Scientific Research Grant Program Overview

The NephCure Foundation supports research seeking the causes of idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome and Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), leading to improved treatment and a cure.  To do this, NephCure’s aim is to deploy an aggressive research agenda that utilizes the best and brightest minds in nephrology research.   

NephCure’s research focus is two-pronged with support directed towards:
• Understanding the cause and mechanics of glomerular disease, with particular emphasis on idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome and primary FSGS.  Consideration will be given to work on all forms of idiopathic glomerular disease if this work addresses mechanisms common to glomerular disease.    
• Exploring specific translational and therapeutic approaches that will lead to the development of treatments for glomerular disease and proteinuria. In addition to continuing to support basic science research in this area, NephCure hopes to accelerate future research efforts by placing a stronger emphasis on translational and clinical research.  NephCure also seeks to fund discovery work to help identify novel approaches for drug development, albeit on a small scale.  To aid future clinical trial recruitment, NephCure is aggressively building its patient registry. We currently have records for over 2,000 families and patients, of which half have completed a medical and quality of life survey. While grant applicants are encouraged to submit applications in the following areas of study as it pertains to glomerular disease, other areas and novel ideas are welcome.   
• Glomerular and podocyte structure, function, and mechanism of action in normal physiology• Genetics as it pertains to glomerular disease
• Recurrent FSGS• Biomarkers of FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome
• Treatment of FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome
• Registry expansion</