Emily’s Entourage Grant Application: Cystic Fibrosis

Emily's Entourage (EE) provides critical funding to accelerate research and drug development for new treatments and a cure for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) who do not benefit from currently available CFTR modulator therapies, due to ineligible genetic mutations, side effects, or suboptimal responses.

Overview

• Delivery of Nucleotide-Based Therapies: Focus on gene editing (e.g., CRISPR, base editing), novel encapsulation (e.g., lipid nanoparticles, polymeric carriers), immune-evasive strategies, and next-generation viral vectors (e.g., AAV with reduced immunogenicity).
• Novel Inhaled Formulations for Staphylococcus aureus and CF Pathogens: Targets multidrug-resistant strains like MRSA and NTM, including liposomal/sustained-release formulations and combination therapies.
• Understanding Immunogenicity in CF Nucleotide-Based Therapies: Studies on pre-existing immunity, treatment-induced reactions, and immunosuppressive approaches.

Eligibility

• Faculty appointment at an academic institution.
• Hold a PhD, MD, or DO.
• No citizenship/geography restrictions.
• No overlapping funding for the proposed project.
• Track record of publications and funding; multiple PIs encouraged.

Funding Details

• $100,000 per year in direct costs + 10% indirect costs (total $110,000/year).
• Typically 2 years, disbursed in 6-month intervals ($50,000 each) based on progress.
• Continued funding requires milestone achievement and progress reports.

Application Requirements

Submit a single PDF (Impact Statement and Lay Abstract as .docx). Follow NIH formatting: 11pt Arial, 0.5” margins, headers/footers.

• Specific Aims (1 page): Title, overview, objectives, rationale.
• Research Plan (2 pages): Significance, innovation, approach; include preliminary data.
• Milestones (1 page): 6-month schematic and description.
• Budget (1 page): Excel template (as PDF); justification; no overlaps.
• Impact Statement (0.5 page): How it advances therapies for modulator-ineligible CF patients.
• Lay Abstract (0.5 page): Non-technical summary for public use.
• NIH Biosketch(es): For all PIs; confirm no overlapping funds.
• Appendix: Manuscripts, approvals, resource sharing (e.g., CF cell lines/models).
• Letters: From collaborators/consultants.

IACUC/IRB approvals must be addressed if required.

Submission and Deadlines

Email finalized packages to research@emilysentourage.org.

• Call Opens: September 22, 2025
• Application Deadline: October 31, 2025, 11:59 pm ET
• Next Round Notification: December 2025 (with reviewer comments)
• Funding Decision: February 1, 2026
• Project Start: March 1, 2026

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals evaluated on:

• Scientific impact in CF.
• Innovation and feasibility.
• Therapeutic advancement potential.
• Clear milestones supported by preliminary data.

Please note: Full RFP is attached in the "More Information" section of this page. Faculty and researchers interested in applying for these opportunities based on technologies developed or disclosed at Vanderbilt must submit their proposals through the CTTC.