The 2025 cohort of awards spans a diverse array of high-need diseases and cutting-edge therapeutic modalities, reflecting the program’s commitment to advancing treatments in underexplored and challenging areas of medicine. Notably, TRxA’s strategic funding focuses on fostering promising drug candidates that address significant unmet clinical needs, ranging from rare liver diseases to treatment-resistant cancers. The selected projects embody the essence of translational research, combining scientific rigor with practical pathways to drug development readiness.

Among the significant recipients of 2025 TRxA funding is the team led by Stan van de Graaf, M.D., Ph.D., together with Matthias Versele, Ph.D., who received $473,000 to propel a novel small molecule acting on the sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP) for primary sclerosing cholangitis—a rare and debilitating liver disease characterized by progressive inflammation and fibrosis of bile ducts. This innovative approach leverages targeted modulation of bile acid transport to mitigate disease progression, representing a potential paradigm shift in hepatologic therapeutics.

In parallel, a consortium including Thomas Dick, Ph.D., Veronique Dartois, Ph.D., and Courtney Aldrich, Ph.D., secured $339,394 to advance rifamycin analogs designed to overcome the notoriously drug-resistant Mycobacterium abscessus lung infections. These infections present considerable treatment challenges due to intrinsic bacterial resistance, biofilm formation, and persistence within lung tissues. The research integrates medicinal chemistry with pharmacokinetic optimization to yield agents with enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity, addressing a critical gap in respiratory infection management for immunocompromised patients.

Another notable award of $150,000 was granted to Gregory Thatcher, Ph.D., in collaboration with Xuejun June Li, Ph.D., for development of a novel therapeutic strategy targeting hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). HSP encompasses a group of genetic disorders leading to progressive lower limb spasticity. Their approach involves mechanistic insights into neurodegeneration pathways, potentially unlocking targeted intervention for these otherwise untreatable neurodegenerative processes.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a complex and multifactorial gastrointestinal disorder, represents another frontier where TRxA provides pivotal support. Carlos Subauste, M.D., received $200,000 to investigate a therapeutic candidate that selectively targets the CD40-TRAF2 signaling axis, a critical pathway implicated in chronic intestinal inflammation. This approach aims to modulate immune responses at a molecular level, potentially offering more precise and effective management of both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

In diabetes research, TRxA funded efforts totaling $250,000 to a team at Washington University in St. Louis, including Kyle Apley, Ph.D., Cory Berkland, Ph.D., and Peggy Kendall, M.D. Their project focuses on a new drug candidate modulating the CD22 receptor mechanism, which plays a role in the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells characteristic of type 1 diabetes. By targeting CD22-mediated pathways, this research aims to restore immune tolerance and preserve endogenous insulin production.

In a unique collaboration with the Sontag Innovation Fund, Jim Olson, M.D., Ph.D., and Andrew Mhyre, Ph.D., of Seattle Children’s Research Institute received $250,000 for pioneering work on pediatric brain tumors. Their strategy involves the development of a PD-L1-CD3 T-cell engager, an immunotherapeutic agent designed to harness and redirect the patient’s immune system toward cancer cells. This form of targeted immunotherapy is at the forefront of oncology, offering hope for more effective and less toxic treatments for young patients in desperate need of novel therapeutics.

The largest individual grant, amounting to $815,000, was awarded to Brian Dymock, Ph.D., of UniQuest’s QEDDI in Brisbane to further develop QED-203, a novel drug candidate aimed at treatment-resistant prostate cancer. Prostate cancer that resists standard treatments presents a major clinical challenge; QED-203’s unique molecular target profile and pharmacodynamics could translate into a new line of defense against refractory disease, broadening options for patient survival and quality of life.

