H.R. No. 106
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Dr. James P. Allison, chair of immunology at The
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, was named the 2015
winner of the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award; and
WHEREAS, Presented by the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation,
the Lasker Awards are considered among the most prestigious
scientific prizes in the world, and to date, 87 award recipients
have gone on to receive the Nobel Prize in their respective fields
of endeavor; and
WHEREAS, A highly acclaimed leader in cancer immunotherapy,
Dr. Jim Allison has conducted research into the biology of T-cells,
the white blood cells that play a key role in the body's immune
response; his work resulted in his discovery of an antibody that
stimulates the immune system to fight back against tumor cells;
recognized as a significant therapeutic breakthrough, this
achievement was instrumental in the development of the drug
Yervoy--the first treatment shown to extend the survival of
patients with late-stage, untreatable melanoma; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Allison earned his undergraduate and doctoral
degrees at The University of Texas at Austin, and he has been
affiliated with a number of respected research institutions over
the course of his career; since 2012, he has overseen the immunology
department at MD Anderson, where his accomplishments have included
the establishment of the cancer immunotherapy platform as part of
the Moon Shots Program, which brings together scientists and
clinicians to pursue new innovations in cancer treatment; he has
been honored with numerous professional accolades, including the
Science of Oncology Award from the American Society of Clinical
Oncology, the Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize, and the
International Award for Cancer Research from the Pezcoller
Foundation and American Association for Cancer Research; and
WHEREAS, The groundbreaking contributions of Dr. Jim Allison
have earned him a place at the forefront of a promising new field of
cancer research, and his efforts are inspiring other scientists in
the Lone Star State and beyond; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Dr. James P. Allison on his receipt
of the 2015 Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award and
extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success with his
important work; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Dr. Allison as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Davis of Harris
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 106 was adopted by the House on
February 23, 2017, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House