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The goal of the Children's Tumor Foundation Drug Discovery Initiative is to fuel research that diversifies and advances the pipeline of candidate drug therapies for neurofibromatosis. Established in 2006, DDI Awards fills an important niche for the NF research community by providing modest 'seed' funds  - $15,000 for in vitro (cell) studies and $30,000 for in vivo (animal) studies to kick start new drug therapy ideas that might not have preliminary data, making it challenging to get initial funding elsewhere. The DDI Awards application process is easy and fast as only a 3 page research plan is required and  investigators can have the money 'in hand' as early as 6 weeks after the application deadline.  

Since 2006, DDI Awards has funded 45 drug testing studies that collectively cover NF1, NF2 and schwannomatosis manifestations including tumors, bone dysplasia, pain and learning disabilities.   To date CTF has invested around $1M in DDI Awards. We are delighted that we have been able to track this investment to a total of $5M in 'follow on' funding that the researchers have later secured from other sources such as NIH, DOD and industry.  In addition multiple industry collaborations have been forged by  NF researchers through DDI funding  and over 20 published scientific reports cite DDI funding. The next DDI Awards deadline is August 31st. In vitro ($15,000) and in vivo ($30,000) Awards are available.  Prior recipients of in vivo Awards with particularly promising data may be eligible to apply for a $50,000 Advanced DDI Award.   For application packet and information on past and current funded projects please click here.  General questions may be sent to Kim at khs@ctf.org