Therapeutics Development Initiative 2009 Pre-Proposal Receipt Date: January 20, 2009 – 6:00pm US ETThe Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) announces the launch of its Therapeutics Development Initiative (TDI) for Spring 2009, a funding mechanism to support and stimulate preclinical Parkinson’s disease research at for-profit institutions. This funding program seeks to support preclinical development of Parkinson’s disease therapies which have the potential for fundamentally altering disease course and/or improving treatment of symptoms above and beyond current standards of care. Proposals must focus on key and critical preclinical studies necessary for developing, optimizing and evaluating therapeutic strategies that if successful can move into human testing. Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed project will be solely that of the principal investigator who must be an employee of a for-profit entity. Academic investigators may have an advisory role in the project, but the operational and strategic ownership of the project must reside within the company. Investigators may seek up to two years of funding for preclinical development and testing of novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment or prevention of Parkinson’s disease. Please note that pre-proposals are mandatory and will be used to evaluate your proposal’s fit with the stated aims and review criteria of the RFP. All pre-proposals received in response to this program will be subjected to a triage process and only those pre-proposals deemed to be of suitable scientific merit will be invited to submit a full application. MJFF employs an expedited, abbreviated granting mechanism to accelerate discoveries and ultimately translate findings to PD patients more quickly. Conference Call MJFF will hold a 45 minute long conference call on December 16, 2008 at 12:00 PM U.S. Eastern Time to clarify and explain the Therapeutics Development Initiative 2009 program and to answer applicants' questions. To participate in this call, you must RSVP via email to conferencecalls@michaeljfox.org. Participants will receive a reply with call-in details.
While there are no restrictions as to the specific approaches to be studied under this RFP, successful applications are most likely to focus on at least one of the following categories: o Neuroprotective strategies focused on slowing or preventing the process of neuronal death. o Neuroregenerative strategies to restore or replace neuronal function. o Novel drug delivery mechanisms and/or surgical procedures. o Innovative therapeutic approaches to treat the motor and non-motor symptoms of PD, including cognitive dysfunction, autonomic dysfunction, sleep disorders, or depression among others. o Therapeutic approaches to alleviate complications of PD treatment including dyskinesias, etc.
If you would like to contact the Foundation, please call toll-free at 1-800-708-7644, or contact us by regular mail at the following address: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research Church Street Station P.O. Box 780 New York, NY 10008-0780
Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation Research Grant Program
Through its annual research program, the RLS Foundation honors promising scientists whose work addresses the goals of the Foundation. The RLS Foundation encourages grant applications for basic and clinical research studies of restless legs syndrome (RLS). Basic science leading to a better understanding of RLS, innovative approaches, interdisciplinary studies, and support of promising postdoctoral candidates is given funding priority.
The RLS Foundation encourages grant applications for basic and clinical research studies of restless legs syndrome (RLS). Areas in need of further research include, but are not limited to: Epidemiology: Ascertain the prevalence and incidence of RLS, including:
Percentage of seriously affected individuals Racial, gender, or geographic variations Percentage of genetic versus other causes Age of onset Degree of association with comorbidities (such as ESRD, pregnancy, lumbosacral disease, Parkinson’s disease, and ADHD) Neurophysiology Identify neurophysiologic correlates in individuals with RLS and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), those with RLS and no PLMD, and those with PLMD and no RLS Investigate the sensorimotor physiology associated with RLS symptoms Dopamine: Investigate the dopaminergic regulation of movement and determine the receptors most associated with RLS Genetics: Develop strategies for identifying the genes responsible for RLS Iron: Examine the role of iron metabolism in RLS Treatment models: Evaluate drug effects on RLS in vitro, using an animal model, or with advanced technology (i.e., MRI, PET scan) Circadian rhythm: Identify, quantify, and correlate the role of circadian rhythms in RLS Postdoctoral candidates: Support of the work of promising postdoctoral candidates or fellows working under the direction of established investigators on topics of potential relevance to RLS Application Process: Initial contact should be through a letter of intent, containing the following: a one-page abstract of the proposed project, including its clearly stated relevance in addressing one or both of the RLS Foundation’s goals of finding a cure and developing effective treatments; a copy of the principal investigator’s NIH-style bio-bibliography; and a tentative budget as well as a list of other sources of funding. Basic science leading to a better understanding of RLS, innovative approaches, interdisciplinary studies, and support of promising postdoctoral candidates will be given priority. The Foundation will fund three to five grants of $20,000 to $35,000 each for one year with a potential for renewal of support for an additional year. The Foundation will not fund indirect costs. Payments will be made directly to the principal investigator’s institution.
The RLS Foundation Contact us LEGAL NAME: Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, Inc ADDRESS: 1610 14th St NW Suite 300 / Rochester, MN 55901 PHONE: 507-287-6465 INFO LINE: 877-INFO RLS FAX: 507-287-6312 EMAIL: rlsfoundation@rls.org WEBSITE: www.rls.org TAX STATUS: 501 (c)(3)
Open Funding ProgramsRapid Response Innovation Awards 2008The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF) announces the launch of the 2008 Rapid Response Innovation Awards, a rolling-application program to support novel Parkinson’s disease-related research in real-time. The goal of this exciting program is to rapidly support innovative research focused on the cause of and cure for Parkinson’s disease. In particular, MJFF is eager to fund high-risk, high-reward projects tackling critical scientific roadblocks that if successful, can open new avenues for PD therapy development.With the understanding that submission and review of innovative, high-risk, high-reward proposals should not be limited to one deadline each year, the Rapid Response Innovation Awards operate on a rolling basis. Research proposals may be submitted at any time and funding decisions will be made within 6 weeks of receiving the application. Rapid Response Innovation Awards are designed to support projects with little to no existing preliminary data, but that have the potential to significantly impact our understanding or treatment of Parkinson’s disease.Program Highlights:• No submission deadline• Funding decisions made within six weeks of submission date• Postdoctoral fellows are eligible to apply as Principal Investigators
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