2016 Million Dollar Bike Ride Grants

The 2016 Million Dollar Bike Ride Pilot Grant Program is now open! The MDBR Pilot Grant Program provides a one-year grant to support research related ALD/AMN.

Eligibility: All individuals holding a faculty-level appointment at an academic institution or a senior scientific position at a non-profit institution or foundation are eligible to respond to this RFA.

To Apply: Please be sure to read the MDBR RFA Guidelines before applying. Submit your Letter of Interest (LOI) via the link below no later than Friday, September 23, 2016 by 8pm EST. Full application is by invitation only, after review of LOIs.

LOI Submission Form: LOI Submission Form Due 9/23/16 by 8pm EST.

Research Focus Areas for Pilot Grant:

Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD): One $100,000 pilot grant is available with a focus on a path towards treatment for Adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN). Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is an x-linked metabolic disorder, characterized by progressive neurologic deterioration due to demyelination of the cerebral white matter. The adult form, Adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN), develops in young adulthood and in general, progresses more slowly than ALD. Beginning in their 20s and 30s, men and ~60% of women carriers exhibit neurological-based motor lesions in their extremities. These lesions progress over many years and are characterized by progressive spasticity, ataxia, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction that can also be accompanied by fatigue and depression. ALD/AMN can lead to severe disability. All current treatments are symptomatic and do not address the progressive nature of the disease. This grant is made possible by Team Stop ALD and the Stop ALD Foundation.