*THIS CALL IS NOW CLOSED TO NEW APPLICATIONS*

Proposals were invited for research programmes targeting therapy development for severe forms of Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) and their life-limiting consequences.

Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a group of genetic blistering conditions that can result in a life of extreme pain, disability and, at its worst, death in infancy. Severe EB is associated with fatal skin cancer in early adulthood.

DEBRA International is the patient advocacy and support organisation for people with EB, providing specialist EB nursing, welfare, and respite. DEBRA also funds EB research worldwide within predefined research priorities.

Funded projects are selected through peer-review, and judged for scientific excellence, value for money and anticipated patient benefit (see list of Expert Panel Members).

For the current call, funded by DEBRA Austria, proposals are invited 'to make a breakthrough in developing therapies, systemic or topical, for severe forms of EB, or EB-related cancer, or other severe and life-limiting clinical problems, associated with severe forms of EB.'

It is expected that proposals will take research towards, or into clinical trials.

The call also prioritises collaboration between research groups with complementary and essential expertise: at least two academic or clinical partners are required for any proposal. Partnering with healthcare providers, or industry, is also to be encouraged.

Proposals may request DEBRA funding for either

• A period of up to 3 years and a budget of up to € 1.5M or
• Up to 5 years and a budget of up to € 3M 

DEBRA funds may be used in conjunction with funds from other grant bodies, including academia, government, other charities, or industry, where such funding does not constrain research goals or progress.

There is a two-stage application process:

Stage 1: Applicants should provide a two-page outline proposal by 3 June (details below).
Stage 1 submissions will be considered by DEBRA's Medical & Scientific Advisory Panel (MSAP) in June 2011.

Stage 2: Successful Stage 1 applicants will be invited to submit full Stage 2 proposals by 30 December. Outline applications recommended for development as full proposals will be considered by a specially convened Expert Panel, and feedback will be given to applicants by 15 November.

The funding decisions will be made in March 2012.

To Apply (Stage 1):

Submit, as a Word or pdf document, a two page (maximum) proposal outlining:

(1) What the research / therapy priority is that would be addressed, and why this is a priority unmet medical need in EB (one page); and

(2) The aims, objectives and sub-project components and collaborations that would lead to success (one page)

Deadline for submission: 3 June 2011

Full applications (Stage 2):

Terms and Conditions for Research Grants
Reporting Requirements 
Guidelines on submitting an Application
Application Form - 3M Collaborative Programme Fund

Proposals and full applications should be sent by e-mail to: clare.robinson@debra.org.uk, and receipt will be acknowledged by e-mail.

Queries on applying for funding may be made by e-mail to the DEBRA International Research Manager at clare.robinson@debra.org.uk.

Please find additional information on the particular challenges and opportunities in EB care and research here:
Epidermolysis Bullosa: Challenges and Opportunities