Professors at Cleveland State University have received two grants totaling $3 million from the National Institutes of Health to research and develop new anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant drugs.

Associate Professor Barsanjit Mazumder received $1.75 million to continue research on his discovery of a new mechanism that controls inflammation. Further research from this grant will help develop a new generation of drugs that could safely block the progression of inflammatory diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and arthritis.

Associate Professor Xue-Long Sun received $1.25 million to develop anticoagulants that are safer for stroke and heart attack victims. Anticoagulants have been identified as one of the top five drug types associated with patient safety incidents in the United States. Sun's development will work toward reducing many dangers associated with the drugs, such as excessive bleeding.

"These researchers are conducting important work that could eventually help reduce mortality rates among some of the deadliest diseases known to man," said George Walker, CSU's vice president of research and graduate studies. "I'm pleased that the National Institutes of Health recognizes the significance of this work and has provided the resources needed to move forward."

The National Institutes of Health includes 27 institutes and centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments and cures for both common and rare diseases.

About Cleveland State University

Founded in 1964, Cleveland State University is a public research institution that provides a dynamic setting for engaged learning. With an enrollment of more than 17,000 students, eight colleges and approximately 200 academic programs, CSU was again chosen for 2011 as one of America's Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report.

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