FD/MAS Research Funding Available: Million Dollar Bike Ride (MDBR) Pilot Grant Program

We are delighted to share the Request for Applications (RFA) for the 2023 Team FD/MAS MDBR Grants

Fibrous dysplasia/McCune-Albright syndrome (FD/MAS) is a rare multisystem disease caused by somatic mutations in GNAS. The mutation results in constitutive activation of the Gsα cAMP signaling pathway. Skeletal manifestations include bone pain, fractures, deformity, and osteomalacia/rickets.

• Four grants are available at $40,321 each.
• A project may be considered for up to $80,642 in funding if the researcher has an outstanding project and submits two proposals for $40,321 each.

Studies that focus on the pathogenesis of FD/MAS or clinical studies to address any of the unmet needs in the care of FD/MAS patients will be considered. Research priorities for the FD/MAS Alliance include studies that characterize mouse models; studies to understand the mechanism and/or treatment of FD-related bone pain; development or testing of therapeutics, such as those targeting Gsα, PKA, Wnt, or other signaling pathways; and studies of the pathophysiology, such as the role of RANKL, IL6, cAMP, and FGF23.

The grants are made possible by Team FD/MAS and the FD/MAS Alliance. First-time applicants are encouraged. Previous awardees must describe progress, publications, and other funding awarded due to data generated from previous grant(s) and must describe how the new proposal is distinct or extends from previous one(s). Projects that feature collaborations across multiple institutions are encouraged. Reagents and research tools, including animal models that are generated or studied using support from FD/MAS Alliance and MDBR, must be freely accessible without restrictions and/or deposited in a public repository.

Visit the orphan disease center (ODC) website for more details and how to apply,

This RFA is open globally. International applicants are invited to apply.

All individuals holding a faculty‐level appointment at an academic institution or a senior scientific position at a non-profit institution or foundation are eligible to respond to this RFA.

Letters of Interest (LOIs) are due no later than Friday, September 15, 2023 by 8pm EST.