Synodos

Synodos is an application-based consortium focused on highly collaborative, interdisciplinary translational research.  The end goal of this effort is to fund new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of two primary NF2-related tumors: vestibular schwannoma and meningioma.  The consortium is in effect for three years (2013-2015), and will fund $2 million of NF2 research.

As a follow-up to the current Neurofibromatosis Preclinical Consortium, Synodos research is a multi-institutional approach involving basic, applied science and clinical science.  Designed to encourage vertical collaboration, at least one basic, one translational, and one clinical trial scientist will work together sequentially, or with some concomitance, along the translational research pathway, possibly and preferably in collaboration with a commercial entity.  The expectation is to take the work from discovery to pre-clinical development, resulting in the development of an Investigational New Drug (IND).  A systems biology approach is highly encouraged.

Synodos’ success will rest on specific goals and milestones, and research that has the potential to advance dramatically efforts in the treatment of NF2.  To this end, the consortium is structured with the following key components:

• Clear focus and specific milestones
• Collaborative design
• Established co-leaders to provide scientific direction
• Flexibility to modify approach/direction
• Information sharing
• Significant resources provided by the Children’s Tumor Foundation / Neurofibromatosis Therapeutic Accelerations Program  (CTF/NTAP)

To learn more about Synodos in detail, as well as the application process, please click here.