Research Grants
ACGT is the only public charity in the nation exclusively funding cancer gene therapy research. To-date, ACGT has awarded more than $18.8 million in support of 32 research projects.
ACGT supports research in discovery and translational research. In this way, we stimulate both innovation and progress.
1. The Fund for Advancement awards up to $1 million to Principal Investigators conducting translational research that will move gene therapies from the laboratory towards clinical trials.
Description
The Investigators Award in Clinical Translation of Gene Therapy for Cancer distributes funds over 3-5 years, inclusive of a maximum of 10% indirect costs. Funds may be used at the recipient's discretion for salary, technical assistance, supplies, animals or capital equipment, but may not support staff not directly related to the project, e.g. secretaries or administrative assistants. Purchase of equipment is not allowed in the final year of the grant.
General Criteria
ACGT accepts grant applications to produce and release-testing of the clinical trial agents under cGMP conduct with the necessary pre-clinical pharmacological and toxicological studies in appropriate animal models, and/or clinical translational trials in patients in support of an Investigative New Drug (IND) application to the FDA. While the unambiguous demonstration of pre-clinical efficacy in cancer treatment by gene therapy is a pre-requisite, entering into the clinical trial during the funding period is also a requirement. Applications that do not include this specific aim will be deemed unresponsive to the RFA.
Eligibility
Candidates must hold an MD, PhD, or equivalent degree and be a tenure-track or tenured faculty. The investigator must be conducting original research as an independent faculty member. ACGT has no citizenship restrictions; however, research supported by the award must be conducted at medical schools and research centers only in the United States. Entering into clinical translation during the funding period is a requirement. Continued support is contingent upon submission and approval of a non-competitive renewal application each year.
2. The Fund for Discovery awards up to $500,000 to Young Investigators [tenure track assistant professors] conducting innovative exploratory research.
Description
The Young Investigators Award distributes funds over 3 years, inclusive of a maximum of 10% indirect costs. Funds may be used at the recipient's discretion for salary, technical assistance, supplies, animals or capital equipment, but may not support staff not directly related to the project, e.g. secretaries or administrative assistants. Purchase of equipment is not allowed in the third year of the grant. Continued support is contingent upon submission and approval of a non-competitive renewal application each year.
General Criteria
ACGT funds Young Investigator research into the following:
- Tumor-specific replicating viruses and bacteria
- Anti-angiogenesis therapy
- Immune-medicated gene therapy and cancer vaccines
- Oncogenes/Suppressor oncogenes/Apoptosis Directed Therapy
- Tumor-targeted and Vector development
- Other Cancer Gene Therapy Research
Eligibility
At the time of award activation, candidates must hold an MD, MPH, PhD, or equivalent degree and be a tenure-track Assistant Professor within five years of their initial appointment to this rank. The investigator must be conducting original research as an independent faculty member. ACGT has no citizenship restrictions; however, research supported by the award must be conducted at medical schools and research centers only in the United States.
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