Advances in technology have allowed for some of the first RNA-directed therapies to come to market to treat CNS disorders. Target ALS is seeking to facilitate discovery and development of the next generation of molecules targeting DNA/RNA. We are soliciting proposals from collaborative groups focused on technological innovation of novel modalities in sporadic and familial forms of ALS.
*** Attention applicants – we have a new application portal. Learn more.
Key Dates
May 2025
May 2025
What We’re Funding
Collaborative consortia working to optimize drug-like properties of small and large molecule therapeutics targeting RNA or DNA for ALS are eligible to apply. Target ALS is particularly interested in supporting projects that propose the study of:
- New antisense oligonucleotide chemistry/design, siRNA/disiRNA, CRiSPR, Zinc Finger, and similar technological approaches targeting genetic mutations associated with ALS
- Enhanced brain delivery using conjugation strategies, lipid nanoparticles, novel capsids, BBB-penetrant AAV, or similar platforms
- Molecules having demonstrated cell-based activity but needing additional in vivo validation of effective delivery to brain and spinal cord, pharmacodynamic activity on the target of interest, and tolerability
- The novel modality must be applied to a genetic target associated with ALS
Confidentiality of investigators’ data, research, and intellectual property will be strictly honored. Target ALS does not seek ownership of any intellectual property or financial gains that result on the basis of its funding.
Who Should Apply
This call is focused on bringing academic investigators together with other academics or industry partners to work collaboratively on developing the next generation of gene therapies. Only collaborative projects will be considered.
- Collaborative projects for this call may comprise groups of 2-4 laboratories synergizing to develop the molecule of interest
- One industry partner (CRO, biotech, pharma) is recommended
- All collaborators must provide a copy of the executed agreement between their institutions on data/IP sharing OR provide a document that confirms each Technology Transfer Office has been made aware of the collaborative project and the need to sign a data/IP sharing agreement as part of the full proposal submission. NOTE: A fully executed data/IP sharing agreement must be shared within 60 days of notification of award or the grant will be rescinded.
- A Principal Investigator can only participate in one LOI submission.
- Principal Investigators who have two or more active competitive grants from Target ALS are not eligible to apply.
What Our Grants Support
- Funding to cover the following project components:
- Researcher salaries and fringe benefits
- Lab supplies, materials, and equipment
- CRO-associated costs
- Research associated costs up to 15% of the award (e.g. lab’s rent)
- Access to Target ALS core facilities.
- A speaker slot at the Target ALS annual meeting, held in Boston, MA. This meeting provides an immersive experience in cutting edge ALS research and offers an opportunity to network with leaders from academia, pharma/biotech, venture capital and other non-profits.
- Grant structure:
- Each lab in the consortium will receive a separate grant. No sub-awards will be required.
- The total budget for a collaborative project cannot exceed a maximum of $400,000 per year.
- Each individual lab budget cannot exceed $200,000 per year.
- The initial grant will be for a two-year period.
- The consortium will be eligible to compete for a third year of funding based on a review of updated project goals as well as compelling progress at the end of second year of funding.
Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us.
New Target ALS Application Portal
We are in the process of changing our online grant application portal.
- You will need to create a new user account, called a Blackbaud ID, even if you have applied to our grants in the past.
- You will be able to share your applications with co-applicants (consortium members) or other key stakeholders in your organization.
- If you have a current Target ALS grant, you will not see it in this new application portal (we’re working on unifying them).
- Add noreply@yourcause.com to your safe senders list to make sure you receive our emails and notifications.