Together, these seven awards cumulatively represent approximately $2.48 million invested in pioneering translational science. Each project is carefully selected based on its potential to overcome key bottlenecks in drug development, with TRxA offering not only funding but also comprehensive mentorship. This includes expert guidance across the spectrum of preclinical stages — medicinal chemistry, toxicology, formulation development, manufacturing, and regulatory oversight — ensuring that academic discoveries mature into development-ready candidates poised for industrial partnerships and clinical trials.

Maaike Everts, Ph.D., Executive Director of TRxA, emphasized the program’s unique model: “TRxA was built to back strong science and the people behind it. This year’s seven awards show the breadth of areas where targeted translational planning matters. We combine funding with hands-on guidance in preclinical activities such as chemistry, toxicology and manufacturing, and regulatory education so teams reach key decision points with a clear path forward.” This holistic approach significantly reduces the traditional barriers and uncertainties that academic teams face, accelerating the journey from bench to bedside.

C-Path’s CEO Klaus Romero, M.D., M.S., FCP, added, “From day one we designed TRxA to shorten the distance between academic discovery and a development-ready program that can positively impact novel drug development. The 2025 cohort demonstrates that model at work across continents and disease areas, with disciplined plans that can de-risk early work and increase the odds promising candidates reach the people who need them.” This international footprint and cross-disciplinary collaboration amplify the program’s impact, fostering a global network of innovation.

Founding partners such as Research Corporation Technologies’ Frederick Gardner Cottrell Foundation have played an integral role in TRxA’s success. Shaun Kirkpatrick, President of Research Corporation Technologies, stated, “TRxA’s model is proof that disciplined translational planning in academia can move promising science to points where industry can act. Our Fredrick Gardner Cottrell Foundation is proud to be TRxA’s founding partner and continue to support its innovative programs that help nonprofit research organizations expand their programming and research funding to further advance early-stage therapies to patients in need.” Their commitment exemplifies the crucial role of philanthropic support in driving scientific progress.

Looking ahead, TRxA aims to broaden its reach and accelerate impact by introducing co-branded Requests for Proposals (RFPs) with nonprofit research organizations starting January 2026. These partnerships will enable nonprofits to access TRxA’s robust infrastructure, expert consultants, and project management resources, all within a collaborative framework. This initiative intends to foster tailored, scalable drug development pipelines, further facilitating the transition from academic innovation to clinical intervention. Interested parties are encouraged to contact TRxA’s Executive Director Maaike Everts for collaboration opportunities.

Critical Path Institute continues to be a pioneer and a vital international convener of resources and expertise. Its 20-year legacy in expediting drug development is reinforced by over 1,600 dedicated scientists and stakeholders worldwide. The TRxA program exemplifies C-Path’s mission to catalyze innovation for global health by enabling academic researchers to navigate the complexities of translational therapeutics efficiently and effectively. The momentum in 2025 suggests a new era where academia-driven drug development will play an increasingly prominent role in addressing unmet medical needs across a range of devastating diseases.

Subject of Research:
Academic drug development and translational therapeutics acceleration across multiple disease areas including rare liver diseases, drug-resistant infections, neurodegenerative disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, type 1 diabetes, pediatric brain tumors, and treatment-resistant prostate cancer.

Article Title:
Critical Path Institute’s Translational Therapeutics Accelerator Marks Record-Breaking Year in Academic Drug Development with Seven BRIDGe Awards in 2025

News Publication Date:
September 4, 2025

Web References:
http://c-path.org/trxa

Keywords:
Translational Therapeutics, Academic Drug Development, Critical Path Institute, TRxA, BRIDGe Awards, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, Mycobacterium abscessus, Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Type 1 Diabetes, Pediatric Brain Tumors, Prostate Cancer, Preclinical Drug Development, Non-Dilutive Funding, Regulatory Education, Translational Science

The Pew-Stewart Scholar program, now in its twelfth iteration, is a landmark initiative jointly supported by The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Alexander and Margaret Stewart Trust. It awards a generous four-year, $300,000 grant to early-career scientists who demonstrate transformative potential in cancer research. Dr. Nam’s selection into this elite cohort underscores the significance of her studies aimed at unraveling the complex molecular mechanisms that govern cancer heterogeneity, particularly within lymphoid malignancies.

Dr. Nam’s research is centered on decoding the genetic and cellular foundations that contribute to the distinctive clinical manifestations of Hodgkin lymphoma compared to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, two biologically and pathologically distinct entities within hematologic cancers. Despite sharing overlapping mutational drivers, these lymphomas diverge dramatically in their tumor microenvironment interactions, immune evasion strategies, and clinical outcomes. Her investigations probe the intriguing phenomenon of B-cell–derived lymphoma cells acquiring neural cell-like features through a process termed “neural reprogramming,” hypothesized to offer these malignant cells a survival and proliferative advantage within the tumor niche.

This neural phenotypic plasticity observed in Hodgkin lymphoma cells represents a novel paradigm in cancer biology. Dr. Nam’s work not only aims to elucidate the molecular circuitry that facilitates this cellular identity shift but also seeks to map the downstream functional consequences that contribute to tumor ecosystem control. The insights garnered could pave the way for innovative therapeutic modalities that target these aberrant signaling pathways, potentially revolutionizing treatment strategies for patients afflicted with Hodgkin lymphoma.

Complementing these efforts, Dr. Maria Cecilia Lira’s research delves into the adaptive resistance mechanisms in glioblastomas, which are highly aggressive brain tumors notoriously refractory to standard therapies. Supported through the Pew Latin American Fellowship—a program designed to bolster the careers of promising researchers from Latin America by funding postdoctoral training in the United States—Dr. Lira’s work integrates cutting-edge molecular biology with translational oncology.

Her projects focus on the synergistic use of radiation therapy combined with immune checkpoint blockade and metabolic inhibition, specifically targeting fatty acid synthesis pathways upon which glioblastomas depend for sustained growth and proliferation. By manipulating these interdependent therapeutic axes, Dr. Lira aims to overcome tumor resistance and enhance treatment efficacy. Importantly, her investigative pathway has already yielded a preliminary patent, illustrating the transformative potential of her research to generate novel clinical applications.

Dr. Lira’s scientific odyssey began in Argentina, where she earned her doctorate in biological sciences from the University of Buenos Aires. Her subsequent move to Weill Cornell Medicine positions her at the vanguard of neuro-oncology research, with mentorship from Dr. Claire Vanpouille-Box fostering an environment ripe for independent investigation. This collaborative and nurturing mentorship model exemplifies how structured yet flexible guidance can accelerate the maturation of emerging scientists into independent principal investigators—a long-term aspiration that Dr. Lira passionately hopes to realize by returning to Argentina to establish her own research laboratory.

Both Dr. Nam and Dr. Lira exemplify how targeted funding programs like the Pew-Stewart Scholars and Pew Latin American Fellows can catalyze novel discoveries by bridging early-career scientific exploration with global collaborative networks. Dr. Nam’s exploration of lymphoma neurobiology enriches the understanding of tumor microenvironment adaptability, while Dr. Lira’s multifaceted approach to glioblastoma therapeutics charts new paths for tackling one of the most lethal cancers known.

The implications of these pioneering projects are vast, offering fresh mechanistic insights into cancer biology and translating into potentially life-saving therapies. These awards not only affirm the high caliber of research conducted at Weill Cornell Medicine but also emphasize the importance of nurturing diverse scientific talent across borders and disciplines.

As cancer research continues to evolve, the integration of multidisciplinary approaches—ranging from genetic and epigenetic analyses to immune modulation and metabolic targeting—will be paramount. The work undertaken by Dr. Nam and Dr. Lira signifies how focusing on tumor plasticity and treatment resistance can unlock key vulnerabilities that have hitherto eluded effective clinical intervention.

