Rare Neurodegenerative Disease Grants Awarded
Share Post Linkedin Email Print Information about awards in previous fiscal years (FYs) is available below. The FDA Rare Neurodegenerative Disease Grant Program aims to equally fund studies to support development of treatments for ALS and other rare neurodegenerative diseases. For current rare disease grant opportunities, including RND grants, see: Current funding opportunities.
FY 2024 Awards
In FY 2024, FDA received 15 grant applications and was able to award one new grant to support development of new retinal imaging (imaging the back of the eye) biomarker(s) in people with a gene defect that can cause Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). CADASIL is a rare inherited disorder that occurs when the thickening of the walls of small- and medium-sized blood vessels blocks the flow of blood to the brain. People with CADASIL can suffer from multiple strokes, decline in memory and thinking skills, vision problems and seizures. This funded study is examining retinal imaging as potential biomarker(s) of CADASIL. Specifically, it will assess the association of this biomarker with the CADASIL disease manifestations and other non-retinal biomarkers. The findings from this study can inform clinical trials in CADASIL and similar neurodegenerative diseases.
In addition, in FY 2024, FDA provided an additional approximately $4.1 million to several ongoing projects to support studies for ALS and other rare neurodegenerative diseases including Niemann-Pick type C, myotonic dystrophy, and familial dysautonomia. Reference: FY 2024 Request for Applications
