March 10, 2023 These Health Research Funders Are Facing Down the Next Pandemic Threat — Whatever It May Be March 10, 2023/ Paul Karon The Gates Foundation, Novo Nordisk Foundation and Open Philanthropy are collaborating under a partnership called Pandemic Antiviral Discovery, funding research to develop treatments that may be needed for future pandemics.Read More
February 06, 2023 This Wealthy Virginia Family Is Helping Make the State a Biotech Hub February 06, 2023/ Paul Karon Paul and Diane Manning, longtime supporters of diabetes research at the University of Virginia, recently committed $100 million to build an advanced biotech research institute there. Here’s a rundown on the gift and the donors.Read More
December 09, 2022 A Funding Leader Lays Out Key Priorities in Neuromuscular Disease Research December 09, 2022/ Mike Scutari The Chicago-based Muscular Dystrophy Association is a leading funder in the field of neuromuscular diseases. We check in with Chief Research Officer Dr. Sharon Hesterlee to discuss current challenges and priorities.Read More
November 14, 2022 “A Period of Rapid Change.” How the ALS Association Shepherded a New Treatment to Market November 14, 2022/ Mike Scutari The FDA recently approved a new drug to treat ALS. Here’s how the ALS Association, equipped with funding from 2014’s viral Ice Bucket Challenge, contributed to that outcome — and what it’s looking to do next.Read More
October 11, 2022 Taking on Paralysis, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Seeks to "Care and Cure" October 11, 2022/ Mike Scutari Once viewed as the “graveyard of neuroscience,” the field of spinal cord injury has made headway thanks to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. We check in with two leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities.Read More
April 26, 2022 With Cancer in the Crosshairs, a Health Funder Digs Deep to Back Basic Science April 26, 2022/ Paul Karon The $1.5 billion Starr Foundation likes to give out big-ticket grants to create and support new medical research centers. Its latest establishes a new basic research program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Read More
June 10, 2021 Almost No Foundations Are Backing Work on Sickle Cell Disease. It's Time for That to Change June 10, 2021/ Paul Karon Philanthropy in the United States has shown a particularly weak response to one disease that disproportionately affects Black people. We look at the state of philanthropy around sickle cell disease, and what needs to improve.Read More