[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text margin_bottom=”10″]Baltimore, MD (October 1, 2012)
Neurofibromatosis Therapeutic Acceleration Program (NTAP) today announced a request for proposals (RFP) for the development of novel cell culture models for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)-associated plexiform neurofibromas (pNF).
Cell culture models are critical research tools that use live cells to model a disease state. They can provide unique insight into the mechanism of the disease and enable investigators to evaluate thousands of potential drug candidates in a rapid and cost-effective manner to determine which might be most likely to be effective for patients.
NTAP is seeking proposals for projects of twelve to twenty-four (12-24) month duration for the development of cell culture models that can be used for the following applications: [1] preclinical drug screening; [2] exploration of the effects of the various mutations on pNF disease pathophysiology; and [3] elucidation of the critical steps in pNF tumor formation.
“We are delighted to announce this key RFP as part of our portfolio of discovery projects, which aim to identify promising therapeutics against plexiform neurofibroma,” said Barb Slusher, NTAP Scientific Advisor. “This program was identified as the highest priority for the pNF community at our recent Plexiform Neurofibroma Scientific Summit and we believe it will create an arsenal of tools that will be invaluable for developing effective treatments for this disorder.”
Applications will be accepted from independent investigators at US and international institutions, including public or private biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies, and not-for-profit organizations such as universities, hospitals, and eligible government agencies.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]