Program joining federal network to ensure safe medicines for kids
Janice Sullivan, M.D.
The University of Louisville is joining a federal effort to ensure that medicines are safe for children.
The UofL Kosair Charities Pediatric Research Unit will take part in the Pediatric Pharmacology Research Unit (PPRU) Network, a group of 13 American research centers that generate high-quality clinical and scientific data to support accurate labeling of new and existing therapeutic drugs for children.
Many parents are shocked when they learn that no more than five of the 80 drugs most frequently used in children have been researched and labeled for pediatric use. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) formed the network in 1994 to address this issue.
"As one of only 13 centers in the United States that meet the high NICHD standards for interdisciplinary pediatric research, I am proud of the role that the University of Louisville will play in the worldwide improvement of health care for kids," said UofL President James Ramsey, Ph.D.
According to Janice Sullivan, M.D., director of the unit, the first 10 years of PPRU research activity have focused primarily on labeling issues of existing and new drugs with potential pediatric benefits.
"As we enter the next five years, the focus is shifting to translational research so we can better understand why kids are different," Sullivan explained.
Translational research, which aims to convert laboratory discoveries into bedside therapies, is a central focus at UofL.
"We are able to combine core competencies in proteomics, pharmacology and pharmacogenetics with a strong clinical research program to make a significant contribution to what we know about how kids' bodies deal with therapeutic drugs," she said.
The five-year renewable appointment is accompanied by a $1.8 million grant that will be used primarily to support the infrastructure of the local PPRU and to develop an independent pediatric core proteomics lab.
"The dedicated proteomics lab will support our research in identifying biomarkers of disease activity and response to therapy," explained pharmacologist and unit associate director Mary Jayne Kennedy.
"Louisvillians can be proud that this important work benefiting children across the country is taking place here at home," said Congresswoman Anne Northup. "I'm pleased to offer my congratulations and support."
The UofL Kosair Charities Pediatric Clinical Research Unit is housed in Kosair Children's Hospital and supported by Kosair Charities, the hospital and UofL.
