Blue Ribbon Panel of scientific experts, cancer leaders and patient advocates will inform the direction and goals of Moonshot                   

Washington, DC, April 4, 2016 – Dr. Ellen Sigal, chairperson and founder of Friends of Cancer Research (Friends), has been appointed to the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Blue Ribbon Panel. This new panel will advise the National Cancer Advisory Board (NCAB) on the Vice President’s National Cancer Moonshot Initiative.

“I am deeply honored to be part of such an important initiative,” said Dr. Sigal. “Through the Moonshot, Vice President Biden is taking a bold step and a vital push toward conquering cancer, and with the team assembled we will get that much closer.”

The Blue Ribbon Panel will be comprised of scientific experts to advise the NCAB on different scientific opportunities to accelerate progress against cancer. In addition, it will aim to evaluate potential new investments in cancer research in order to energize national efforts to combat cancer.

“Friends has been working with the White House on the Moonshot initiative since it was announced by President Obama during this year’s State of the Union,” Dr. Sigal stated. “I look forward to continuing that work on behalf of patients by serving on this panel.”

About Friends of Cancer Research
Friends of Cancer Research (Friends) drives collaboration among partners from every healthcare sector to power advances in science, policy and regulation that speed life-saving treatments to patients.