National Rosacea Society opens grant applications as it celebrates 25 years of program

Key takeaways:

• The Society has awarded more than $1.7 million to 78 studies since its inception in 2000.
• Deadlines for this year’s grants will close July 1.

The National Rosacea Society has opened its applications for research funding as the grant program celebrates its 25th anniversary, according to a press release.

“The [National Rosacea Society (NRS)] research grants program is the only independent funding source dedicated solely to research into this chronic disorder that affects about 5% of Americans,” Andrew Huff, president and executive director of the NRS, told Healio. “It has been funded through individual donations by NRS members and the public from the start.”

Since its inception in 2000, the program has awarded more than $1.7 million with grants reaching up to $25,000 or more in support of 78 studies with the goal of increasing the understanding of the etiology of rosacea as well as finding treatments, preventions and, potentially, a cure.

So far, the program has supported many studies that have made landmark discoveries in the rosacea field.

“NRS-funded studies discovered that abnormal production of cathelicidins led to inflammatory lesions in rosacea patients, as well as vascular effects such as flushing and telangiectasia,” Huff said. “Further studies have determined that mast cells, located at the interface between the nervous system and vascular system, may serve as the link between rosacea triggers and inflammation by stimulating production of cathelicidins.”

This is merely a glimpse into the impactful discoveries funded by the NRS, as Huff described additional research which identified peptides and neurotransmitters involved in neurovascular dysregulation and the role of Demodex mites in rosacea.

When asked about the future of rosacea research, Huff explained that it is a growing interest.

“We have seen an increase in studies investigating rosacea in recent years, particularly as researchers in Asia have begun to focus on the disease,” Huff said. “We hope that the NRS research grants program acts as an incentive to draw new researchers to the field.”

The deadline for submitting proposals for a research grant is July 1. To apply, researchers may find the proper forms and instructions on the Society’s website under the research grants section or by contacting the NRS via email, telephone or mail.