Florida is making waves in the world of cancer research with a bold new investment that has scientists, clinicians, and patients across the state buzzing with hope. On September 25, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis, alongside First Lady Casey DeSantis and State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, stood before gathered press at the University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine in Tampa to announce a $60 million funding opportunity for cancer research through the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund. The announcement, timed to coincide with the Department of Health’s World Cancer Research Day symposium, marked the third year of the initiative and underscored the state’s growing commitment to innovative cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
This year’s focus? Not just the tried-and-true, but the trailblazing—nutrition-based prevention, rapid-turnaround clinical trials, and, perhaps most eye-catchingly, the repurposing of generic drugs like ivermectin for potential cancer treatment. The inclusion of ivermectin, a medication more commonly associated with anti-parasitic uses and recent controversies, has sparked both curiosity and debate within the scientific community and the general public.
“I was proud to announce that applications are opening this week for the next round of cancer research projects through the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund,” Governor DeSantis declared at the event, as reported by ET Online. “These competitive grants are open to a wide range of institutions and researchers, with a focus on preventative nutrition as well as emerging medical treatment options for cancer patients. Investing in innovation today means saving lives tomorrow—and that’s why we will continue working to make Florida a beacon of hope in cancer research.”
First Lady Casey DeSantis, herself a breast cancer survivor and an outspoken advocate for cancer initiatives, emphasized the practical impact of the fund. “This year’s funding opportunity for the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund is strengthening our fight against cancer and supporting patients and their families across our state,” she said, according to a release from Governor DeSantis’ office. “This focus on nutrition research and preventative strategies directly aligns with the work of the Florida MAHA Commission and puts Florida at the forefront of discovering how what we eat can help beat disease.”
The Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, established through the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, has quickly become a cornerstone of the state’s biomedical research landscape. Since its inception, the Fund has provided $80 million in support to 95 researchers and institutions, a testament to Florida’s ambition to lead in the fight against cancer. With this year’s $60 million infusion, total investment will soar to $140 million—a figure that reflects both bipartisan urgency and the state’s determination to drive results.
Dr. Joseph Ladapo, Florida’s Surgeon General, highlighted the urgency and practical orientation of the initiative. “As we recognize World Cancer Research Day, Florida also celebrates the third year of continuing its commitment to cancer research, dedicating $60 million toward an approach which focuses on quick results and measurable outcomes for Florida’s patients,” he said. “Through the steadfast leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis, Florida has built a strong foundation for cancer research. The Cancer Innovation Fund represents Florida’s continuous dedication to advancing cutting-edge cancer research that will benefit Floridians and serve as a model for innovation nationwide.”
So, what sets this year’s round of funding apart? According to the official announcement, priority will be given to translational research—projects that move discoveries from the lab bench to the patient bedside—as well as 12-month clinical trials and direct interventions that yield measurable results. There’s a special emphasis on projects serving rural and medically underserved communities, a nod to persistent disparities in cancer outcomes across Florida. Collaborative projects that unite oncologists, researchers, and treatment centers to break down traditional silos are also in the spotlight, with the goal of fostering rapid advancements in patient care.
One of the most talked-about aspects of the 2025 funding round is its openness to research on repurposed drugs, especially ivermectin. While ivermectin’s use in cancer treatment is not yet well-established and remains controversial, the Fund’s willingness to explore such avenues signals a broader shift toward investigating the untapped potential of existing medications. As reported by ET Online, the first lady specifically mentioned “studies on existing medications like ivermectin for potential cancer applications” as an example of the kind of high-impact project the fund hopes to support.
Nutrition, too, takes center stage. The symposium at USF brought together experts to discuss the intersection of nutrition, food regulation reform, and cancer risk reduction. Recent projects supported by the Fund have explored fasting, dietary changes, and exercise interventions for cancer patients, reflecting a growing recognition that lifestyle factors can play a powerful role in both prevention and treatment. “This focus on nutrition research and preventative strategies directly aligns with the work of the Florida MAHA Commission and puts Florida at the forefront of discovering how what we eat can help beat disease,” First Lady Casey DeSantis reiterated during her remarks.
Florida’s investment isn’t just about money—it’s about impact. In its first year, the Fund supported 30 researchers with $20 million. That investment tripled in the second year, reaching 65 researchers with $60 million. Along the way, the Fund has powered advances in early disease detection, expanded access to clinical trials in rural areas, and helped build data-driven precision medicine platforms. These achievements, highlighted by the Governor’s office, underscore the Fund’s dual mission: to improve patient outcomes and to set new standards of care that can be adopted nationwide.
Applications for the 2025 round of funding are now open, with the Department of Health encouraging proposals from multidisciplinary teams across the spectrum of cancer research and care. According to the official announcement, projects will be evaluated on scientific merit, innovation potential, collaborative strength, and their ability to improve outcomes for all Floridians. Interested researchers can find application materials on the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund’s website.
For those keeping score, the numbers tell a compelling story: $140 million invested since the Fund’s creation, 95 researchers and institutions supported, and a growing list of tangible breakthroughs in prevention, detection, and treatment. Florida’s approach—combining traditional research with bold new ideas and a relentless focus on real-world results—may just be the model other states look to as they grapple with the complexities of cancer care.
As the sun set over Tampa on World Cancer Research Day, the message from Florida’s leaders was clear: innovation, collaboration, and a willingness to challenge old assumptions are the keys to making progress against one of humanity’s most persistent threats. Whether it’s nutrition, new technology, or even a repurposed pill, Florida is betting big on the future of cancer research—and the world is watching.
