2019 VA Research Week
The Science of Hope
MVP study on cholesterol genetics could lead to new treatments for heart disease, diabetes
New research based on VA's Million Veterans Program has identified genetic mutations that govern cholesterol levels. High levels of cholesterol in the blood can narrow arteries and increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Researchers explore Vet preferences for receiving results from genetic tests
In recent years, VA has become quite active in studying genomics, the structure, function, editing, and mapping of genes. The agency is now funding more than 100 studies on genetics and its relation to health and diseases.
Large genome study leads to better understanding of high blood pressure
A large, international genetic study using Million Veteran Program data has identified more than 200 gene variants that could contribute to high blood pressure. The study also identified over 200 drugs currently used to treat other diseases that could potentially be repurposed to treat high blood pressure.
Lowering Medicare Drug Prices
The U.S. could save billions of dollars a year if Medicare were empowered to negotiate drug prices directly with pharmaceutical companies, according to a paper published by JAMA Internal Medicine earlier this week.