International collaboration to fund innovative research in CAR T-cell therapy

Pharma News: Research into improving outcomes for children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and improving CAR T-cell therapy for lymphoma and multiple myeloma patients are the two latest projects to be funded by the USA’s The Leukaemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), Snowdome Foundation and the Leukaemia Foundation through the Translational Research Program (TRP).

The special Australian stream of the TRP program funds up to two projects focused on blood cancer research from investigators working in Australia, Australian investigators working in other countries, or to Australian and non-Australian researchers jointly applying.

The TRP funds new and innovative research that proposes novel approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of blood cancers and shows high promise for translating basic biomedical knowledge to clinical application.

New South Wales’ Professor Richard Lock and Victoria’s Associate Professor Jane Oliaro are the successful applicants for the 2022 round as part of the program.

Leukaemia Foundation CEO Chris Tanti welcomed the opportunity to again unite with LLS and Snowdome Foundation to support leading Australian blood cancer researchers to undertake innovative work that could transform treatment on a global scale.

“Accelerating research to achieve rapid advancements in blood cancer treatment is a key priority of the Leukaemia Foundation. We are pleased to be able to fund these projects and look forward to seeing their research translate into improved results for Australians living with ALL, lymphoma and multiple myeloma,” Mr Tanti said.

“Investment in researchers to accelerate advances in treatment and next generation therapies are key to Australians both surviving these diseases, leading their best possible quality of life and achieving our goal of zero lives lost to blood cancer by 2035.”

Snowdome Foundation CEO Kirstee Macbeth said the Foundation was proud to support the next generation of Australian researchers.

“We are thrilled for these two Australian researchers, whose successful submissions were amongst only ten granted globally. The calibre of the applicants was outstanding, and these projects certainly show Australia is at the forefront of international blood cancer research,” Ms Macbeth said.

“Snowdome Foundation is immensely proud to have funded these grants for the fourth year, and to do so with Australian partner, Leukaemia Foundation. The research projects aim to improve the outcomes of those diagnosed with blood cancer and work towards a cure, something we are both passionately committed to.”

LLS Chief Scientific Officer Lee Greenberger said the international collaboration had the potential to benefit blood cancer patients on a global scale.

“The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is pleased to continue funding the work of Australian researchers through the Translational Research Program. Our long-standing relationship with Snowdome Foundation and the Leukaemia Foundation to support these accomplished investigators has the potential to improve treatment and outcomes for patients living with blood cancer around the world. By partnering together, we can broaden the scope of research we are able to fund.”