Biden Launches New Cancer Research Initiative in New Orleans

Biden’s Commitment to Cancer Research in New Orleans

Stepping away from the campaign trail and the relentless pursuit of another term, President Biden made a heartfelt visit to New Orleans on Tuesday. His focus was on a cause that he has championed for years: the ambitious “moonshot” initiative aimed at drastically reducing cancer mortality rates in the United States. This initiative, which he carried over from his tenure as vice president, has become a significant hallmark of his presidency.

During an event at Tulane University, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden announced the establishment of eight new research centers, including one at Tulane, which will collectively receive an impressive $150 million in research funding. This investment is dedicated to developing innovative methods for precision cancer surgery.

Before addressing the audience on campus, the President and First Lady engaged with a team of researchers who showcased cutting-edge technology being developed at Tulane University. This technology employs advanced imaging techniques to examine cells in tumor sites, ensuring that surgeons can verify the complete removal of cancerous cells, thereby minimizing the need for subsequent surgeries.

Standing before a banner that boldly proclaimed “curing cancer faster,” President Biden reflected on his experiences visiting cancer treatment centers in Australia and Ireland. He expressed his frustration over the lack of collaboration on an international scale, stating, “We don’t want to keep information — we want to share it.”

The funding announced on this occasion is part of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), established in 2022 to accelerate biomedical innovation and research that can transform healthcare.

The other institutions receiving awards alongside Tulane include: