Research
IRSF
International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF)
Funding Strategy
The IRSF bench-to-bedside path towards treatments and a “cure” for Rett Syndrome
Since Rett Syndrome is a potentially reversible neurological disorder, IRSF is currently cultivating research programs that link basic, translational and clinical research. Part of the current strategy to treat and reverse Rett Syndrome is to focus on funding clinical research to re-purpose promising treatments that are already available or are poised to enter the clinic for other indications. In parallel, IRSF proactively supports the development of novel “platform” technologies, mouse models and other strategies that facilitate or catalyze the translation of basic research out of the lab and into the clinic.
IRSF’s Research and Development Efforts
The path from basic research discovery to the creation of a new treatment is often a lengthy and expensive process. The average time for the development of a new central nervous system treatment is currently 15 years.
IRSF seeks to accelerate the drug discovery and development processto identify and test new treatments for Rett Syndrome. The goal is to increase the movement of new treatments into the clinic through careful investment in promising early-stage drug discovery and development programs in academia and industry. Ultimately, the early-stage testing and validation of potential therapeutics can de-risk the later, more costly phases of drug development.
IRSF: Aims to Bridge the “funding gap”
Academic investigators and early-stage biotechnology researchers often have difficulty finding support for novel, high risk drug discovery and development projects which are costly and can take many years to achieve their objectives. While Governmental and traditional foundations have generally favored the support of basic research programs, Pharmaceutical companies and venture capitalists tend to fund later-stage research and clinical trials that are further along in the drug development pipeline. Therefore, IRSF seeks to fill a critical funding gap in translational research and aid scientists to enter the field of drug discovery for Rett Syndrome. Funding decisions are based on rigorous scientific peer-review by our Scientific Review Board, which consists of leading international researchers working on Rett Syndrome, drug discovery and other relevant disciplines. Through this process IRSF provides thorough due diligence and proper validation of new research programs.
Research Focus
IRSF is dedicated to helping develop better treatments to improve the quality of life of individuals with Rett Syndrome and ultimately find a “cure.” Treatment is defined as anything that improves the outcome of conditions caused by Rett Syndrome. In addition to therapeutics this may include assistive technologies, communication, physical therapy and education. IRSF supports and facilitates global research into the causes, treatments and an eventual cure for Rett syndrome by:
Research funding is currently focused in several mission-critical areas:
Click here to view abstracts of current IRSF grants and previously funded programs.
For a brief description of IRSF research grants and fellowship award programs click here.
Ultimately, IRSF hopes that it's funded research portfolio will result in additional research support from government or other funding agencies. For a list of funding resources available from other sources click here.
Source: International Rett Syndrome Foundation (www.rettsyndrome.org)