Overview
The Brint Family Translational Research Program (BFTRP) is the Foundation’s funding initiative aimed at accelerating preclinical translational research for inherited retinal degenerations (IRD) and dry age-related macular degeneration (dAMD). The program provides funding and strategic guidance to advance novel therapies from the laboratory toward clinical application (e.g., follow-on funding, FDA investigational new drug [IND] filing, clinical trials, etc.). By leveraging expert mentorship in drug development, regulatory strategy, intellectual property, and commercialization engagement, the BFTRP seeks to address the complexities and diversity of these retinal diseases, increasing the number of viable treatment options for our community.
The Research Priority Areas
(1) Novel Medical Therapies: the primary goal of this research priority area is to advance the development of therapies that enhance or retain retinal function and structure by optimizing drug efficacy, improving targeted delivery, and minimizing toxicity. Therapeutic categories include (1) Small Molecules, (2) Biologics, and (3) Alternative Therapies (research that falls outside of the stated research priority areas).
(2) Genetic Technologies: to advance the manipulation and modification of gene expression to alter the biological properties of living cells and tissues, with the goal of developing therapeutic solutions for inherited retinal diseases IRDs and dAMD. This funding opportunity seeks to advance viral and non-viral gene delivery systems, improve gene and RNA editing techniques, and develop scalable manufacturing processes that align with regulatory requirements for clinical translation.
(3) Restorative Therapies: to advance the development, regeneration, and application of human cells, tissues, and cellular/tissue-based products to restore retinal function and vision. The goal of this funding opportunity is to advance strategies that rescue or replace degenerating or dead retinal cells, optimize visual prostheses, and develop optogenetic approaches that confer light sensitivity to neuronal cells in the absence of functional photoreceptors.
Note: Research and technologies outside the scope of these areas may be considered with adequate preliminary data and justification.
Eligibility
Applicants must hold a research leadership position within their organization and must be able to independently execute research activities with the full support of their organization. U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens, within or outside of the United States, are welcome to apply, as well as companies. If you are applying as a company, please inform the Sr. Director of the Preclinical Translational Research Program by sending a message to Grants@FightingBlindness.org. Individuals from underrepresented racial, ethnic and gender groups, as well as individuals with disabilities, are always encouraged to apply.
The 2024 Proposer’s Day webinar reviews the Brint Family Translational Research Program and answers questions from potential applicants.
Below is a recording of the 2024 webinar:
Applying
All prospective award recipients must first submit a Letter of Intent (Due June 12, 2025), and once reviewed by the Foundation, top-scoring applicants will be invited to submit a full application (Due October 16, 2025). Please download and review the Request for Applications document before submitting any documents to the Foundation. Please continue to monitor guidance documents for updates, as they are subject to change.
Questions can be directed to the Senior Director of the Preclinical Translational Research Program at Grants@FightingBlindness.org.
Webinar Recording - Navigating FDA & EMA Regulations for Retinal Disease Treatments
On June 26, 2024, the Foundation Fighting Blindness hosted an enlightening webinar focused on navigating the complexities of regulatory agencies. Tailored for scientists and companies developing treatments for inherited retinal diseases and dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD), this session provided valuable insights and practical advice. Dr. Cheryl Rowe-Rendleman from Omar Consulting Group shared her expertise on effectively interacting with the FDA and EMA, covering their roles, regulatory pathways, and submission processes. Watch this video to gain crucial knowledge and advance your R&D projects toward clinical utilization.
