[The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research](https://themarkfoundation.org)

November 2026 (Project Concept Letter)

Up to $1,000,000 total for 12–36 months; indirect costs capped at 10% of direct costs.

Supports academic researchers in advancing new cancer therapies from discovery to preclinical development, offering both funding and expert guidance.

Full applications are by invitation only after Project Concept Letter review.

--- ## Description The Drug Discovery Award from The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research is designed to accelerate the translation of promising academic discoveries into new cancer therapies. It provides both substantial financial support and access to expert guidance from seasoned biopharma R&D professionals. The program aims to bridge critical resource and knowledge gaps for academic investigators, supporting projects from post-target validation through early lead development and into preclinical milestones. Funded projects also benefit from regular consultations, milestone tracking, and hands-on project management to maximize the likelihood of successful therapeutic advancement. --- ## Due Dates - November 2026 (Project Concept Letter submission; anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Applicants may request up to $1,000,000 total for a project duration of 12–36 months. - The total budget includes both direct and indirect costs; indirect costs are limited to 10% of direct costs. - The proposed budget and timeline should be realistic for the planned work and designed to reach a clear preclinical milestone (e.g., potent lead identification or demonstration of in vivo efficacy). - Some or all work may be conducted at approved contract research organizations (CROs). --- ## Eligibility - Only non-profit research institutions are eligible to apply; for-profit companies are not eligible. - Open to institutions worldwide. - Principal Investigators (PIs) must hold an MD, PhD, or equivalent and be independent researchers at their institutions. - Each individual may submit only one application as PI but may participate as co-investigator on other proposals without limitation. --- ## Application Process - The first step is submission of a Project Concept Letter (maximum 2 pages, plus references), which must include: - Project title - Target description and validation summary - Lead identification summary (for Lead Optimization projects) - Brief description of the competitive landscape - Synopsis of research plan - Problem statement describing unmet clinical need and impact opportunity - Concept Letters must be submitted as PDF files. - Full applications are accepted by invitation only, following review of Project Concept Letters. - Invited applicants will receive feedback to refine their scientific plan and milestones. - Funded project teams will have regular meetings with Mark Foundation staff and assigned drug discovery experts. - Revenue-sharing terms will apply to funded projects; details provided upon award. --- ## Additional Information - All cancer types and therapeutic modalities are in scope, provided the project aims to advance a novel agent toward preclinical development. - Funded teams receive project management support and expert consultancy tailored to their project needs (e.g., medicinal chemistry, assay development, DMPK). - Work at CROs is permitted and may be overseen by assigned project consultants. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & RFP](https://themarkfoundation.org/drug-discovery-award-3-2/) - [The Mark Foundation Research Programs](https://themarkfoundation.org/research-programs/) - [Contact Page](https://themarkfoundation.org/contact/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |----------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Email | info@themarkfoundation.org | | Phone | 646-866-5950 | | Contact Form | [Contact The Mark Foundation](https://themarkfoundation.org/contact/) | ---

Drug Discovery Award

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