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Dear Dr. Rathbone:

Thank you for the opportunity to discuss further my
expression of concern about the support of medical research,
particularly as it relates to NIH.

It may not, perhaps, be appreciated by those not close to
the situation that less than 20 percent of the funds that are in
the NIH appropriation in a fiscal year go to support research
activities carried on at Bethesda and at the Institutes‘
associated field stations. By far the major portion of the funds
in the NIH appropriation is earmarked for research programs
awarded through grants to universities, endowed institutions,
research institutes, hospitals, and other nonfederal organizations.
The monies made available to these institutions are for the
support not only of research projects but of training activities
and for the construction of research facilities. While this
support has made it possible for the medical research strength of
our country to be greatly augmented, in terms of the actual needs
of the country, many of us in Congress believe the funds made
available thus far are indeed inadequate for a country as great
as ours.

Because of your inquiry regarding the types of research
and the record of achievement of our medical scientists, I am
sure you will find the enclosed copy of Research Highlights of

no little interest. These Highlights include both the research
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studies supported by the NIH through the administration of funds
to non-Government institutions as well as some of the projects
conducted directly by the NIH staff.

Over the years the progress made by our American scientists
is quite impressive and even in a single year the achievement in
both basic and applied research is a source of pride to us all.

In the Research Highlights you will notice achievements
such as--

-- the development of a method for detecting cancer cells

in human whole blood,

the development of a needle-like probe to help in the
detection of brain tumors,

-- the development of a method for relieving angina
pectoris by stripping the plugged-up lining of arteries,
-- the development of a method for detecting abnormal
openings between the right and left heart with Kryton 85,
-- the discovery of two new viruses (designated HA),
responsible for certain respiratory illnesses,

-- the development of an improved tuleremia vaccine,

-- the clinical studies on additional new synthetic
steroids, more potent than Hydrocortisone and Prednisone,
for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis,

-- better treatment for gout through the use of
Zoxazolemine (Flexin),

-- the development of a pain-killing drug at least 10 times

more powerful than morphine,
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-- the studies on a new drug (Imipramine), structurally

related to a tranquilizer, and showing promise in the

treatment of depression, etc. |

I have merely flagged several of the projects that are
included in the Research Highlights ‘compendium. There will be,
undoubtedly, others that will be, because of your medical back~-
ground, of equal or greater interest to you.

Again may I thank you for your expression of interest in
the NIH intramural and extramural activities.

Sincerely yours,

John E. Fogarty