Governor Rell Signs Bill Expanding State-Backed

Medical Research to Include Diabetes, Alzheimer’s

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced she has signed into law a bill that expands the areas of research Connecticut’s Biomedical Research Trust Fund can be used for to include Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.

            “Connecticut, already a leading state in biomedical and pharmaceutical research, should certainly be backing research into both of these diseases,” Governor Rell said. “Both are far too prevalent and each, in its own way, has profound and sometimes devastating effects on not only the patient but his or her family.

            “Diabetes, a treatable but chronic condition which a recent paper from the American Diabetes Association said affects about 171 million people worldwide, can stem from a genetic condition but is often related to diet,” the Governor noted. “Untreated, the disease can kill.

            “Alzheimer’s is a personal tragedy that plays out on an individual scale, one case at a time,” Governor Rell said. “Individuals begin to lose memories, abilities and generally withdraw – and eventually a victim of Alzheimer’s is truly gone to the family and friends they once knew, even though they may still live on for years. Finding a cure for this cruel disease would truly be a blessing.”

            The legislation, Senate Bill 354, An Act Concerning Biomedical Research Trust Fund Research, takes effect July 1.