The Drug Discovery Award from The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research supports projects seeking to accelerate academic discoveries into new therapies and platforms that will substantially improve outcomes for cancer patients. Through this program, The Mark Foundation aligns with investigators working to discover and progress a new therapeutic agent into preclinical development, providing not only resources to support post-target validation through early lead development, but also the expertise of seasoned biopharma R&D scientists who will advise on activities on the critical path to developing a new therapeutic agent.

Funding Organization: Mark Foundation for Cancer Research

Research Scope: Cancer drug discovery

Eligibility:

• Letters of intent will be accepted from non-profit research institutions only. The award is open to institutions worldwide.
• Principal investigators must hold an MD, PhD, or equivalent and be independent researchers at their respective institutions.
• Eligible therapeutic modalities:
  • Large molecules / biologics
  • Small molecules (including heterobifunctionals)
  • Peptides
  • Conjugates (ADC, radioconjugates)
  • Nucleic acids (ASO, RNA)
• Eligible project stages:
  • Lead discovery – generate and credential new leads against a validated target
  • Optimization – assess and enhance efficacy, safety, and DMPK of existing leads
• The following project topics are ineligible for this award:
  • Drug delivery technologies or optimizations
  • Drug repurposing
  • Preclinical development (IND-enabling studies)
  • Cell therapies, gene therapies, viral therapies, and vaccines

Maximum Award: The award provides up to 1 million for 1 – 3 years, including up to 10% indirect costs.

Application Process: The application process begins with a concept letter stage consisting of a 2-page description of the project, submitting on the portal: https://themarkfoundation.smapply.org/prog/drug_discovery_award/. Full applications will be accepted by invitation only, after review of Project Concept Letters.

Application Deadline: Letters of intent are due on 11 November 2024, 05:00 PM (EST)

Further information: https://themarkfoundation.org/drug-discovery-award-3/