United States: Delegate Ramadan Announces $250,000 in Budget for Lyme Testing at George Mason University

~Governor McDonnell included this budget item based on Delegate Ramadan’s request ~

Dulles, VA | December 18, 2013 — Delegate David Ramadan (87th) announced today that funding he requested for a groundbreaking new Lyme disease test developed by George Mason University has been included in Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell’s proposed 2015-2016 budget.

George Mason University’s Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine (CAPMM) would receive $250,000 to accelerate the rollout of the Nanotrap® based Lyme Antigen Test, which was developed jointly with Ceres Nanosciences. 

“I would like to thank Delegate Ramadan for his leadership and efforts to address the Lyme Disease issue, and specifically for his request that I provide funding for George Mason University’s efforts to expedite testing kits for this serious disease,” said Governor Bob McDonnell.

“Lyme Disease is a serious issue affecting families across Virginia,” said Ramadan. “The funding I requested would help accelerate an innovative new test to give greater certainty to doctors, patients and families concerned about Lyme. I appreciate the Governor’s inclusion of this request in his budget and look forward to working hard in the upcoming General Assembly session to ensure that this worthy project remains funded.”

Delegate Ramadan requested the funding after working with GMU, Ceres and Loudoun physician Dr. Sam Shor over the summer to add a new patient enrollment site for the clinical study of the test. 

“Delegate Ramadan’s support for the new Lyme disease test being developed by George Mason and Ceres Nanosciences has been exceptional and integral to its success. Delegate Ramadan has a great appreciation for the importance of improved testing methods for Lyme disease to the state of Virginia and has been our strongest advocate at the local and state level. We are grateful to have such a strong supporter who both appreciates the issue that is Lyme disease, and understands the investment and resources required to deliver a new test that can provide immediate patient benefit.” said Ceres’ CEO, Ross Dunlap.

Delegate David Ramadan  represents the 87th House of Delegates District, which includes eastern Loudoun County and western Prince William County. He currently serves on the oldest & newest committees in the House of Delegates: Privileges & Elections (P&E) and Science & Technology (S&T). He serves as the chairman of the P&E Subcommittee on Appointments. Delegate Ramadan is the co-founder and co-chairman of the Business Development Caucus. He also serves on the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission.