Recipients

The Research Grant Initiative

Announcement: Find For Rare 2024-2025 grant recipients selected!

We are thrilled to announce the successful recipients of the 2024-2025 call for applications! Following careful review of more than 80 applications, the Steering Committee, a board of 10 leading experts in the lysosomal storage disorders field, independently chose 3 grant recipients, whose innovative research proposals stood out for their exceptional quality and potential for significant in advancing the understanding of these rare conditions.

Fabry disease: Mitra Tavakoli – University of Exeter, Exeter, UK

Project title: FAB-PAIN: Precise Phenotyping of Neuropathy Using a range of Novel Biomarkers in Fabry Disease
“This project aims to explore a range of novel biomarkers to better understand the pain pathways and their pathophysiology in Fabry disease. The findings may lead to the development of a range of new neuropathic biomarkers, advancing our understanding of disease mechanisms and facilitating the creation of diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions.”

Alpha-mannosidosis: Margarita Dinamarca – University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland

Project title: Investigating brain endothelial dysfunction in alpha-mannosidosis
“This research is significant for its dual contributions: unravelling the mechanisms by which alpha-mannosidosis disrupts endothelial cell function and pioneering a targeted therapeutic strategy using nanocarriers.”

Cystinosis: Francesco Bellomo – Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù – IRCCS, Rome. Italy

Project title: Study of molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of ketogenic diet in cystinosis
“This research project investigates the potential of a ketogenic diet to treat nephropathic cystinosis, a rare genetic disorder leading to kidney disease. By studying the effect of the diet in murine models, we observed significant reductions in symptoms such as Fanconi syndrome, inflammation, and fibrosis. The project aims to develop an in vitro system to further explore the molecular mechanisms behind these benefits, potentially enabling the discovery of new therapeutic options.”

Once again, congratulations to the selected Grant Recipients!

There was an impressive number of applications from 23 countries across the three lysosomal storage disorders, reflecting the vibrant and diverse research community Chiesi is proud to support. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Steering Committee members and all the applicants for their innovative research proposals and encourage them to apply again in the future.

Stay tuned for updates on future calls for applications.