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(10 Nov 97) $100 Million Bruce, I didn't want to be the wet blanket during the enthusiastic campaign to pass the Udall Bill, but you're of course right. The NIH strongly lobbied against it, not only because they consider "earmarking" funds for any specific problem to be an intrusion into their bureaucratic turf, but also because is HARD to identify any one disease as the target of a given basic research project. Keep in mind, we're not talking about testing more drugs (amply supported by the drug makers) or surgical techniques. Basic research needed on WHERE does the disease come from, HOW does it result in progressive illness (not just its symptoms), how to STOP or REVERSE the progression (not merely treat the symptoms), and how to PREVENT occurrence or relapse. When we speak of selecting a proposed project in those terms, the benefit may apply to any one of myriad related disorders: PD, HD, AD, CBGD, MSA, DLBD, PSP, OPCA, etc. Therefore it should be dirt simple for NIH to spend the $100M just as they please on their favorite projects, while piously reporting (truthfully) that those projects are of great value in Parkinson's Disease. There are of course exceptions to that notion, for example a really comprehensive survey of who gets PD, where, when, and under what circumstances, is badly needed. So is the search for a genetic link to PD, given that hereditary susceptibility to nearly every disease seems to be extremely specific, and the gene(s) for PD will surely not be the same as for any other. The biggest plus from Udall, I would guess, is increased awareness of PD research and its relation to other diseases more generously funded by NIH. After all, like any other bureau, NIH thrives on success. If they see a chance for a quick and easy "breakthrough" they will surely pick that, over dogged perseverance in some direction that doesn't offer early payoff. To sum up I would say, relish the victory, but don't expect a miracle, and don't be surprised if the result is only a slow change in emphasis at NIH, rather than a sudden burst of new PD research projects. That's still a good thing, don't knock it. Cheers, Joe -- J. R. Bruman (818) 789-3694 3527 Cody Road Sherman Oaks, CA 91403-5013