FOP Australia are excited to support the launch of an exciting new research program in to potential treatments for Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva.

Because FOP is caused by a single gene mutation, therapies that can act at the genetic level to edit, silence or “turn off” the affected gene hold a lot of potential promise. But research into these therapies is in very early stages, and a lot of work is still needed.

The International FOP Association have announced that the  first research grant for gene therapy will go to the University of Massachusetts, and because of the generous donations of people in Australia and New Zealand, we are proud to pass on $12,500AUD raised during the 2019/20 financial year to help get this exciting and important program off the ground.

On August 27th 2020, IFOPA hosted an online presentation explaining the potential for this research program, shared below:

Another $12,500AUD from the 2019/20 financial year will also go to the IFOPA ‘ACT (Accelerate Cures and Treatments) for FOP Grant Program’, a competitive research grant program facilitated by IFOPA to identify and support projects from all around the globe that can help develop potential therapies for this disease. Thank you to everyone who has continued to support FOP Australia and people living with FOP in Australia and New Zealand during this challenging  year – your ongoing generosity is amazing, humbling, and deeply appreciated.

Learn about other key milestones in the global research effort on our updated  Research page.