History of VA Research & Accomplishments
Our research at the VA Research is constantly working to improve lives through scientific research. Below are just a few examples of our research in action:
Recent COVID-19 studies:
Evaluating the efficacy and safety of Otilimab IV in patients with severe pulmonary COVID-19 related disease.
Evaluating the efficacy and safety of Remdesivir in patients with severely reduced kidney function who are hospitalized with COVID-19.
Delivering Skills for Psychological Recovery through Telemedicine to Veterans with newly diagnosed COVID-19 infection.
As part of the SPRINT group, published results from a major trial showing that lower blood pressure targets could have cardiovascular and survival benefits from some patients.
Nobel Prize awarded to researcher Dr. Ferid Murad (who had been at Palo Alto VA 1981-1986) for his discoveries relating to nitric oxide, a body chemical that helps maintain healthy blood vessels (1998).
Demonstrated that one aspirin tablet a day reduced by half the rate of death and nonfatal heart attacks in patients with unstable angina (1994).
Developed Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) systems that allow patients to move paralyzed limbs (1991).
Nobel Prize awarded to VA researchers Dr. Andrew Schally, for his research on peptide hormone production in the brain; and Dr. Rosalyn Yalow, for her development of radioimmunoassay to detect and measure various substances in the blood (1977).
Pioneered the concepts that led to development of computerized axial tomography (CAT scan), 1960.
Invented the implantable cardiac pacemaker, helping many patients prevent potentially life-threatening complications from irregular heartbeats (1958).
Here's a view of the timeline of VA research accomplishments.
Presidential Awards to Three VA Investigators
In March, 2016, the White House honored three VA investigators, among 105 federal researchers in all, with Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor given by the U.S. government to science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers.
VA Researchers: Recipients of 3 Noble Prizes
Rosalyn Yalow
Shares 1977 Nobel Prize for revolutionary development of radioimmunoassays.
Ferid Murad,
1998 Nobel Prize co-winner for role of nitric oxide maintaining healthy blood vessels.
Andrew Schally
Shares 1977 Nobel prize for discovery of brain peptide hormone production
Wilson Greatbatch
First practical implantable pacemaker preserved millions of lives
VA Research Achievements
About the Million Veteran Program
MVP makes discoveries that matter to Veterans
Mental health: We're working to find earlier and better preventions and treatments for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and suicide
Heart health: We’re studying what puts people at risk—and what protects people—from different kinds of heart diseases
Cancer: We’ve made advances in areas like breast cancer and prostate cancer, with more cancers studied every year
Wellness: We're finding ways for Veterans to live healthier lives through nutrition and lifestyle choices
And more: We’re studying dozens of health conditions that matter to Veterans, including diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, endometriosis, osteoarthritis, and impacts of military exposures. Visit our Science Corner to learn more.
To learn more or join, visit mvp.va.gov today.