News

What’s happening in NF1 research today

Row triangle Shape Decorative svg added to top

Opening Doors to Innovation: How NTAP’s Open Proposal Program Is Shaping NF1 Research

May 19, 2026

Breakthroughs in rare disease research often begin as bold, unconventional ideas—ideas that do not always fit neatly into narrowly defined requests for applications or traditional funding cycles. Since its founding, the Neurofibromatosis Therapeutic Acceleration Program […]

Open Proposal Program – Accepting Applications

May 19, 2026

The Neurofibromatosis Therapeutic Acceleration Program (NTAP) is pleased to announce updates to the Open Proposal Grant Program—designed to accelerate the development of effective therapies for NF1-associated peripheral nerve sheath tumors, including cutaneous (cNF), plexiform (pNF), […]

Breakthrough in Gene Therapy for NF1, a Bold Step Toward Targeting Tumors at Their Core

November 14, 2025

A team of investigators from the NTAP gene therapy replacement initiative published their groundbreaking gene replacement strategy for Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) — one of the most common single-gene disorders worldwide. Lead author, Dr. Renyuan Bai, and team […]

New Clinical Trial Offers Hope for Adults with NF1 and cNF

September 17, 2025

Every person living with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) has a story—and nearly all of those stories include cutaneous neurofibromas (cNFs). These benign tumors of the skin may not pose a life-threatening risk, but for the […]

Pipeline of experts advances discovery in neurofibromatosis

July 27, 2025

It can spawn tumors throughout the nervous system and bone deformities that riddle the whole body with pain. One of the most common rare diseases in the world, the genetic condition neurofibromatosis type 1, or NF1, can cause a wide spectrum of mild to severe symptoms—all stemming from a single mutation on a solitary gene: the NF1 gene on chromosome 17.

New Scholars Program to Support Early-Career NF1 Laboratory Scientists

July 7, 2025

In response to a critical funding gap affecting the NF1 research community, the Neurofibromatosis Therapeutic Acceleration Program (NTAP) has launched a new training initiative: the NF1 Basic and Translational Laboratory Scholars Program. This program is […]

Honoring the Immense Legacy of Dr. Vincent Riccardi: Through the lens of the Francis Collin’s Scholars

May 16, 2025

Dr. Vincent Riccardi is a foundational figure in the field of neurofibromatosis (NF) research. His dedication to understanding NF1 extended beyond tumor development—he recognized the broader, systemic impact of the condition and championed a whole-person […]

“In Their Own Words” NTAP Francis Collins Scholars’ Reflections on their Beloved Mentor, Dr. Vic Riccardi.

May 16, 2025

Angela Hirbe, MD, Ping Chi, MD, Peter de Blank, MD, Vincent Riccardi, MD, Francis Collins, MD, Matt Steensma, MD, Ashley Cannon, PhD., Miriam Bornhorst, MD, and Verena Staedtke, MD

An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Francis Collins on 10 Years of Advancing NF1 Research through NTAP’s Francis S. Collins Scholars Program

November 21, 2024

In this exclusive interview, Dr. Francis S. Collins, renowned geneticist and former Director of the National Institutes of Health, reflects on the impact of the Francis Collins Scholars (FCS) Program for Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) […]

The Impact of Mentorship and Collaboration in NF1 Research: An Interview with Dr. Shruti Garg and Dr. Steven Rhodes

November 20, 2024

Over the past ten years, the Francis Collins Scholars (FCS) Program has had a transformative impact on the careers of early-career researchers in the field of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and related disorders. In interviews […]

A Decade Of Impact The Francis Collins Scholars Program Is Driving The Future Of Nf1 Research

November 20, 2024

Baltimore, MD – In 2014, the Francis S. Collins Scholars Program (FCS) in Neurofibromatosis Clinical and Translational Research was launched to transform the landscape of NF1 research by attracting top clinician-scientists into the field. Named […]

NTAP’s Innovative Funding Approach Delivers Results

June 1, 2023

NTAP’s innovative funding approach was featured in an article,”Pedal to the Metal” on Inside Hopkins, the Johns Hopkins Medicine daily publication highlighting exceptional and impactful programs. “How an innovative funding approach is advancing research and […]