b'to interpret it in the best way that wecan,basedonthepatients tumor type and what drugs might beusefultotreatthatpatients tumor, said Michael Kelley, MD, VAsnationalprogramdirector foroncologyandprofessorof medicine at Duke University. To beabletointerprettheresults of those genomic tests, we need differenttechnologiesandwe need those technologies to work very quickly. Asidefromcancer,theVA partnered with Cigna to develop and distribute resources for safer prescribing of opioids for veterans. The tools include best practices, treatment options, tools to reduce risk and clinician education. Since March, the VA has tapped its vibrant private sector networkVA researcher Andrew Schally, PhD, MDHC, DScHC, achieved international recognition as a 1977 Nobel tosecurepersonalprotectiveLaureate for Medicine or Physiology. His discoveries led to the recognition of the hypothalamus as the equipment for frontline healthcarecontrolling factor of the pituitary gland and allowed new research in contraception, diabetes, abnormal growth, developmental disabilities, as well as depression and other human mental disorders. professionalsandpromisingSource: Nov. 19, 2018 VAntage Point blogtreatments for veterans who have contracted COVID-19. It also has providedessentialsupportforindustrybyfacilitatingAs the pandemic demonstrated, the long-standing ties massive clinical trials for potential therapeutics in recordbetween VA and industry allow rapid response to new time. The VA began clinical trials for Gileads remdesivirdiseasesandapplicationofcutting-edgetechnology on March 18. It also is taking part in Hoffman-La Rochestoimproveoutcomesforsomeofthemostpersistent study of tocilizumab and Regenerons sarilumab. challenges in healthcare. VA also participated in trials for COVID-19 vaccinesThe benefits also go both ways. VA researcher Andrew being developed by Moderna, AstraZenca, Janssen andSchally, PhD, MDHC, DScHC,achieved international Pfizer. Through the Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeuticrecognitionasa1977NobelLaureateforMedicine InterventionsandVaccines(ACTIV)program,ithasorPhysiology.Theprizewasinrecognitionofhis been involved in testing multiple monoclonal antibodydiscovery of the structure of certain key hormones of treatments,includingEliLillysLY3819253andthehypothalamus:thyrotropin-releasinghormones, Lillyand AbCellerasLY-CoV555,aswellasseveralluteinizinghormone-releasinghormonesandfollicle-antithrombotic therapies. stimulatinghormones.Hisdiscoveriesledtothe recognitionofthehypothalamusasthecontrolling factor of the pituitary gland and allowed new research As the pandemic demonstrated,incontraception,diabetes,abnormalgrowth,mental the long-standing ties betweenretardation, as well as depression and other human mental disorders. Schally, who remains on staff at the Miami VA and industry allow rapidVAMC, holds 32 U.S. patents licensed to five companies and his discoveries led to the development of drugs to response to new diseases andtreat advanced prostate cancer. application of cutting-edgeAstheVAcelebratedits100thanniversaryatits headquartersinWashingtonin2019,VASecretary technology to improve outcomesRobert L. Wilkie spoke about the growth of these vital partnerships: [I]t would not surprise me if the story for some of the most persistentof our next 100 years is a story of partnerships with the VA working outside its own walls with people and challenges in healthcare.groups who share our goal of helping those who have borne the battle.THE VALUE OF THE PARTNERSHIP: Industry and the Federal Customer Working Together 7'