Mark Egly Foundation

What We Fund

The Mark Egly Foundation is dedicated to transforming lives through groundbreaking research in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin science. Our funding priorities reflect both the urgent needs of those currently living with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) and the emerging potential of AAT therapy to benefit far broader patient populations.

Our Vision for Impact

We support research that will:

  • Improve lives of individuals with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
  • Discover new therapeutic applications for AAT in conditions beyond traditional AATD
  • Expand production capacity to meet growing global demand
  • Advance scientific understanding of AAT's protective mechanisms throughout the body
  • Accelerate translation from laboratory discoveries to patient treatments

Priority Funding Areas

1. Enhanced Production of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin

As our understanding of AAT's therapeutic potential expands and more patients with AATD are diagnosed through improved screening, the global demand for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin therapy is rapidly increasing. We prioritize funding for:

  • Novel production methodologies including recombinant protein technologies
  • Scale-up strategies to meet growing treatment demand
  • Cost-reduction innovations to improve access and affordability
  • Alternative delivery systems for more effective administration
  • Quality and purity improvements in AAT manufacturing

2. New Therapeutic Applications for AAT

Emerging research reveals that Alpha-1 Antitrypsin's protective and anti-inflammatory properties may benefit numerous conditions previously unrecognized as related to circulating AAT levels. We actively seek to fund researchers investigating:

  • Novel therapeutic uses for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin beyond traditional AATD treatment
  • Conditions identified as potential AAT-responsive through clinical observation and scientific investigation
  • Mechanistic studies exploring how AAT influences disease processes
  • Clinical validation of AAT therapy for newly identified indications

These expanded therapeutic applications are documented in detail within Mark Egly's patent claims, which outline innovative uses of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin for treating conditions whose relationship to AAT levels was previously unknown or underappreciated by the medical community.

3. Comorbidity Research

We need visionary researchers who understand the critical importance of:

  • Confirming relationships between circulating AAT levels and various disease conditions
  • Investigating comorbidities in patients with AATD that may be directly linked to low AAT levels
  • Exploring systemic effects of AAT deficiency across multiple organ systems
  • Identifying biomarkers that predict treatment response in novel therapeutic applications

4. Early Detection and Screening

Projects focused on:

  • Improved diagnostic technologies for faster, more accessible AATD testing
  • Population screening strategies to identify undiagnosed individuals
  • Risk stratification tools for personalized treatment planning
  • Genetic counseling resources for families affected by AATD

5. Patient-Centered Outcomes Research

Studies examining:

  • Quality of life improvements with various treatment approaches
  • Long-term outcomes of early versus delayed diagnosis
  • Treatment adherence and barriers to care
  • Health economics and cost-effectiveness of AAT therapies

What Makes a Strong Proposal?

The Mark Egly Foundation seeks research proposals that demonstrate:

  • Scientific rigor with clear hypotheses and robust methodologies
  • Innovation that advances the field beyond incremental improvements
  • Clinical relevance with potential for meaningful patient impact
  • Feasibility with realistic timelines and achievable milestones
  • Collaboration with other researchers, clinicians, and patient communities
  • Alignment with the Foundation's mission and Mark Egly's vision

Beyond Traditional Boundaries

We encourage researchers to think expansively about Alpha-1 Antitrypsin's potential. Mark Egly's pioneering work demonstrated that AAT's protective mechanisms extend far beyond lung and liver disease. We welcome proposals that:

  • Challenge conventional understanding of AAT's role in human health
  • Explore unexpected therapeutic applications
  • Bridge disciplines and integrate diverse research approaches
  • Consider AAT therapy for conditions not traditionally associated with AATD

Types of Support

Our funding may support:

  • Research grants for specific studies and projects
  • Pilot studies to generate preliminary data for larger investigations
  • Collaborative initiatives bringing together multiple institutions
  • Technology development for diagnostics or therapeutics
  • Data analysis and bioinformatics projects
  • Training and career development for early-stage investigators

Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency

The Mark Egly Foundation is committed to:

  • Maximizing research impact through strategic funding decisions
  • Transparent evaluation of proposals by scientific review committees
  • Accountability with progress reporting and outcome tracking
  • Efficient stewardship of donor resources
  • Open communication with funded researchers and the broader community

Join Us in Transforming AAT Science

The research we fund today will define the treatments available tomorrow. By supporting innovative, high-impact projects that expand both the production and therapeutic applications of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, we honor Mark Egly's legacy while advancing hope for millions of patients worldwide.

For information about grant opportunities, application procedures, and funding cycles, please visit our Grant Opportunities page or contact our research program team.