08/06/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/06/2024 06:21
DALLAS, Aug. 6, 2024 - Single ventricle heart disease is a rare congenital heart defect caused when one of the heart's lower chambers doesn't fully develop. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 15,000 babies born in the U.S. have single ventricle heart disease. While it can often be diagnosed before birth, there is no cure and treatment requires extensive intervention, including multiple surgeries beginning right after birth. To add to the body of scientific knowledge about this complex syndrome, a new $13 million innovative research initiative focused on single ventricle disease is being launched by the American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024 as the world's leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, and the Additional Ventures, a purpose-driven nonprofit that aims to accelerate research progress and improve clinical care for people with single ventricle heart disease.
The American Heart Association/Additional Ventures Collaborative Sciences Awards in Single Ventricle Heart Disease will bring together teams of scientists from Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio; The Ohio State University in Columbus; Stanford University in Stanford, California; and the University of Colorado in Aurora, to work collaboratively on research projects to expand the understanding of underlying biological mechanisms and science related to clinical complications and concurring medical conditions in people with single ventricle heart disease. The projects are funded for their forward-thinking approaches to research using innovative and progressive methods to challenge current knowledge and theories in search of cures for single ventricle disease.
"Single ventricle disease is one of the most complex forms of congenital heart defects and is often diagnosed prenatally or very soon after birth. Children with single ventricle heart disease face a range of complications and comorbidities throughout their lifetime, significantly reducing both quality and duration of life," said Keith Churchwell, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the Association. "We are excited to see what cutting-edge research these scientists may uncover to help us learn more about the biomechanisms of the disease with the hope to reduce the many complications and associated conditions that often accompany it."
"We are proud of this collaborative effort to build momentum and enthusiasm within the research community to address these gaps in knowledge and identify clinical targets that could make a meaningful difference in patients' lives," said Erin Hoffmann, executive chairman and founder of Additional Ventures. "It is incredibly heartening to see the response this program has garnered within the single ventricle research and clinical communities. We are thrilled to see so many minds dedicated to this important problem. This program has inspired new projects and the creative, collaborative thinking that's required to tackle the unknowns in this space."
The five research projects, which began July 1, 2024, and will continue through three years, include:
This multidisciplinary network of five collaborating teams will each address high-priority single ventricle-related research questions - creating a team of teams that shares related, yet unique, scientific goals to move the needle in this underserved field.
Additional Resources
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public's health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
The American Heart Association has funded more than $5.9 billion in cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and brain health research since 1949, making it the single largest non-government supporter of heart and brain health research in the U.S. New knowledge resulting from this funding benefits millions of lives in every corner of the U.S. and around the world.
About Additional Ventures
Additional Ventures is a purpose-driven organization leveraging evidence-based research and deep subject matter expertise to make an outsized impact. Our relentless optimism powers bold, high-risk innovations to solve some of humanity's most complex challenges. Our biomedical research work focuses on a rare form of congenital heart defects called single ventricle heart disease. While this field is in its infancy, with limited knowledge of cause, risk, outcomes, or treatments, we are confident that through coordinated strategic and interdisciplinary work, dynamic teaming, and flexible funding, we can illuminate a functional cure for patients and their families. Learn more about our work at additionalventures.org, LinkedIn, or X.
Since its inception in 2020, Additional Ventures has committed over $75 million in funding for research and development across the single ventricle field. Read more about our programs and progress in our most recent Annual Report.
For Media Inquiries:
Cathy Lewis, [email protected]; 214-706-1324
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org