The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, which seeks to stimulate development of Parkinson’s disease therapeutics, is accepting pre-proposals for its Target Validation program.

Part of the foundation’s annual Edmond J. Safra Core Programs for PD Research, the Target Validation program supports efforts by nonprofit, for-profit, and public entities to determine whether manipulating a novel biological target provides a disease-relevant beneficial outcome in a whole-animal mammalian model of PD. The target should be clearly defined (e.g., a specific gene or structural/functional feature of a protein), and applicants may propose a variety of methods to manipulate the target, including but not limited to use of pharmacological tools or biologic strategies. Applicants also may propose use of previously established genetically engineered animal models assessed for PD-relevant features or sensitivity to PD-associated factors.

The program supports two-year grants of up to $250,000 inclusive of both direct and indirect costs. No more than 25 percent (academic institutions) or 10 percent (for-profit organizations) of the direct costs may go to indirect costs.

Applications may be submitted by biotechnology/pharmaceutical companies or other for-profit entities, either publicly or privately held; and by public and private nonprofit entities such as universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, units of state and local governments, and eligible agencies of the federal government. Applicants may be based in the United States or abroad. Postdoctoral fellows are not eligible to apply as principal investigators to the program.

The foundation will hold an informational conference call for applicants on August 8, 2012. RSVP is required.

Visit the MJFF Web site for complete program guidelines, application procedures, an FAQ, and to RSVP for the informational call.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP