Recipient Announced for 2016 Hope Pilot Grant Award

Research study aims to better understand mechanisms that increase risk of eosinophilic esophagitis

ATLANTA, GA—The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) has announced that its 2016 Hope Pilot Grant Award will fund a promising research study that may create new opportunities in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) research by focusing on the fundamental mechanisms of EoE pathogenesis.

Patients with EoE have above-normal numbers of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the lining of the esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach), leading to inflammation and damage. There is no cure for EoE, and there are no FDA-approved treatments.

The 2016 HOPE Pilot Research Grant recipient is Leah Kottyan, PhD, of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Dr. Kottyan will receive $100,000 over a two-year period for her project titled, “Mechanisms of Genetic Risk at 2p23 in Eosinophilic Esophagitis.”

Dr. Kottyan’s project looks to provide a greater understanding of the biochemical mechanisms that drive the expression of a gene known as CAPN14 in patients who have EoE.

Her research seeks to make real progress towards a global understanding of the functional genomic, biochemical, inflammatory, and interactive mechanisms that increase the risk of EoE. Uncovering the fundamental mechanisms of EoE pathogenesis could have broad scientific and clinical implications.

“We are excited to fund Dr. Kottyan’s project. Her work illustrates the new and innovative research being conducted that is critical for improving the lives of individuals with eosinophilic-associated disorders,” said APFED Executive Director Mary Jo Strobel. “Without the incredible generosity of our community and the funds raised for APFED’s research program at events throughout the year, the level of funding we directed to this rigorous research would not have been possible.”

APFED’s competitive research grant program, Hope on the Horizon, is supported entirely by donations and has contributed more than $2.3 million to support research of eosinophil-associated diseases since the fund began in 2005. HOPE Pilot awards allow investigators from a variety of disciplines to initiate new projects relevant to eosinophil-associated diseases, with a focus on the development of new ideas that are likely to lead to future external funding.

About American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED)

The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to passionately embrace, support, and improve the lives of patients and families affected by eosinophil-associated diseases through education and awareness, research, support, and advocacy. www.apfed.org