United States

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Kissick Family Foundation, Milken Institute Announce $2 Million in Funding for Frontotemporal Dementia Research and New Call for Proposals

September 15, 2025 (Washington, DC)—The Kissick Family Foundation, in partnership with the  Milken Institute Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC), today announced that the Kissick Family Foundation...
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Sam Roth

Associate Director, Media Relations
Sam Roth is the associate director of media relations for the Milken Institute. Based out of the Washington, DC, office, she oversees media coverage for the Health and Strategic Philanthropy pillars.
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After the Fires, the Fires Still Burn

On January 7, 2025, the Los Angeles metropolitan area experienced something unprecedented in modern American history. Two simultaneous urban fires broke out in Los Angeles County, fueled by a nine-month drought and hurricane-strength winds...
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Kevin Klowden

Formerly Milken Institute

Prescription Drug User Fee Act VIII (PDUFA)

FasterCures at the Milken Institute is honored to provide our response to the Reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act; Public Meeting; Request for Comments [FDA–2025–N–0816]. As a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank, the Milken...
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Esther Krofah

Executive Vice President, Milken Institute Health
Esther Krofah is the executive vice president of Health at the Milken Institute, leading FasterCures, Public Health, the Future of Aging, and Feeding Change. A recognized expert in health policy, biomedical innovation, and clinical research, Krofah has extensive experience shaping health initiatives that unite diverse stakeholders, foster collaboration, and motivate action toward shared goals.
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The Cost of Policy Uncertainty

Launching and running a small business or startup is as much about managing risk as it is about bringing a great idea to market. Whether you’re opening a small-town bakery or launching a biotech startup, entrepreneurship requires a strong...
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Kristen Fanarakis

Associate Director, Small Business, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Growth
Kristen Fanarakis leads the small business, entrepreneurship, and economic growth initiative within the Milken Institute’s Finance pillar. She focuses on macroeconomic and systemic trends affecting American small businesses and startups, and their implications for the economy and innovation.