Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – Path to a Cure Pioneer Award 2025

The goal of this request for applications is to identify ambitious basic research projects aiming to utilize cutting-edge techniques and strategies that have the potential to discover new genetic-based therapies for cystic fibrosis.

Genetic-based therapies, which include both gene replacement and gene editing approaches, are considered the most promising strategy to cure CF, as they have the potential to address the root genetic cause of disease. Numerous challenges must be addressed to to advance genetic-based therapies to the clinic, including but not limited to:

• Identify and target the appropriate cells in affected organs
• Develop new and improved vehicles and vectors with the appropriate biochemical properties to navigate through CF mucus and/or the vasculature
• Selectively and efficiently edit the genome for numerous mutations
• Avoid or mitigate the immune response to enable repetitive dosing 

Eligibility

• Applicants must be established independent researchers who have received one or more national, peer-reviewed research grant(s) with a duration of at least 3 years (mentored awards or training grants do not qualify)
• Applicants must first submit a letter of intent before a full submission will be accepted
• Applicants must be from a non-profit or academic institution; for-profit entities are not eligible to apply

Deadlines

• LOI: December 5th, 2025
• Full Application: December 5th, 2025

Applicants may propose an amount necessary to complete the proposed research, plus an additional 12 percent of indirect costs for up to three years.