GREENWOOD, SC (February 25, 2026)— The Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC) has received $1,106,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support advanced research equipment for the Carroll A. Campbell Jr. Alzheimer’s Initiative. This collaborative effort between GGC, MitoSense, and the US Veteran’s Administration aims to develop innovative treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
The funding, secured with the support of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, will be used to purchase advanced capital equipment critical for the expanding efforts in Alzheimer’s research at GGC.
Advancing a New Treatment Approach
The Carroll A. Campbell Jr. Alzheimer’s Initiative focuses on understanding the causes of neurodegenerative disease and developing a novel therapeutic approach developed by MitoSense known as Mitochondria Organelle Transplantation (MOT™). Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, leading to impaired energy production in the brain.
Using MOT™, researchers isolate healthy mitochondria from donor cells and deliver them to diseased cells with the goal of restoring cellular energy, slowing disease progression, and potentially preventing disease onset. The approach also shows promise for other conditions, including ALS, Parkinson’s disease, and rare pediatric mitochondrial disorders.
“This new funding allows us to acquire the sophisticated tools needed to evaluate the benefits of mitochondrial transplantation and move this promising therapy closer to patients,” said Rich Steet, PhD, Director of Research at Greenwood Genetic Center.
Building on Strong Momentum
The Initiative was launched with $2 million in state funding in 2024 from the office of South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and is named in honor of former Governor Carroll A. Campbell Jr., who died of Alzheimer’s disease in 2005.
“For our family, this Initiative represents hope — honoring our father’s legacy while working toward a future with effective treatments for Alzheimer’s,” said Mike Campbell, son of former governor Carroll Campbell.
“Alzheimer’s and diseases like it affect so many South Carolinians, including the late Governor Campbell and his family. But it’s through the dedication of the Campbell family and many others in our state that our robust medical research and development industry is advancing at an impressive pace, particularly when it comes to addressing Alzheimer’s and similar degenerative diseases,” said Sen. Graham. “Greenwood Genetic Center made a compelling case to my office about breakthroughs that could happen with the funding for new equipment for the Carroll A. Campbell Jr. Alzheimer's Initiative, a partnership between GGC, MitoSense, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.”
Equipment Investment and Impact
The federal funds will support the purchase of several major research instruments including a super-resolution confocal microscope and a high-sensitivity mass spectrometer. Together, these tools will allow researchers to track transplanted mitochondria, measure cellular energy production, and identify biomarkers of disease progression and treatment response.
“This state-of-the-art technology will allow researchers to better work toward the goal of possibly slowing down or even preventing the onset of these diseases altogether. I believe this is a worthwhile use of taxpayer dollars and was glad to advocate for its federal funding. South Carolinians deserve the best possible care and with investments like these, we will hopefully improve future outcomes,” added Sen. Graham.
Neurodegenerative diseases affect South Carolinians at rates above the national average, with a particularly high impact on the state’s more than 400,000 veterans. By expanding GGC’s research capabilities into adult neurodegenerative diseases, this project is expected to improve patient outcomes, reduce long-term healthcare costs, and strengthen South Carolina’s leadership in genetic and neurological research.
ABOUT GREENWOOD GENETIC CENTER
The Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC), founded in 1974, is a nonprofit organization advancing the field of medical genetics and caring for families impacted by genetic disease and birth defects. At its home campus in Greenwood, South Carolina, a talented team of physicians and scientists provides clinical genetic services, diagnostic laboratory testing, educational programs and resources, and research in the field of medical genetics. GGC’s faculty and staff are committed to the goal of developing preventive and curative therapies for the individuals and families they serve. GGC extends its reach as a resource to all residents of South Carolina with satellite offices in Charleston, Columbia, Florence, and Greenville. For more information about GGC please visit www.ggc.org .
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