Texas' cancer-research agency survived a scandal. Now, it hopes to prove it's working
AUSTIN — The state’s cancer-research agency has survived scandal and tumult, and its leaders and boosters say it’s in its prime, flush with money, and the envy of other states.
Nearly halfway through spending the $3 billion voters gave it eight years ago, though, the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas is painfully aware that it faces a big sales job. Lawmakers already have begun to debate whether the agency should continue — and if so, what it should do.
Economic development boosters praise the efforts of the agency, known as CPRIT, not just to fund basic research but commercial ventures as well. They say the agency’s bets on startup companies and grants helping lure scientists from other states are key to Texas’ becoming a “third coast” in biotech.
“Before, we were a bit of a flyover state,” said health care investment firm founder Evan Melrose, a physician and businessman who moved from San Francisco to Austin a dozen years ago. “Now, people know we’ve got great medical resources in this state.”
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