The Pew fellowships provide essential resources and recognition, enabling these investigators to expand their research endeavors, establish robust laboratories, and attract the attention of the global scientific community. Looking ahead, the breakthroughs stemming from their studies are poised to redefine therapeutic landscapes for Hodgkin lymphoma and glioblastoma, offering renewed hope for patients worldwide.

Through rigorous investigation and innovative thinking, Dr. Nam and Dr. Lira set a sterling example of how early-career researchers can drive transformational change in oncology. Their stories illustrate the critical role of mentorship, funding, and intellectual curiosity in sustaining a vibrant scientific ecosystem capable of confronting the most challenging biomedical puzzles.

Ultimately, these developments highlight a broader narrative within modern cancer research: that interconnecting fundamental molecular insights with translational applications, supported by international collaboration and visionary funding programs, is indispensable to overcoming cancer’s intricate biology and improving patient outcomes globally.

Subject of Research: Cancer biology focusing on Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma; glioblastoma resistance mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.

Article Title: Weill Cornell’s Dr. Anna Nam and Dr. Maria Cecilia Lira Honored with 2025 Pew Fellowships for Transformative Cancer Research

News Publication Date: 2024

Web References:

• Dr. Anna Nam profile: https://weillcornell.org/seung-nam-md
• Dr. Maria Cecilia Lira profile: https://vivo.weill.cornell.edu/display/cwid-mcl4004

Image Credits: Weill Cornell Medicine

Keywords: Cancer research, Cancer treatments, Cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Glioblastoma, Tumor microenvironment, Neural reprogramming, Immune checkpoint inhibitors, Fatty acid synthesis inhibition, Early career scientists, Pew-Stewart Scholars

Cancer remains one of the most complex biological adversaries, characterized by heterogeneous genetic landscapes and evolving cellular microenvironments that thwart conventional therapies. The Pew-Stewart Scholars stand at the forefront of research, endeavoring to decode the intricate biological mechanisms underpinning malignancies that have historically resisted thorough comprehension or effective intervention. By strategically funding these emerging leaders, the program galvanizes progress toward transformative solutions that could redefine clinical outcomes for patients worldwide.

Among the selected scientists is Dr. Iain Clark of the University of California, Berkeley, whose exploration targets mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL). MPAL represents a formidable subtype of leukemia distinguished by its genetic ambiguity and aggressive course, often eluding precise diagnostic categorization and curative treatments. Dr. Clark’s research delves into the genomic anomalies and lineage plasticity that foster the emergence of this high-mortality leukemia variant. His work seeks to illuminate the molecular circuitry driving MPAL pathogenesis, laying the groundwork for novel therapeutic targets capable of disrupting its lethal progression.

At Boston Children’s Hospital, Dr. Ryan Flynn embarks on an ambitious inquiry into the regulatory roles of non-coding RNAs and associated protein complexes in cancer cell physiology. This research melds the rapidly evolving fields of RNA biology and oncology, focusing on how RNA-protein interactions modulate gene expression networks that govern tumor cell behavior and survival. By elucidating these mechanisms, Dr. Flynn aspires to identify molecular vulnerabilities that could be exploited to develop targeted cancer therapies with enhanced efficacy and specificity.

The nexus between metabolism and cancer biology is under intense scrutiny, with mounting evidence implicating dietary lipids as influential modulators of tumor dynamics. Dr. Javier Garcia-Bermudez at the Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern investigates how exogenous fats, particularly those transported via lipoproteins, contribute to tumor proliferation, metastatic dissemination, and resistance to existing treatment regimens. His work interrogates the metabolic adaptations tumors employ to capitalize on lipid resources, offering promising avenues for disrupting these pathways and sensitizing cancers to therapeutic assaults.

Turning to hematologic malignancies, Dr. Anna Nam from Weill Cornell Medicine concentrates on the genetic determinants that govern the clinical heterogeneity observed in Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. By dissecting the molecular variants and epigenetic landscapes that influence disease manifestation and progression, Dr. Nam intends to refine prognostic models and enhance personalized treatment strategies. Such advancements are poised to improve patient stratification and optimize therapeutic interventions in these complex lymphoid cancers.

