Two Tri-City companies have received medical research grants through the Qualifying Therapeutic Discovery Project co-sponsored by Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.

Isoray Medical has received $417,194 for researching treatments for brain cancer, breast cancer and other cancers. Advanced Medical Isotope Corp. has received grants totaling $283,829.

"These competitive grants provide innovative small biotech firms with the capital necessary to sustain their promising research in a tough economic climate," Cantwell said in a statement. "Medical innovation is a key way to lower health care costs, which also helps protect and create high-paying jobs and bring critical new drugs to market.

Almost 90 small biotech firms in Washington have received grants through the program.