LOS ANGELES, CA – CureSHANK will award a total of $250,000 aimed at stimulating research on SHANK3-related epilepsy, prevalent in Phelan-McDermid syndrome patients. The grants, CureSHANK Research to Cure Grant: Epilepsy (R2C Epilepsy), will provide targeted funding to support SHANK3-related epilepsy research projects. The awards aim to improve mechanistic and clinical knowledge of SHANK3-related epilepsy.
The PMS community lives under the long shadow of epilepsy: it is responsible for many deaths of both children and young adults with PMS, and it is among the disorder’s most distressing symptoms. Nearly one-third of individuals living with PMS are diagnosed with epilepsy, often evolving into treatment-resistant epilepsy, or the most severe epileptic encephalopathy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. More than 50% of people with PMS will experience at least one seizure by adulthood.
This opportunity is open to investigators employed by institutions (public non-profit, private non-profit, or government) engaged in healthcare or health-related research. Applicants must hold an MD and/or PhD (or equivalent degree). International applicants are eligible to apply. There are no geographical restrictions. The lead PI must be a faculty member.
About CureSHANK:
CureSHANK was founded in 2019 by Geraldine Bliss, Abby Lievense and Paulina Rychenkova, each the parent of a child living with PMS, and his since been joined by Vice President Talya Emery Silva. The nonprofit identifies and funds projects that overcome critical barriers to successful drug development and coordinates scientific efforts to improve efficiency and speed in the field.
Contact
Abby Lievense
CureSHANK
[email protected]
Office: 310-409-8060