2020 Annual Report

An early indicator that Texas’ investment is working is the 8.2% drop in the state’s cancer death rate between 2011 – 2017, which translates to 11,375 deaths averted.  As CPRIT enters its second decade, we remain true to our three-part statutory mission to invest in the state’s research prowess, create and expand life science infrastructure across Texas, and expedite innovation in cancer research and prevention strategies.

The 2020 fiscal year began with Texas voters overwhelmingly approving Proposition 6, dedicating another $3 billion to accelerate the momentum in the state’s fight against cancer through the next decade.  CPRIT is now a $6 billion, 20-year initiative—the second largest funder of cancer research behind only the federal government and the largest state funded cancer research and prevention program in U.S. history.  

Even with such an auspicious start, 2020 also brought an unprecedented challenge as the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe.  Although CPRIT and our grantees adapted quickly, the transition to working remotely or in a limited capacity while making progress on cancer research and prevention projects was daunting.  This year’s report includes a section dedicated to CPRIT and the cancer community’s response to the barriers brought by COVID-19 and its devastating impact on cancer prevention efforts that will affect Texans for years to come.  

In a testament to the power of science to confront a global health crisis, we are gratified that cancer research and instruments funded by CPRIT also played a role in helping to develop COVID-19 treatments and vaccines.  This includes the first 3D atomic scale map of the COVID-19 spike protein by scientists at The University of Texas at Austin.  Pharmaceutical companies used their discovery for the antigen in the COVID-19 vaccines available now.  

CPRIT’s COVID-19 story is not the only new feature in the 2020 annual report. This is the first time that we present our report exclusively in an online format.  This platform allows us to showcase the tremendous work that CPRIT grantees are doing throughout the state.  Our grantees make prevention and cures for cancer possible with every advancement.  More than 60 examples throughout the report provide an opportunity to learn more about promising research, accelerated development, and prevention strategies undertaken by institutions, organizations, and companies across Texas.  

The many stories showing how CPRIT is extending lives and improving the health of Texans also serve as a reminder about how important CPRIT’s $2.64 billion investment in 1,576 awards is to Texans.  Despite advances made in Texas and globally in the war on cancer, this insidious disease remains the leading cause of death for Texans under the age of 85, with 127 people dying from cancer every day in the state.  More children and adolescents die from cancer in Texas than any other disease.

As if the tragic emotional and physical toll of cancer is not enough, the economic impact is staggering.  Cancer cost the state $44.7 billion in direct medical costs and mortality losses in 2020.  This is $2.2 billion more than 2019 and $4.4 billion more than 2018.  Given Texas’ emerging demographics and growing population, the state’s cost of cancer is unlikely to decline until scientists translate groundbreaking discoveries into widely available treatments and prevention screenings are accessible to all Texans.  

CPRIT’s investments connect universities, researchers, physicians, companies, hospitals, and clinics across Texas forming a critical infrastructure backbone of distinguished cancer-fighting talent.  CPRIT is proud to facilitate this connectivity—our projects create high quality jobs, support critical lab assets, and along the way, help thousands of cancer patients extend their lives.  Promised benefits are delivered today.

As you examine the social, economic, and personal impacts of CPRIT’s activities, remember that the Institute and its grantees provide these benefits with an extraordinarily low overhead.  Our grantees may not spend more than five percent of grant funds on indirect costs.  Similarly, the Institute’s overhead is less than seven percent of the total amount appropriated to the agency annually.  When considered in the context of CPRIT’s $1.4 billion active grant portfolio, our annual operational costs are slightly more than one percent of total funds under management.

We are grateful for those constantly striving to reduce the burden of cancer across Texas.  Their dedication and support inspire us in our efforts.  On behalf of the Oversight Committee and staff, we appreciate the opportunity to have made 2020 another productive year.  Through CPRIT and in thousands of personal ways, Texans Conquer Cancer.

Wayne R. Roberts
Chief Executive Officer

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