FSR feels strongly that the causes of this disease, and ultimately a cure, will be uncovered through rigorous and extensive scientific research. FSR research awards focus on collaborations which will advance an improved understanding of sarcoidosis and will address the causes of the disease, the suffering of patients and the potential for a cure for sarcoidosis.  Learn more about FSR's Research Grant Application Process or Donate to support important new research.

Meet Elliott Crouser, MD
Recipient of 2008 FSR-ATS Partnership Grant for Sarcoidosis & 2008 K.I.S.S. Investigator Award
Dr. Crouser is Director of the Sarcoidosis Specialty Clinic at the Ohio State University Medical Center. He has extensive experience in both basic and translational research and received a jointly sponsored FSR-ATS $100,000 award for a novel approach to treating this disease.  He was also recognized for his clinical work with the 2008 K.I.S.S. Investigator Award.

Summary: "Modulation of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis by Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors"
Until recently, there was no good explanation for the fact that smoking cigarettes reduces the risk of sarcoidosis. Research studies have shown that the nicotine, a common component of cigarette smoke, strongly suppresses the immune system and reduces the type of inflammation that is characteristic of sarcoidosis in the lungs. Dr. Crouser proposes that nicotine treatment, administered in the form of a skin patch, will reduce the severity of lung disease in patients with sarcoidosis. If his hypothesis is proven to be correct in this relatively first study, he will perform additional studies in a larger group of patients and will consider the features of sarcoidosis patients that predict a favorable response to nicotine and other nicotine-like drugs.  If nicotine is ultimately found to be an effective treatment for sarcoidosis, it may replace some of the existing treatments which are frequently ineffective or have unpleasant side-effects.

Click Here to learn how to participate in this trial which will run through 2010.

K.I.S.S. Investigator Award
Dr. Crouser is joined by FSR President Andrea Wilson, Co-honoree Karen Duffy and FSR Executive Director Debbie Durrer at the 2008 KISS Chicago event.  Emcees Peggy Kusinski and Rob Elgas highlighted Dr. Crouser's achievements in basic and clinical research and how they are likely to have a significant impact on patient care in the years to come.