November 30, 2012 Jimmy Mansour, Founding Chairman Bill Gimson, Executive Director Cancer Prevention and Research Institute P.O. Box 12097 Austin, Texas 78701 Dear Mr. Mansour and Mr. Gimson: Serious problems have come to our attention regarding a commercialization grant issued in 2010, and we are writing to express our deep concerns about this issue. We understand that the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) awarded $11 million over three years to Peloton Therapeutics without putting the grant application through the legally required process. The grant never underwent peer review or received a peer review score -- a requirement under state law -- yet it was approved by the Oversight Committee. As the authors of the original CPRIT statute -- and subsequent legislation to strengthen the institute's guidelines to ensure transparency and prevent conflicts of interest -- we require an explanation in writing as to how this occurred. That explanation should include a description of what occurred, when and how the problem was discovered, what actions have been taken to rectify the situation, and how CPRIT proposes to prevent such oversights from occurring in the future. Mistakes occur at every agency, but CPRIT's mission is too important to be de-railed by lapses in the process established by law and by rules to ensure that every dollar allocated goes through a rigorous review process. More importantly, CPRIT cannot succeed in its effort to fight cancer without the public's trust, and right now that trust is in serious jeopardy. We will continue to look into this matter, search for solutions to prevent such an egregious oversight from occurring in the future, and ensure that the Institute is held to the highest possible standards. Your prompt response to this request is appreciated. Sincerely, ________________________ Representative Jim Keffer cc: Governor Rick Perry; Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst; Speaker of the House Joe Straus __________________________ Senator Jane Nelson