REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS:
TThe Batten Research Alliance is pleased to announce a “new” funding opportunity for research on the infantile (INCL) and late infantile (LINCL) forms of Batten Disease, with funding beginning in February, 2015. Recent developments in stem cell biology, gene transfer therapy, oligonucleotide-mediated exon skipping, and delivery systems for small molecules, raise the possibility that novel curative therapies for Batten Disease may be close at hand. The objective of this research program is to encourage collaboration among experts in diverse scientific disciplines to generate and assess innovative translational approaches to cure INCL and LINCL.
Examples of research proposals that would meet the objective of this program include testing of new and emerging technologies in animal models of Batten Disease, application of patient registries and tissue repositories to development of clinical and biochemical outcome measures for clinical trials of novel treatment strategies, and assessment of efficacy in trials of combination therapies. Submission of proposals on other innovative approaches to the treatment of Batten Disease is strongly encouraged.
It is expected that 1 or 2 proposals will be funded annually in an amount not exceeding $100,000 per year for up to 3 years. Successful applications will present unique scientific approaches with excellent rationale, encouraging preliminary results and the potential for a major breakthrough in clinical care.
ELIGIBILITY:
Investigators with an established track record of high quality research resulting in scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and with a successful record of extramural funding of a research program are encouraged to apply.
APPLICATION DEADLINE AND EVALUATION PROCESS:
Application forms are available at battenresearch.org. The deadline for receipt of applications is October 1, 2016. All applications will be reviewed anonymously by scientists selected from the relevant fields of interest. Notice of awards will be provided by the end of December, 2016. Funding will be available by February 1, 2017.