The ODC and Loulou Foundation CDKL5 Pilot Grant Program provides a one‐year grant for $150,000.00 (total cost) to support research related to CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder (CDD). The number of awards is not fixed, and may vary.
CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder (CDD) is a monogenic, neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by treatment‐resistant epilepsy and severe neurodevelopmental delay. The disease is caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in a protein kinase called CDKL5 which is responsible for normal neuronal function. The mechanisms by which loss of CDKL5 expression leads to this neurodevelopmental disorder remain unclear. The gene encoding this protein is located on the X chromosome, with heterozygous females primarily affected. The disease does not exhibit neurodegeneration, and animal models strongly suggest the potential for reversibility of phenotypes associated with loss of CDKL5. While clinical development of novel therapeutics is underway, the current standard of care is not fully effective at managing seizures in all patients, or in the treatment of non‐seizure symptoms such as neurodevelopmental or motor deficits.
We are seeking grant applications that progress the discovery or development of treatments and/or cures for CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder. Because many gaps still remain in our understanding of the biology of CDKL5 and its role in neurological development and function, applications that address such gaps in basic science are welcome, provided that they are tethered to the development of a potential therapy.
Letter of Intent (LOI) are Due Friday, February 16, 2024.
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. Biopharmaceutical companies are not eligible to apply; however, we will consider applications from contract research organizations that provide services responsive to the RFA, as collaborators with a qualified academic faculty-level staff member.