AFM call for research proposals and new translational research committee

AFM is the French Muscular Dystrophy association, which was created in 1958 by a group of patients and their families.  Its objective is to promote research and find cures for neuromuscular and other rare diseases and reduce the disabilities that they cause.  With funds generated through an annual Telethon, AFM finances more than 300 basic and clinical research programs per year through a biannual call for projects.  It is currently overseeing 34 clinical trials for rare diseases and more than 25 strategic projects.

Research Priorities and Grant Programs

Call for proposals

AFM welcomes international applications aimed at supporting research which will - Accelerate translational research for the development of therapies for neuromuscular diseases and rare genetic diseases - Lead to a better fundamental understanding of the neuromuscular system - Improve care and quality of life of patients with neuromuscular diseases.

AFM is especially interested in funding the following types of projects:

I. Accelerating translational research with the goal of overcoming obstacles in the discovery of effective therapies on rare diseases.  These include:

• Gene and/or cell therapy for rare disorders
• Pharmacological therapy for neuromuscular diseases
• Creation of tools for therapeutic evaluation of neuromuscular diseases in a clinical trial setting (preclinical animal models, biomarkers, patient databases…).

To evaluate these projects, the AFM has put in place a new Translational Research Committee composed of members with different expertise to select the most promising projects dedicated to overcome hurdles in the clinical development for neuromuscular diseases.

II. Fundamental research projects on the physiopathology of diseases of the neuromuscular system which target the comprehension of the disease mechanisms.

III. Creation of integrated clinical and translational research sites for neuromuscular diseases.

IV. Clinical projects which aim to improve patient care

Types of financing:

• Trampoline grant (1 year, up to 50,000 euros). This new grant is designed to fund very innovative projects and is targeted towards - New investigators entering the field of neuromuscular diseases - Investigators early in their science careers - Established neuromuscular researchers. This grant does not require preliminary data.
• Research projects (up to 2 years)
• PhD fellowships
• Postdoctoral fellowships (up to 2 years)

Deadlines for 2010 Grant Proposals:
Fall: October 2, 2009. Notification expected mid-February 2010
Spring: March 5, 2010. Notification expected mid-July 2010

In addition to Calls for Proposals, AFM supports and actively participates in very large strategic projects.  AFM staff composed of scientists, legal and financial advisors devotes significant time in providing guidance and help along the discovery path from research to market authorization such as helping investigators to prepare protocols for clinical trials or help with regulatory issues.  In exceptional cases, applications can be considered at any time.

Application forms: see www.afm-telethon.fr and follow the link to Call for Proposals
Questions? Contact: SPCS@afm.genethon.fr.