NORD Awards Seed Grants for Rare Disease Research
The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has awarded over $145,000 in seed grants to four researchers focusing on rare conditions including appendix cancer, epidermodysplasia verruciformis, and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.
The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) announced it has awarded over $145,000 in seed grants to four researchers advancing studies in four critically underserved rare diseases. The funding will support research into appendix cancer/pseudomyxoma peritonei (ACPMP), epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV), Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), and partial trisomy 6q.
The grants aim to accelerate breakthroughs for conditions with limited treatment options affecting over 30 million Americans. Funding comes from various patient advocacy organizations and communities supporting these rare diseases.
Dr. Antonio Sommariva of the Veneto Institute of Oncology in Italy received $50,000 for ACPMP research, focusing on a potential therapeutic target called TROP2. Dr. Sanjay Ahuja of Regal Intel in the US received $25,000 for EV research, utilizing AI to improve skin cancer surveillance, and an additional $40,000 for PJS research.
Dr. Giovanna Piovani of the University of Brescia in Italy was awarded $30,000 to study partial trisomy 6q. NORD stated these studies represent significant progress for rare disease communities and aim to address urgent, unmet needs in patient care.