NEW ORLEANS, LA — Monday, March 9, 2026 — The Louisiana Cancer Endowment (LCE) today announced the addition of two global biopharmaceutical companies, AstraZeneca and Pfizer Inc. as Founding Partners, marking a major milestone for the newly-formed statewide nonprofit dedicated to advancing cancer research across Louisiana. The Founding Partners will be recognized during a special session at the 5th annual Cancer Advocacy Group of Louisiana’s NeauxCancer Conference on March 19th at the Sheraton in New Orleans.
“With Pfizer and AstraZeneca working alongside our physicians, survivors, and community leaders and helping to fund our initiatives, LCE can move faster to fund and expand cancer research initiatives—especially for communities along the Mississippi River corridor,” said Marc R. Matrana, MD, MS, FACP, Executive Director of the Louisiana Cancer Endowment.
As Founding Partners, AstraZeneca and Pfizer will collaborate with LCE’s physician leaders, cancer survivors, and philanthropists to help shape strategic priorities and expand cancer research programs aimed at improving early detection, addressing disparities, and ultimately creating more cancer survivors. Louisiana faces one of the most severe cancer burdens in the nation, ranking third in age-adjusted cancer incidence and fifth in cancer mortality. Residents living between Baton Rouge and New Orleans along the Mississippi River—often referred to as ‘Cancer Alley’—experience a 95% greater risk of developing cancer than the average American.
“Our partnership with the Louisiana Cancer Endowment advances our mission to eliminate cancer as a cause of death,” said Mohit Manrao, Senior Vice President and Head of US Oncology at AstraZeneca. “Together, we will accelerate research to drive earlier detection and new treatment options, expand access, and provide support for people and families at every step of their cancer journey, so more Louisianans not only survive cancer but live well beyond it.”
“At Pfizer, we are committed to advancing breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. But those breakthroughs are only valuable to patients if all patients have a chance to be diagnosed and treated with the right medicines. Our oncology work is grounded in advancing science‑driven, patient‑centered care for all,” said Brian Morrissey, Vice President Oncology Accounts Group, Pfizer Inc. Through our collaboration with the Louisiana Cancer Endowment, we are applying real‑world insights and physician leadership to strengthen cancer detection, expand access to innovative and high‑quality care, and address inequities that continue to impact underserved communities across Louisiana.”
LCE’s initial portfolio will prioritize initiatives that can deliver measurable progress in the near term, including:
- Advancing precision oncology trials and translational research to bring promising therapies to Louisiana patients sooner.
- Scaling early detection and screening programs in high-burden parishes, with emphasis on communities along the Mississippi River corridor.
- Reducing disparities by supporting navigation, education, and access programs for underserved populations.
- Building stronger data and biospecimen infrastructure to power discovery and accelerate local breakthroughs.
“As a cancer survivor and leading cancer fundraiser for decades, I am honored to welcome AstraZeneca and Pfizer as partners of the Louisiana Cancer Endowment. Their leadership and commitment to innovation send a powerful message that Louisiana is poised to advance meaningful, life-saving cancer research. Together, we are building a strong foundation to fund transformative grants that will directly benefit patients and families across our state,” said Chad Landry, Chair of the Louisiana Cancer Endowment and President of the Cancer Advocacy Group of Louisiana.
LCE is the cornerstone philanthropic arm of CAGLA’s mission to make Louisiana a national leader in cancer innovation and equity. By uniting clinical expertise, patient perspectives, and industry partnership, LCE aims to catalyze a pipeline of research and programs that are conceived in Louisiana, executed with Louisiana partners, and deliver impact for Louisiana patients.
About the Louisiana Cancer Endowment (LCE)
Founded in 2024, the Louisiana Cancer Endowment is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation created by cancer physicians from across the state—from every major hospital and health system—along with cancer survivors and philanthropists. LCE was established to serve as Louisiana’s first permanent state-wide cancer endowment supporting cancer research and development efforts throughout Louisiana.
LCE ultimately aims to provide grants for cancer researchers in Louisiana, seed funding for innovative pilot programs, and training awards for cancer fellows and trainees statewide. Inspired by successful state models such as Texas’ Cancer Prevention and Research Institute (CPRIT), Washington’s Andy Hill CARE Fund, and ASCO’s Conquer Cancer Foundation, LCE operates independently and does not engage in lobbying or political activity.
About the Cancer Advocacy Group of Louisiana (CAGLA)
The Cancer Advocacy Group of Louisiana (CAGLA) is a coalition of cancer survivors, philanthropists, and cancer physicians from across Louisiana committed to improving cancer outcomes across the state through legislative advocacy and education. CAGLA is guided by a Scientific Advisory Board of nearly 50 cancer physicians representing every major specialty and health system in Louisiana.
CAGLA leads statewide education efforts, including organizing the largest annual general cancer conference in the Gulf South, and has a proven record of policy success, having helped pass 14 cancer-related bills into law over the past five years.
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca’s innovative medicines are sold in more than 125 countries and used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit astrazeneca-us.com and follow the Company on social media @AstraZeneca.
About Pfizer
Pfizer Inc. is a leading global biopharmaceutical company committed to delivering breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. With a broad portfolio of medicines and vaccines and continued investment in research and development, Pfizer plays a central role in advancing innovative cancer therapies worldwide.
Media Contacts
Chad Landry
Chair, Louisiana Cancer Endowment; President, CAGLA
Email: chad.landry@poydrascap.com | Phone: 504-508-8900
Marc R. Matrana, MD, MS, FACP
Executive Director, Louisiana Cancer Endowment
Email: mamatrana@ochsner.org | Phone: 504-376-3863
