The Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute opens new round of funding

by EVA KIESLER

For the past two years, the Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute (Tri-I TDI) — a partnership between The Rockefeller University, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Weill Cornell Medical College — has been working to speed the translation of basic science discoveries into the clinic. With the advancement of several of its initial projects, the institute is now accepting new proposals for the development of small molecule therapies. Faculty members at the three member institutions are eligible to apply.

The program is designed to identify early-stage drug development projects with strong potential to benefit patients and effectively advance them into proof-of-concept studies. Through its unique partnership with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, its first industry partner, the Tri-I TDI is able to offer investigators highly sophisticated expertise in medicinal chemistry. Takeda is one of the world’s leading research-based companies focused on drug development and manufacturing.

The new request for proposals comes as several ongoing Tri-I TDI projects have advanced from hit-to-lead studies to lead optimization, freeing up resources for new therapeutics discovery endeavors. To ensure that the most promising and transformative projects are chosen in an unbiased manner, the institute relies on a scientific advisory board of prominent scientists and thought leaders representing its three member institutions as well as the biopharmaceutical industry and the venture capital community.

The Tri-TDI will accept letters of intent for funding until September 30. By October 12, applicants whose projects fit well with the program’s criteria will be notified and asked to submit a full application.

Learn more about the program and how to apply on the Tri-TDI’s webpage.