A First-of-Its-Kind Collaborative Effort Unites Top Scientific Minds to Drive Smarter, More Effective Research Funding
SEYMOUR, Conn. – Project Purple, a non-profit organization empowering the fight against pancreatic cancer, is proud to announce the launch of its newly formed Multi-Disciplinary Research Committee, a pioneering step in its mission to invest in smarter, more collaborative research to defeat one of the deadliest cancers in the world.
“As we enter into our 15th year, this is a transformative step for Project Purple with regards to how we fund research now and in the future,” said Dino Verrelli, Founder and CEO of Project Purple. “We have created a multi-disciplinary team with some of the best clinicians in the field of pancreatic cancer to support research funding towards better treatments and early detection.”
This new committee will serve as the scientific backbone of Project Purple’s research strategy, overseeing the evaluation and selection of grant recipients with the goal of funding the most promising, high-impact projects in the fight against pancreatic cancer. Thanks to a strategic mix of experts with various backgrounds, the committee represents a holistic approach to curing one of the most complex diseases in oncology.
“Pancreatic cancer doesn’t follow a straight line. It’s evasive, aggressive, and multifaceted,” Verrelli said. “That’s why we’re changing the model for how research is funded. By assembling a diverse and deeply experienced committee of leaders from across the cancer care continuum, we’re ensuring our donors’ dollars fuel cutting-edge research with the greatest chance of success.”
Why a Multi-Disciplinary Committee? A Smarter Approach to a Complex Disease
Project Purple’s Multi-Disciplinary Research Committee takes a cooperative approach to decision-making from a variety of angles. The diversity of specialties allows for a comprehensive analysis of each proposal’s scientific merit and potential for real-world impact.
“The future of pancreatic cancer research lies not just in deeper specialization, but in smarter collaboration,” Verrelli added. “This committee brings together experts who understand the disease from multiple angles: surgery, medicine, radiation, and research. That kind of perspective is rare, and it’s what makes this effort so powerful.”
Each committee member brings years of experience, dozens to hundreds of peer-reviewed publications, and leadership in major cancer centers across the U.S. Together, they will identify and support innovative, high-potential projects—from early detection and biomarker discovery to novel therapeutics and treatment resistance solutions.
Meet the Members: Leaders in the Field
- Dr. Bret Schipper, M.D., FACS, PE – Chief of Surgical Oncology, Hartford Hospital
Dr. Schipper serves as the Chief of Surgical Oncology at Hartford Hospital and Co-Physician-in-Chief of the Hartford HealthCare Digestive Health Institute. As a board-certified surgical oncologist, he is an expert in pancreatic and hepatobiliary surgery and has been instrumental in developing comprehensive, multidisciplinary cancer programs to enhance patient care. - Dr. Peter J. Allen, M.D. – Chief of Surgical Oncology, Duke University
Dr. Allen is the David C. Sabiston Distinguished Professor of Surgery and Chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology at Duke University, also serving as Chief of Surgery at the Duke Cancer Institute. A Surgical Oncologist specializing in pancreatic and hepatobiliary malignancy, Dr. Allen’s research focuses on the progression of pancreatic precursor lesions and biomarker development for high-risk cases, with support from organizations including Project Purple. - Dr. Eugene Koay, M.D., Ph.D. – Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology, MD Anderson
Dr. Koay is a Professor in the Department of Gastrointestinal (GI) Radiation Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he treats all types of GI cancers. Dr. Koay is recognized for his clinical and translational research on GI cancers and their properties on diagnostic imaging, participating in national and international collaborations. He has authored over 140 articles and a textbook, and actively mentors the next generation of researchers. - Dr. Despina Siolas, M.D., Ph.D. – Assistant Professor of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Dr. Siolas is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine. As a physician-scientist, Dr. Siolas’s research integrates cancer genetics and tumor immunology to explore more effective therapeutic options for gastrointestinal cancers, with a focus on pancreatic cancer. Her work, including publications in Cell Reports and Cancer Cell, has explored the roles of p53 and KRAS mutations. - Dr. Jonathan Brody, Ph.D. – Professor and Vice Chair of Research, OHSU
Dr. Jonathan Brody, Ph.D., is the Vice Chair of Research and a Professor in the Department of Surgery at OHSU. He also serves as Associate Director of Translational Research for the Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care. A prominent leader in pancreatic cancer research, Dr. Brody’s work focuses on understanding and overcoming therapeutic resistance and developing personalized treatments, which has led to over 170 peer-reviewed articles. He also champions efforts to mentor future researchers and enhance diversity in the field. - Dino Verrelli – Founder & CEO, Project Purple
Motivated by the loss of his father, Giovanni, Verrelli launched Project Purple in 2010 to fight pancreatic cancer through research, awareness, and patient support. Under his leadership, the organization has raised millions and directly supported thousands of families.
Driving Impact Through Innovation
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal forms of cancer, with a five-year survival rate of 13%. Despite its severity, the disease receives a disproportionately low amount of federal research funding.
By forming this committee, Project Purple is addressing that gap not only with more funding, but with better funding.
The committee’s work will prioritize projects that challenge conventional thinking, promote early detection, and enhance therapeutic effectiveness, all while fostering diverse representation and equity in scientific advancement.
How You Can Support Project Purple
With the launch of this committee, Project Purple invites the public to join a movement focused on measurable impact. Every donation made supports a smarter, more efficient system for funding the next wave of discoveries in pancreatic cancer.
“By supporting Project Purple, you’re not just donating to research; you’re investing in a better model for making an impact,” said Verrelli. “With the right support, this multi-disciplinary approach is going to change the future of this disease.”
To support Project Purple’s mission or learn more, visit www.projectpurple.org/research.
About Project Purple
Founded in 2010, Project Purple is dedicated to a world without pancreatic cancer and improving the care and outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients. It has funded over $4 million in research, largely focusing on early detection initiatives such as PRECEDE, the world’s largest high-risk consortium for genetic mutations linked to pancreatic cancer.
Other research grants include foundational funding for Hartford HealthCare’s High Risk Pancreatic Cancer Screening Program, several studies with Duke University School of Medicine, and many more groundbreaking initiatives.
The organization has also granted over $1.4 million to patient aid programs, helping more than 1,500 families focus on the fight against pancreatic cancer. For more information, go to www.projectpurple.org.
Media Contact:
Sam DaCosta
info@projectpurple.org
(203) 714-6052
