Apr 17, 2025, 11:44

2025 ACGT – Cinelli Family Foundation Investigator Award in Cell and Gene Therapy for Gynecological Cancer Research

The 2025 Investigator Award, presented by the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy (ACGT), supports innovative research into cell and gene therapy for gynecological cancers, including ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers. With gynecological cancers continuing to pose significant threats to women’s health—especially due to high mortality and declining survival rates—this award targets researchers developing next-generation immunotherapies and genetic approaches to transform treatment outcomes.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, or equivalent degree, and be tenure-track or tenured faculty
Applications from biotechnology companies with early-stage assets in gynecologic cancer are accepted if partnered with an academic investigator at a U.S. or Canadian institution
No citizenship restrictions
Research must be conducted at academic or medical institutions based in the U.S. or Canada
Applicants must be conducting original and independent research

Research Focus Areas

Cell and gene therapy targeting T-regs, TAMs, MDSCs, tumor-entrained neutrophils
Strategies to improve immune cell trafficking, antigen presentation, and persistence
Novel CAR designs (e.g., armored CARs, CAR-macrophages, CAR-NK, in vivo CARs)
Gene therapy focused on mutation compensation, neoantigen-reactive TCRs, or oncolytic viruses
Underutilized immune cell types: gamma-delta T cells, TILs, NK cells, iPSC-derived cells
Combination approaches (e.g., CARs + checkpoint inhibitors, cytokines, bispecific antibodies)
Biomarker identification for predicting therapy response

Funding Details

Amount: Up to 500,000 USD
Duration: 2 to 3 years
Indirect Costs: Included up to 10%
Restrictions: Equipment purchases not allowed in final year; only directly related project staff allowed

Application Timeline

RFA Opens: March 19, 2025
Abstract Deadline (LOI): May 16, 2025 at 11:00 AM EST
Invitation to Submit Full Application: June 27, 2025
Full Application Due: August 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM EST
Finalists Selected: October 17, 2025
Award Approval: November 2025

How to Apply

Submit via proposalCENTRAL
For assistance: [email protected]

ACGT cancer cancer research funding CAR-T Cell Therapy cervical cancer Endometrial cancer gene therapy Gynecological Cancer immunotherapy OncoDaily Oncology Ovarian Cancer proposalCENTRAL Translational Oncology tumor microenvironment women's cancer research

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