The Mark Egly Foundation is committed to funding transformative research that expands our understanding and application of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) therapy. Our funding strategy focuses on four critical pillars that will revolutionize how medicine approaches inflammatory disease, prevention, and treatment.
Funding Focus: Research demonstrating how Alpha-1 Antitrypsin can prevent and treat comorbidities across multiple disease states.
Key Research Questions:
Target Conditions:
Why This Matters: Preventing comorbidities is more effective and less costly than treating advanced disease. AAT's anti-inflammatory properties may prevent the cascade of complications that burden patients with chronic conditions.
Funding Focus: Clinical trials and mechanistic studies exploring AAT therapy for the 152 autoimmune diseases identified in Mark Egly's 2020 patent filing.
Priority Autoimmune Conditions for Study:
Research Approaches We will Fund:
Funding Focus: Understanding and preventing cancer development and spread through AAT's anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Critical Research Areas:
Example Research Projects:
Critical Need: Current AAT augmentation therapy relies exclusively on pooled human plasma—a limited, expensive, and potentially insufficient resource. Alternative production methods are essential for:
Funding Priorities:
We will fund research in:
Cell-Based Production
Transgenic Organism Production
Plant-Based Bioreactors
In Vivo AAT Production:
We will fund development of:
Expected Impact: Successful development of alternative production methods could reduce costs by 90% and make therapy accessible to millions currently unable to afford treatment.
Current Problem: AATD is too narrowly defined, focusing only on:
Research We'll Fund:
Genetic and Molecular Characterization
Functional Assessment
Clinical Phenotyping
We seek research defining:
Goal: Create diagnostic standards that identify ALL individuals who could benefit from AAT therapy, not just those with the most severe genetic deficiency.
Research Philosophy: If insufficient AAT fails to protect lungs, it logically fails to protect ALL tissues throughout the body.
Funding Focus: Comprehensive mapping of tissues vulnerable to neutrophil elastase damage when AAT is deficient.
Bone Marrow and Hematopoiesis
Cardiovascular System
Nervous System
Connective Tissues
Renal System
Gastrointestinal System
Reproductive System
Endocrine System
We will fund:
Goal: Create a complete atlas of AAT's protective role throughout the human body, identifying all systems that require adequate AAT levels for optimal health.
Funding Focus: Better, faster, more accessible testing methods for AATD.
Research Areas:
Goal: Make AATD testing as routine and accessible as cholesterol screening.
Research Questions:
We'll fund development of:
The Mark Egly Foundation welcomes proposals from:
Academic Researchers
Industry Partners
Clinical Researchers
Research Spectrum
Previously Unconsidered Uses of AAT:
Neuropsychiatric Applications
Age-Related Conditions
Infectious Disease
Metabolic Disorders
Specialized Applications
Sound Scientific Rationale
Clinical Relevance
Research Rigor
Financial Support
Collaborative Network
Advocacy and Promotion
Through strategic research funding, the Mark Egly Foundation aims to:
Step 1: Review Our Priorities
Ensure your research aligns with our strategic focus areas.
Step 2: Prepare Your Proposal
Include:
Step 3: Submit Your Concept
Contact us through the foundation website or reach out directly with a brief concept paper (2-3 pages).
Step 4: Full Proposal (if invited)
Selected concepts will be invited to submit full proposals for peer review.
Mark Egly spent 45 years searching for answers to his family's tragic health history. His discoveries have opened new horizons in medicine. Now, through research funding, the Mark Egly Foundation continues that mission—supporting scientists and clinicians who will expand these discoveries and transform healthcare for millions.
Together, we will:
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin research stands at a critical juncture. Mark's discoveries have revealed vast therapeutic potential beyond traditional AATD treatment. Now we need research to prove, expand, and translate these insights into clinical practice.
Your research could be the breakthrough that:
For research funding inquiries, collaborative opportunities, or to submit a research proposal, please contact:
The Mark Egly Foundation Research Program
Advancing Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Research for Global Health
Let's discover tomorrow's cures today.