$437,541 HHS Grant to Virginia Tech

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, a $437,541 grant. The funding supports research into antisense therapeutics to treat colon infections. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Antisense therapies continue to be studied to treat various illnesses.

“This grant for more than $437,000 helps Virginia Tech explore the use of such therapies to treat colon infection.”

BACKGROUND

According to the Mayo Clinic, Clostridioides difficile relates to a bacterium that causes infection of the colon. Illness often occurs after using antibiotics medicines.

Antisense therapies target genes to neutralize toxins.

The HHS office responsible for this grant is the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee. He was appointed to the role in the summer of 2025.