Thalassemia Research Grants
The goal of the initiative is to support investigators from all disciplines and backgrounds (M.D., R.N., Ph.D., M.P.H., M.S.W., or other disciplines) with clinical projects that address one or more of the following areas impacting patients with thalassemia, including but not limited to fertility, pregnancy, and family planning; quality of life/psychosocial; burden of disease; cardiac issues; and iron overload. The stipend will be $40,000 annually, with the possibility of a one-year renewal. The level of funding is appropriate for innovative small-scale pilot studies, observational trials, or ancillary support for ongoing interventional studies (e.g., support of a trainee joining an existing trial, or new biological endpoint analyses for an existing trial). In the case of ancillary studies, investigators should clearly document the support for the parent trial in their "other support" declarations. Junior and senior faculty are eligible; fellows and trainees are not eligible. Investigators must interact directly with patients or patient-related data.
Gene Research in Thalassemia Translational Grant Award - The purpose of this initiative is to speed the application of recent translational advances in gene therapy to clinical trials. The foundation recognizes that there are many key areas worthy of support in the search for a cure for thalassemia with cell therapy and gene therapy. While several funding mechanisms are available for a range of studies on vector development, proof of concept studies in animal models, and transplantation, there remains a funding gap for launching human trials. Both phase I (safety) and phase II (efficacy) trials are eligible for support. Total funding of up to $60,000 per year will be available (including indirect costs of 8 percent). With satisfactory evidence of progress the grant may be renewed for a second year. The research may not be conducted at a for-profit laboratory. Because the purpose of the support is to facilitate launch of clinical trials, eligible studies proposed for this RFA must be accompanied by a realistic timeline of progress to human trials. Applicants should state explicitly the status of their proposed trials ( e.g., whether the trial has been approved by the recombinant DNA Advisory Committee or Food and Drug Administration, or whether review meetings at regulatory agencies have been scheduled).
