MDF Pilot Grant Program

Grants for researchers to explore innovative ideas and conduct preliminary research investigations in myotonic dystrophy.

The Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (MDF) is a US-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation founded in 2005 by families with members suffering from myotonic dystrophy. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life of people living with myotonic dystrophy (DM) and advance research focused on treatments and a cure.

The MDF Pilot Grant Program provides one year grants to support innovative projects spanning basic, translational, and/or clinical research in myotonic dystrophy. The program aims to achieve the following objectives:

• Supporting new and cutting-edge avenues of inquiry in myotonic dystrophy through exploratory studies, proof-of-concept experiments, or novel research approaches.
• Fostering collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches in DM research.
• Attracting new researchers to the DM field.

Projects may focus on basic, clinical or applied research directly related to myotonic dystrophy in:

• Pathogenesis.
• Molecular basis underlying phenotype differences (Type 1, 2, congenital).
• Development of diagnostics and biomarkers.
• Progression/natural history.
• Identification and validation of drug treatment endpoints.
• Standards of care and care integration, including nursing, social work, and psychology.
• Epidemiology, economics, and support services.
• Therapeutic development, particularly, but not limited to, early stage projects where success can leverage larger investments.