Ehlers-Danlos Society Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) Biomarkers Grant

Funding to develop, validate and assess objective diagnostic methods for MCAS, particularly with relation to Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and related multisystem conditions.

Founded in 1985 as the Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation (EDNF), the Ehlers-Danlos Society is an international organisation that focuses on the study of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and related conditions.

Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are a group of connective tissue disorders that can be inherited and are varied both in how they affect the body and in their genetic causes. They are generally characterised by joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility and tissue fragility. Hypermobility spectrum disorders are a group of conditions related to joint hypermobility.

The Society’s Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) Biomarkers Grant is inviting research proposals focused on developing, validating and assessing objective diagnostic methods for MCAS. MCAS is an immune condition where mast cells become overactive, releasing excess chemicals (like histamine) and causing repeated, severe allergy symptoms across multiple body systems.

This funding opportunity has been established in response to persistent challenges in the diagnosis, classification and clinical characterisation of MCAS, particularly among individuals with EDS, HSD and related multisystem conditions. Existing diagnostic approaches are often inconsistent, burdensome and difficult to access, largely due to limitations in biomarker sensitivity, the transient nature of available biomarkers, a lack of standardised testing protocols and variability in diagnostic criteria across healthcare settings.

The purpose of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to support high-quality research that advances the development of objective, reproducible and clinically relevant diagnostic strategies for MCAS. Priority will be given to studies exploring biomarkers and clinical or laboratory-based diagnostic tools that enhance diagnostic accuracy, improve patient stratification and study enrolment, support future therapeutic development, and strengthen readiness for both clinical trials and routine clinical care.

Applicants are encouraged to submit innovative, practical and translational research approaches that can help identify more homogeneous patient populations, increase diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, and deepen understanding of mast cell-related disease mechanisms. Particular interest lies in the discovery and/or validation of highly sensitive and specific diagnostic markers that can be detected using readily accessible biological samples, such as blood, urine or other minimally invasive specimens.

Applications should align with one or more of the following priority areas:

• Development of objective diagnostic approaches for MCAS.
• Identification of clinically meaningful patient stratification approaches.
• Biomarkers associated with disease activity or treatment response.
• Translational and clinical feasibility studies.

The Society strongly encourages:

• Multidisciplinary collaborations involving clinicians, immunologists, translational researchers, laboratory scientists and diagnostic experts.
• Translational and clinically applicable research.
• Pilot and proof-of-concept studies or, ideally, confirmatory studies.
• Studies leveraging existing patient cohorts or biospecimens.
• Innovative diagnostics methodologies.
• Inclusion of experts in immunology, allergy, laboratory medicine and translational diagnostics.
• Studies with clear future scalability potential.
• Research incorporating clinically meaningful outcome measures.
• Studies that carefully identify the sensitivity and specificity of the approach.

This RFA is designed to support pilot and early stage studies that generate foundational evidence to inform larger future investigations, foster industry partnerships and accelerate the development of new therapeutic interventions. Smaller proof-of-concept studies involving focused cohorts (eg 20 to 30 participants) are acceptable where scientifically justified.