Jun 27, 2025, 13:58

MRA Next Steps Program (MRA)

The Next Steps program by the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) provides milestone-driven funding to bridge preclinical discoveries and clinical translation in melanoma. It supports two priority areas in 2025:

Characterization of Rare Melanoma Preclinical Models
- Molecular profiling (e.g., multi-omic assays), drug sensitivity/repurposing screens, CRISPR analyses
- Goal: generate and share well-characterized rare melanoma cell lines, PDX, and models
Advancing Drug Discovery for Acral and Uveal Melanoma
- Targeted discovery against validated proteins (e.g., CRKL, TERT, GAB2, YAP, Gq/11, LZTR, B7H3)
- Goal: identify, optimize, and test new therapeutic entities in preclinical models

Eligibility

Investigators at academic medical centers or universities worldwide
Collaborative teams with expertise in melanoma biology, preclinical modeling, or drug discovery

Funding Details

Milestone-based awards: 50,000 – 250,000 USD per project
Duration: 1–2 years
Applications must include: research proposal, budget, and detailed milestone plan with timeline

RFP Release & Timeline

RFP Release: Two separate RFPs to be announced in 2025 on the MRA website and via email
Application Deadlines: To be published with each RFP announcement

How to Apply & Contact

Questions? Contact Dr. Sara DiNapoli at [email protected]

acral melanoma cancer cell lines CRISPR drug discovery Melanoma milestone funding MRA Next Steps OncoDaily Oncology PDX Preclinical models translational research Uveal melanoma

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