The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research Announces More Than $2 Million in Funding for Two New Drug Discovery Awards for Pancreatic Cancer and Anticancer Therapeutics

The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research announced the latest recipients of its Drug Discovery Award, a program designed to accelerate the trajectory of converting promising scientific discoveries into therapeutics that will benefit cancer patients through funding. Launched in 2020, The Mark Foundation Drug Discovery Awards support high-risk, high-reward research and bridge the substantial gap in advancing promising academic discoveries to novel therapies. Based on key milestones along the continuum from target identification to preclinical development and initial regulatory filings, up to $25M is expected to be awarded over the next 5 years.

The two latest Mark Foundation Drug Discovery projects selected for more than $2 million in funding are:

• Identifying small molecule inhibitors of SLC38A2/SNAT2 to treat pancreatic cancer
• Developing CDK11B inhibitors as a novel anti-cancer strategy

“Most companies engaged in cancer drug discovery research are looking for projects that fit within narrowly defined criteria that align with their internal portfolio strategies and risk tolerance,” said Ryan Schoenfeld, CEO, The Mark Foundation. “The Mark Foundation Drug Discovery Award program is a way for us to step in and fill a gap in academia that’s not being met by today’s drug companies nor by the traditional governmental funding programs. We have the flexibility to take risks earlier on promising, innovative ideas and approach cancer research funding on a broader scale.”

“In addition to providing funding, The Mark Foundation scientific team provides scientific and technical guidance to our grantees so that we can accelerate their ideas into the clinic,” says Schoenfeld. “We take advantage of our experience working with contract research organizations and other industry partners to provide grantees access to state-of-the-art drug discovery and development capabilities, as well as access to expert advice from our extensive network of experienced and highly accomplished industry advisors and consultants.”

Schoenfeld concluded, “We are excited about our growing pipeline of projects focused on novel therapeutics that hold the promise to bring substantial benefits to cancer patient populations who are eagerly awaiting new treatments. We will continue to expand the program to new therapeutic modalities with additional targets and indications of high unmet need.”