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ACGT - Cinelli Family Foundation Investigator Award in Cell and Gene Therapy for Breast Cancer

Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy

Purpose

Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy, Inc. (ACGT) funds research aimed at furthering the development of cell and gene therapy approaches for the treatment of patients with cancer. The Cinelli Family Foundation supports research into drug redevelopment, immunotherapy and other innovative treatment modalities for the treatment of breast cancer, leukemia and pancreatic cancers.

This RFA is specifically targeted to advance cell and gene therapy approaches to treating patients with breast cancer.

Research Objectives

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Breast cancer incidence in young women has been increasing as well. The rate of cancer for young women has risen by 1% each year from 2012 to 2021. In women under the age of 40, the rate has increased by about 3% each year from 2000 to 2019. Triple negative breast cancer also presents a high-unmet medical challenge with an average survival rate of about 10 months. Patients with a diagnosis of this aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis have limited treatment options.

This new grant award is for those conducting cell and gene therapy research specifically in breast cancers including, but not limited to, the following research areas:

Identifying potential effective antigen targets in individual breast cancer subtypes including HER- 2+ and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) actionable for TCR or CAR T approaches.
Development of CAR-immune cells including but not limited to CAR-macrophages, CAR-NK cells, CAR-MSCs, for the treatment of breast cancer.
Development of bispecific CAR T-cells targeting two or more antigens and logic-gated CARs.
Constructing CARs to degrade the extracellular matrix of tumor cells – targeting one or more components of the TME including the endothelium, CAFs, MDSCs, TAM, and Treg cells.
Using oncolytic viruses to drive CAR T-cell traffic to tumor sites.
Improvement of HER2-targeted CAR T-cells for HER-2-positive breast cancer to improve efficacy and limit toxicity.
Approaches to address antigen heterogeneity and on-target/off-tumor toxicity.
Developing cell therapies in conjunction with cis-cytokine bispecifics.

AI Based Application Success Predictor

🎯 1. Exact Fit with Mission & Cancer Type

Proposals must focus on cell or gene therapies for challenging solid tumors—such as pediatric brain tumors, pancreatic, breast, or gynecological cancers 

Check specific RFA titles and deadlines (e.g., 2025 Investigator Award in Cell and Gene Therapy for Gynecological or Breast Cancer) 

🧑‍🔬 2. Applicant Eligibility & Independence

Must be an independent investigator (MD/PhD or equivalent), holding a tenure-track or tenured faculty position at a U.S. or Canadian academic or research center 

Evidence of faculty status and institutional support is essential.

🔬 3. Translational, High‑Impact Science

ACGT seeks bold, translational projects—for example, CAR T, oncolytic viruses, tumor microenvironment targeting—with strong scientific rationale 

Proposals must outline a clear path toward clinical application, ideally including IND-enabling studies or trial plans 

💰 4. Well-Designed Budget with Cap on Indirect Costs

Typical awards are $250K–$500K over 2–3 years, with indirect costs capped at 10% 

Budgets may support salary, consumables, technical help—but not secretarial or unrelated staff roles.

📝 5. Rigorous Two-Stage, Peer-Driven Review

Phase 1: LOI reviewed by two or more members of the Scientific Advisory Council.

Phase 2: Full proposals (10-page research plan + biosketches, budget, reference letter) undergo thorough review, with final decisions made by ACGT's Council 

🤝 6. Collaborative & Innovative Projects

Collaboration is viewed positively—joint awards or partnerships with biotech firms are valued

Examples include multi-institutional pediatric brain tumor teams and biotech collaborations targeting glioblastoma 

🗓️ 7. Strict Adherence to Timelines & Process

RFAs have set schedules (e.g., Gynecologic abstract May 16, full due Aug 22). LOIs must be fully responsive—final applications may not be modified after submission .

Institutional official signatures (Authorized Institutional Official, Legal) are required.

📈 8. Track Record & Institutional Backing

Evidence of previous work in cell/gene therapy or strong translational data increases competitiveness.

Institutional commitment (such as space, core facilities) boosts feasibility.

📋 Summary Table

Predictor	What to Demonstrate
Mission Fit	Focus on cell/gene therapy for eligible solid tumor types
Faculty Status	MD/PhD, tenure or tenure-track at U.S./Canadian centers
Translational Science	Strong rationale, clinical-readiness, IND plans
Budget Compliance	$250–500K; ≤10% indirect; no unrelated staff funding
Stage-Gated Review	LOI → full proposal; adhere thoroughly to process
Collaborative Approach	Multi-institutional or biotech partnerships encouraged
Timeliness & Compliance	Follow abstract/application deadlines; sign off required
Track Record	Show preliminary data and institutional support

🛠 Pro Tips for Strong Applications

Tailor LOI tightly to the specific cancer type and ACGT focus.

Highlight translational milestones, e.g., IND-enabling steps.

Secure institutional signoffs early, including legal and administrative approvals.

Showcase partnerships, especially with biotech or clinicians.

Structure budget carefully, respecting indirect cost limits and direct-need justification.

Consult previous funded projects (e.g., pediatric CAR T or glioblastoma consortia) for alignment and inspiration

Specialties

Cancer

Genetics & Genomics

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates for the 2025 ACGT – CINELLI FAMILY FOUNDATION Investigator Award in Cell and Gene Therapy for Breast Cancer must hold an MD, PhD, or equivalent degree and must be tenure-track or tenured faculty.

ACGT will also consider applications from biotechnology companies with an early-stage cell and gene therapy clinical asset for breast cancer. The biotech company must have a formal relationship to work on the proposed project with an academic investigator at an accredited institution. ACGT recognizes that there may be other excellent researchers not on a tenure-track, or not at medical schools or research centers, but this is an eligibility requirement for application. The investigator must be conducting original research as an independent faculty member. ACGT has no citizenship restrictions, however, research supported by the award must be conducted at academic medical centers or research centers located in the United States or Canada.

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: 96 Cummings Point Road Stamford, CT 06902 Phone (203) 358-5055

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