MRA Research Overview

The MRA is focused on finding and funding the most promising melanoma research worldwide that will accelerate progress toward a cure.

Since its founding in 2007, MRA has awarded $21.7 million to 50 research programs that hold the promise of turning scientific discoveries into tools and/or treatments for high risk individuals or melanoma patients.

Distribution of MRA Research Awards, 2008-2010

The MRA research agenda focuses on translational, innovative, high-risk research that has the potential to impact the outcomes of melanoma in the near and intermediate future.

MRA solicits both individual investigator and collaborative team scientific proposals with the potential to make transforming advances in the biological understanding and treatment of melanoma. Particular emphasis is placed in the following areas:

Prevention. Areas of interest include environmental, epidemiological, and biological causative factors in melanoma carcinogenesis.
Diagnosis and Staging. Emphasis includes identification of serological tumor markers, association of molecular tumor biomarkers with prognosis, and development of novel clinical methods for melanoma detection and imaging.
Treatment. Identification of molecular pathways or immunological events which can serve as therapeutic targets is encouraged.

In less than two years of active research funded by MRA, significant progress has already been made. MRA is building a robust, collaborative melanoma research community focused on delivering effective results as quickly as possible.

17 papers published by MRA-funded investigators in high impact journals describing research that was funded by MRA.
69 presentations delivered by MRA investigators at medical and scientific meetings in the US and internationally.
Five patent applications filed for technology developed as a result of a MRA award.
40 collaborations initiated and strengthened between academic, government, and industry scientists a result of MRA research awards.
$6.9 million in additional research funding secured by MRA investigators as a result of research funded by MRA.

MRA Funded Research Wins Additional Support

	"Funding from the MRA has greatly enhanced the productivity of my laboratory. It has allowed us to obtain additional funding (> $1 million in NCI support) and opened new avenues for collaboration. The initial infusion of support from MRA has substantially raised the profile of our work and allowed my laboratory to establish itself as a viable and productive player in the melanoma research community." - Dr. David Mullins, MRA Young Investigator, Assistant Professor, University of Virginia

Please join us so that together we can expand melanoma research and save lives. Keep the momentum of research growing each year.