Recipient of the 2014 Hope APFED/ARTrust™ Pilot Grant Award Announced

3/25/14
Funded study to explore underlying mechanism of the development of eosinophilic esophagitis

A promising research study that will focus on an innovative approach to define the underlying mechanism for the development of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has been awarded a grant through the 2014 Hope APFED/ARTrust™ Pilot Grant Award.

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

Michiko K. Oyoshi, PhD, of Boston Children’s Hospital, was announced as the recipient of the award this month and will receive $140,000 over a two-year period in equal, joint funding between APFED and ARTrust™ for her research proposal entitled, “Mechanisms of Eosinophil Recruitment to Esophagitis Driven by Cutaneous Sensitization.” Dr. Oyoshi’s research will help us to better understand the role of eosinophols and their products, and how these play a part in EOE development. Her research could ultimately lead to new treatments for this increasingly prevalent disease.

The Hope APFED/ARTrust™ Pilot Grant Award, established last year, is the result of a collaborative effort between APFED and the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Education and Research Organization, Inc. (ARTrust™). The APFED/ARTrust™ Pilot Grant Award was created to enable investigators from a variety of disciplines to initiate projects relevant to eosinophil-associated diseases, with a focus on the development of new ideas which are likely to lead to future external funding and better patient outcomes.

“APFED is excited to partner with ARTrust™ once again this year to advance research on eosinophil-associated diseases,” said APFED Executive Director Mary Jo Strobel. “These diseases are rare, but increasing in prevalence. By working in tandem with ARTrust™, we are better able to encourage researchers to focus their attention on these disorders and make progress toward a cure.”

“Our partnership with APFED is most gratifying,” reported Dr. Dennis Ledford, Chair of the Steering Committee for the ARTrust™. “Together we are identifying the best young investigators and enabling them to answer questions that will help our patients with eosinophilic disorders. The ARTrust™ is excited about this opportunity.”

APFED’s competitive research grant program, the Hope on the Horizon Research Fund, is supported entirely by donations and has contributed more than $1.6 million for the research of eosinophil-associated diseases since the fund began in 2005.

For more information about the Hope APFED/ARTrust™ Pilot Grant Award, or to support APFED’s research efforts, visit www.apfed.org.

For more information about the ARTrust™ or to provide support for the mission of the ARTrust™, visit www.aaaai.org/global/ARTrust.aspx

About American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED)
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

About Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Education and Research Organization (ARTrust™)
The ARTrust™, an independent foundation associated with the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, helps sustain and advance the future of allergy, asthma and immunology by supporting education and research initiatives to improve patient care. www.aaaai.org/global/ARTrust.aspx

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Previous News

7/5/2013 American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders Welcomes New Member to Board of Directors

2/26/2013 Recipient of the 2013 Hope APFED/ARTrust™ Pilot Grant Award Announced

8/27/2012 APFED announces first Executive Director

8/23/2012 APFED and ARTrust™ partner to fund 2013 Hope APFED/ARTrust™ Pilot Grant Award

5/07/2012 The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders has awarded a HOPE Pilot Grant to Kathryn Peterson, M.D.

4/16/2012 Hope Grant Research: Identifying biomarkers to avoid the burden of invasive
procedures

3/21/2012 Anderson Cooper Daytime Talk Show Features Segment on Family Living with an Eosinophilic Disorder

3/11/2012 APFED Announces 2012 Hope Research Grant Recipients

2/26/2012 APFED to Observe Rare Disease Day

12/21/2011 APFED Celebrates its 10 Year Anniversary

12/16/2011 The Traveling Twosome to Raise Funds for APFED with New Book

5/15/2011 APFED Names Ricky Springer as 2011-2012 Education Ambassador

5/17/2011 APFED Awarded Abbey S. Meyer Leadership Award by NORD

5/5/2009 Demi Lavato and Ned Speckor named as 2009-2010 Honorary Ambassadors of
Education

7/17/2008 APFED Announces Approval of ICD9 Codes for Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal
Disorders