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment by harnessing the body’s own defenses; however, its precision and effectiveness remain limited in several cancer types. Dr. Bingfei Yu of the University of Southern California explores the pivotal role T cells play in sculpting the immune milieu to better recognize and target malignant cells. His investigation into T cell receptor signaling and antigen recognition aims to innovate precision immunotherapies that not only elevate anti-tumor immunity but also circumvent immune evasion tactics employed by cancers. Advancements here could lead to bespoke immune-based treatments with broader applicability and durability.

The collective research themes pursued by the Pew-Stewart Scholars reflect an integrative approach spanning genomics, transcriptomics, metabolism, and immunology, underpinned by cutting-edge technologies such as single-cell sequencing, CRISPR-mediated gene editing, and advanced bioinformatics. These methodologies enable unprecedented resolution in characterizing tumor heterogeneity, elucidating cellular interactions within the tumor microenvironment, and identifying actionable molecular targets.

Donna Frisby-Greenwood, senior vice president for Philadelphia and scientific advancement at The Pew Charitable Trusts, underscored the enduring imperative of cancer research. “Cancer continues to have a profound impact on the lives of so many, but scientific advancements hold hope for improving how we diagnose and treat the disease,” she said. Her remarks resonate deeply given that cancer’s complexity demands sustained investment in rigorous, innovative science.

Complementing this sentiment, Helen Piwnica-Worms, Ph.D., chair of the Pew-Stewart program’s national advisory committee, highlighted the transformative potential embodied by this new class of scholars. “These five outstanding investigators exemplify the pioneering spirit needed to overcome the most daunting challenges in cancer research,” Piwnica-Worms stated. She emphasized the collaborative platform the program offers, connecting scientists who will collectively accelerate the translation of discoveries into clinical breakthroughs.

The Pew-Stewart Scholars Program epitomizes a model of strategic philanthropic support that catalyzes novel cancer research trajectories at critical junctures in investigators’ careers. By concentrating resources on those poised to make seminal contributions, the program enhances the likelihood of major advances that could shift paradigms in cancer biology and therapeutics.

As these early-career scientists embark on their projects, the biomedical research community anticipates that their insights will advance precision oncology approaches, refine biomarker development, and expand the arsenal of effective, tailored cancer treatments. Their work addresses not only cancer’s cellular and molecular underpinnings but also the translational hurdles necessary to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment responsiveness.

The impact of such research is profound, offering hope to millions affected by cancer globally. By decoding complex tumor biology and immune interactions, Drs. Clark, Flynn, Garcia-Bermudez, Nam, and Yu contribute essential knowledge and innovation vital to realizing future cures. Their research journeys, supported by the Pew-Stewart Scholars Program, herald a future where cancer’s devastating toll is mitigated through scientific excellence and collaboration.

Founded in 1948, The Pew Charitable Trusts continues to harness data-driven insights to tackle ever-evolving global challenges. Its steadfast commitment to advancing ambitious projects positions it as a catalyst in the fight against cancer, fostering an environment where transformative discoveries flourish.

Subject of Research: Cancer development, diagnosis, and treatment with a focus on leukemia, lymphomas, tumor metabolism, RNA-protein interactions, and immunotherapy.

Article Title: The 2025 Pew-Stewart Scholars: Pioneering Next-Generation Cancer Research

News Publication Date: 2024

Web References:

• The Alexander and Margaret Stewart Trust: https://www.stewart-trust.org/
• Pew Charitable Trusts: https://www.pewtrusts.org/

Keywords: Cancer research, blood cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, cancer immunology, cancer treatments, metastasis, RNA biology, tumor metabolism, immunotherapy, precision oncology, tumor microenvironment