[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text margin_bottom=”10″]Baltimore, MD (September 22, 2012)
Neurofibromatosis Therapeutic Acceleration Program (NTAP) held its inaugural Plexiform Neurofibroma Scientific Summit on September 20-22, 2012. Held at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, the summit focused on defining existing resources and patient priorities, as well as identifying the most promising opportunities for high-yield research focused on treatments for plexiform neurofibromas.
The summit brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from industry, regulatory agencies, foundations, universities and research institutes to define the work that needs to be done and identify where NTAP resources can be best directed. Based on discussions, NTAP identified five key initiatives that will be the focus of their funding for the next three to four years: development of cell culture models of pNF, discovery and development of biomarkers, development of patient reported outcome measures to be used in clinical trials, generation of pNF natural history data, and support for preclinical drug testing.
“We were delighted to host this group of exceptional participants whose input has been invaluable in helping to prioritize the initiatives we will support in our grant programs,” said Jaishri Blakeley, Director of NTAP. “By bringing together the perspectives of stakeholders from every stage of the drug development process and clinical management of neurofibromatosis type 1, we were able to identify crucial gaps in knowledge and tools that limit the development of therapeutics for pNF. Our next steps will be to direct resources to fill those gaps and remove obstacles so innovative discoveries can be efficiently translated into improved outcomes for people living with plexiform neurofibromas.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]