of the brain will only be possible if the NIH, the world’s leading research enterprise, has a longstanding commitment from Congress.

Approved by the American Brain Coalition July 2006.