The Arthritis Foundation announced the 11 foundation’s 2015 Scientific Discovery Awards for their innovative research in arthritis and related diseases.
This was the foundation’s first request for proposals (RFP), with revised eligibility criteria so that the Scientific Discovery program could include anyone with daring, novel ideas that can advance the process of finding a cure for this debilitating condition. Researchers estimate that more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children live with some form of arthritis in the U.S. today.
“The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing science and support,” Arthritis Foundation President and CEO Ann M. Palmer said in a press release. “Those with arthritis are depending on the Arthritis Foundation to foster a scientific discovery environment that thrives on innovative solutions.”
For the selection process, the projects had to clearly show how they would incorporate an interdisciplinary pathway to viability in the marketplace. The winners designed groundbreaking proposals, and the following specifically targeted rheumatoid arthritis:
- Rae Young, from the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance and the Hospital for Sick Children, received $385,000 for 2016 for the project “Precision Decisions to STOP-JIA”;
- Markus Wimmer, from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, was awarded $311,740 to use from 2016 to 2018 on his project, “Augmented Feedback Using Pressure Detecting Insoles to Reduce Knee Loading”;
- Michael Stein, from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, received $1.35 million to use from 2016 to 2021 on his project, “Extracellular small RNAs in rheumatoid arthritis — Delivering on Discovery”;
- James Martin, from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, was awarded $961,381 to use from 2016 to 2019 for his project “Engineering Endogenous Cartilage Repair”;
- Veronique Lefebvre, from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, was awarded $318,774 to use in 2016 for her project “Quality-by-Design approach to create articular cartilage from pluripotency”;
- Christine Beeton, from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, received $386,587 to use from 2016 to 2019 for her project “Targeting KCa1.1 channels in synoviocytes for the treatment of RA.”
The Arthritis Foundation is a leader in the fight against this devastating disease, along with the support of patients, the community, and industry. The foundation helps arthritis patients win everyday battles and challenges by providing information and resources, facilitating access to optimal care, and promoting advancements in science and community connections. Its ultimate goal is to help develop personalized plans for arthritis patients.
The foundation’s 2016 Request for Proposals (RFP) for Scientific Discovery Awards is now accepting proposals. Interested investigators must submit a letter of intent no later than Feb. 22.
