Tulsa, Oklahoma, January 15, 2026
The University of Oklahoma (OU) Health Sciences Center has received a $25 million grant from TSET to establish the TSET Clinical Research Center in Tulsa, enhancing cancer care accessibility. This new facility will provide residents with extensive access to clinical trials and innovative treatments. A special focus will be placed on underserved communities, ensuring they benefit from advanced therapies and the latest medical research. This initiative represents a significant step towards improving healthcare outcomes in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma City Health Initiative Expands Cancer Care Access
A $25 million grant from TSET will enhance clinical trials and treatment options in Tulsa.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – A significant investment in healthcare accessibility has been made with the recent awarding of a $25 million grant from the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) to the University of Oklahoma (OU) Health Sciences Center. This funding will lay the groundwork for a new OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center facility in Tulsa, which aims to greatly expand access to clinical trials and advanced cancer care for residents in the region.
The TSET initiative reflects a growing acknowledgment of the importance of innovative healthcare solutions, particularly for underserved populations throughout Oklahoma. With clinical trials presenting cutting-edge treatment options, the new facility will offer vital services designed to address the pressing healthcare needs of the community.
Building the TSET Clinical Research Center
The new facility is set to include a specialized floor dedicated to clinical trials. Essential components of this facility will include an investigational drug pharmacy for cataloging and storing new experimental drugs, alongside a pharmacokinetics lab focused on studying how drugs interact with the body over time. As part of the existing Stephenson Cancer Center, which already offers around 300 clinical trials, the new Wong Clinical Research Center is committed to providing patients access to groundbreaking therapies up to five years earlier than they would typically be available on the market.
Expanding Access to Innovative Treatments
A central mission of the TSET project is to ensure that the services offered in Tulsa match those available at the established Stephenson Cancer Center in Oklahoma City. With offerings projected to cover Phase 1 through Phase 3 clinical trials, cancer patients in the region will benefit significantly from enhanced access to advanced treatments. This initiative is aligned with TSET’s broader commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and outcomes across the state, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The TSET Legacy Grants Program
The unveiling of the TSET Legacy Grants program in April 2025 further amplifies TSET’s ongoing efforts to combat Oklahoma’s leading causes of death, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. This grant program is designed to fund large-scale, multiyear projects that can make a substantial impact on public health. Eligible applicants include public institutions, state agencies, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and tribal entities, highlighting a collaborative approach to health challenges throughout Oklahoma.
Addressing Healthcare Provider Shortages
Oklahoma, like many states, faces challenges regarding the availability of healthcare providers, especially in rural areas. The establishment of the TSET Clinical Research Center in Tulsa is expected to mitigate this shortage by expanding access to sophisticated cancer treatments and clinical trials. Increased healthcare capacity will not only benefit patients but also stimulate job growth in the medical field, fostering local economic development.
The Long-Term Vision for Health in Oklahoma
As we look to the future, TSET’s investments in healthcare infrastructure and services through the Legacy Grants and the new Clinical Research Center mark a pivotal step toward revitalizing the state’s approach to public health. Oklahoma’s commitment to collaborative and innovative healthcare strategies is crucial for sustainable improvements that can lead to reduced preventable deaths and enhanced overall health outcomes across the region.
The establishment of the TSET Clinical Research Center symbolizes a beacon of hope for patients and families seeking cutting-edge cancer treatments in Oklahoma. Local residents are encouraged to stay engaged and support such transformative initiatives, reinforcing the community’s collective pursuit of better health and quality of life.
Key Takeaways
This recent development highlights the intersection of public health funding and innovation, paving the way for improved healthcare options in Oklahoma. Supporting local initiatives and innovations can be a vital part of enhancing community health and economic growth.
FAQ
- What is the TSET Clinical Research Center?
- The TSET Clinical Research Center is a new facility funded by a $25 million grant from the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) to the University of Oklahoma (OU) Health Sciences Center. It will be located in Tulsa and aims to expand access to clinical trials and cancer care in the region.
- What will the TSET Clinical Research Center include?
- The center will feature a specialized floor dedicated to clinical trials, an investigational drug pharmacy for cataloging and storing new experimental drugs, and a pharmacokinetics lab to study how drugs move through and are processed by the body over time.
- How many clinical trials does the Stephenson Cancer Center currently offer?
- The Stephenson Cancer Center currently offers approximately 300 clinical trials, providing patients access to innovative new drugs up to five years before they become widely available.
- What is the TSET Legacy Grants program?
- The TSET Legacy Grants program, launched in April 2025, is an initiative by TSET to fund large-scale, multiyear projects designed to tackle Oklahoma’s leading causes of death, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. Eligible applicants include public institutions, state agencies, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and tribal entities.
- How does the TSET Clinical Research Center address healthcare provider shortages?
- The establishment of the TSET Clinical Research Center in Tulsa is expected to alleviate the shortage of healthcare providers in the region, especially in rural areas, by expanding access to advanced cancer treatments and clinical trials.
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | $25 million awarded by TSET to OU Health Sciences Center for the establishment of the TSET Clinical Research Center in Tulsa. |
| Facility Focus | Dedicated to clinical trials, including an investigational drug pharmacy and a pharmacokinetics lab. |
| Current Clinical Trials | Approximately 300 clinical trials offered, providing early access to innovative drugs. |
| Program Launch | TSET Legacy Grants program launched in April 2025 to fund large-scale, multiyear health projects. |
| Addressing Healthcare Shortages | Center aims to alleviate healthcare provider shortages in rural areas by expanding access to cancer treatments and clinical trials. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cherokee Nation Proposes Nursing School Partnership with OU
OU Health to Acquire Dean McGee Eye Institute
University of Oklahoma Researchers Propose IHS Trust Fund
Hemant P. Goradia Honored with Regents’ Alumni Award
Local Musician Lightnin’ Luke Delivers Powerful Blues Performance in Oklahoma City
Community Rallies for Breast Cancer Awareness in Oklahoma City
OU Health Sciences Center Marks Milestone with New Lab Space
241 Charity Run in Oklahoma City Raises Funds for Medical Research
Mercy Hospital Launches Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign
