Fast Forward
Fast Forward Research Initiative
Dr. Tim Coetzee
3 year grant, $100,000 per year, totaling $300,000
I. Overview
FAST FORWARD is a nonprofit organization established by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in order to accelerate the development of treatments for MS. FAST FORWARD will accomplish its mission by connecting university-based MS research with private-sector drug development and by funding small biotechnology/pharmaceutical companies to develop innovative new MS therapies and repurpose FDA approved drugs as new treatments for MS. We are requesting a multi-year grant of $300,000 from MS Hope for a Cure to partially fund commercial research opportunities that will be identified by FAST FORWARD.
II. The Need for FAST FORWARD
Scientists and clinicians presently know more about MS than at any other time in our history yet we have only six partially effective treatments for relapsing or worsening forms of the disease. Through FAST FORWARD, the Society directly addresses the glaring need for more effective treatments for all forms of MS and further demonstrates its commitment to creating a world free of MS.
III. Mission
The mission of FAST FORWARD is to accelerate the development of new treatments for people with MS. FAST FORWARD will achieve this mission by bridging the knowledge and funding gaps that exists between the laboratory promise and commercial appeal of potential treatments, diagnostics and medical devices for people with MS.
IV. Objectives
The objectives of FAST FORWARD are to:
- Establish a network of relationships with potential partners from the pharmaceutical/biotechnology sector, academic institutions, business and financial communities, and interested individuals to identify and secure resources, expertise and personal contacts to facilitate MS drug discovery and development.
- Create a credible and rigorous process to solicit, evaluate, fund and manage MS research proposals from commercial entities.
- Raise $30 million by FY2012 to fund specific FAST FORWARD opportunities.
- Fund multiple business arrangements per fiscal year beginning in FY2008.
- Achieve significant milestones in drug/diagnostic/device development by the end of FY2012.
Summer 2009 Update
Since receiving its grant from MS Hope for a Cure, Fast Forward has accomplished a number of significant milestones. These include committing $1 million to fund a proof-of-principle clinical trial of new therapy, ATX-MS 1467 by Apitope International and underwriting preclinical testing of PV-267, a new potential therapy being developed by Provid Pharmaceuticals. In addition to these programs, Fast Forward is in final negotiations with two additional companies developing additional therapies for MS. Finally, Fast Forward entered into a five-year collaboration agreement with EMD Serono which will provide up to $19 million to fund early stage drug discovery and development programs for MS. In the coming year, Fast Forward anticipates funding between 8 and 12 new opportunities and will host a meeting on the commercial application of research into the genetic basis of MS. For more information please visit