Deadline: July 13, 2020
Link to RFP

The American Association for Cancer Research is inviting applications for its AACR-The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research “Science of the Patient” (SOP) Grants Program.

The program represents a joint effort to stimulate novel research aimed at understanding the influence of the biology of the host (i.e., patient) on the genesis, development, treatment, and survivorship of cancer. Successful projects should emphasize the interplay of host physiological systems with the tumor and/or tumor microenvironment. With a focus on harnessing powerful approaches to examining cancer not as an isolated phenomenon but as a systemic disease that affects and is affected by both the normal and pathological functions of the patient’s body, the grants are expected to yield important advancements in the understanding of cancer development, progression, and treatment.

Grants of up to $750,000 over three years will be awarded in support of highly innovative approaches to a major problem or challenge in cancer research. Individuals with innovative ideas that have the potential to affect future clinical practice are particularly encouraged to apply. 

To be eligible, applicants must have a doctoral degree (including PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent) in a related field and not currently be a candidate for a further doctoral degree. Investigators may be employed by an academic, medical, or research institution anywhere in the world. Postdoctoral or clinical research fellows or the equivalent who are working under the auspices of a scientific mentor are not eligible to apply. (Qualified fellows are invited to apply for an AACR Fellowship.)

Letters of Intent are due July 13. Upon review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application by October 6, 2020.

See the American Association for Cancer Research website for complete program guidelines and application instructions.

LOI Deadline: July 10, 2020
Link to RFA

The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation is inviting LOIs for its Neuroimaging and CSF Biomarker Development Program.

Specifically, this RFP is focused on developing novel PET ligands for clinical use; supporting novel CSF biomarkers; and validating established MRI approaches in larger cohorts. Novel biomarkers of neuroinflammation and synaptic integrity are considered a high priority. Other target areas of interest include neuronal loss, vascular injury and blood-brain barrier integrity, mitochondria and metabolic function, protein misfolding/proteostasis, oxidative stress, white matter changes, and other novel targets supported by compelling biological rationale and connection to disease. ADDF has limited interest in CSF measures of amyloid and tau. Grants of up to $600,000 will be awarded in support of the advancement of neuroimaging and CSF biomarkers that can do one or more of the following:

Demonstrate Target Engagement for Novel Therapeutics — Biomarkers that can serve as direct measures of target engagement for novel drugs in clinical development. Priority will be given to projects advancing biomarkers that can be used as specific companion biomarkers for therapies currently in the development pipeline and identification of such therapies strengthens an application.

Detect Signs of Disease Earlier and Monitor Progression — Programs developing sensitive biomarkers that can detect disease earlier than currently available biomarkers. This includes biomarkers that can predict and monitor conversion from cognitively healthy to mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or MCI to Alzheimer’s disease. ADDF also seeks prognostic markers that can predict rates of cognitive decline.

More Accurately Diagnose and Distinguish Between Dementia Subtypes — Many types of dementia can present with similar clinical features, and patients often show overlapping pathologies. At present, it is challenging to distinguish between dementia subtypes and proteinopathies. Biomarkers that can distinguish between subtypes and stratify patients in clinical trials are a high priority.

Letters of Intent are due July 10. Upon review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal by August 7, 2020.

Eligible applicants include researchers and clinicians at academic medical centers, universities, nonprofits, and biotechnology companies worldwide. Existing companies and new spinouts also are eligible, and industry partnerships are strongly encouraged.

See the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation website for complete program details, eligibility criteria, and a link to the application portal.