Pediatric Alopecia Areata Challenge Grant

The Pediatric Alopecia Areata Challenge Grant aims to stimulate innovative research on pediatric alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition affecting millions, particularly those under 20. With limited FDA-approved treatments for younger patients, this grant supports studies that explore the disease's pathophysiology, epidemiology, psychosocial impacts, and treatment advancements. Funded by the National Alopecia Areata Foundation and Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance, eligible applicants can request up to $50,000 to enhance understanding and improve outcomes for affected children.

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common autoimmune skin disease that causes hair loss on the scalp, face, and sometimes on other areas of the body, and affects as many as 160 million people worldwide. Nearly half of patients experience their first episode of alopecia areata before age 20. A diagnosis early in life is linked to higher disease severity, making pediatric alopecia areata an important target for research and therapeutic intervention. To date, there is only one FDAapproved treatment for adolescents ages 12 and up, limiting effective treatment options for most pediatric patients. The burdens on these patients and their families are significant and many important research questions remain unanswered.
To address this need, the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) and the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA) are collaborating to support research investigations focused on pediatric alopecia areata with the Pediatric Alopecia Areata Challenge Grant. Through this grant, NAAF and PeDRA intend to accelerate research that improves the lives of pediatric alopecia areata patients and their families.
Focus
This Challenge Grant is intended to stimulate scientists to establish or sustain research programs focused on pediatric alopecia areata. Investigators with any innovative research idea are encouraged to apply for the challenge grant, with priority consideration given to proposals that address one or more of the following areas of interest:
Investigations of targets or pathways that will advance understanding of the pathophysiology of pediatric AA Investigations of epidemiology or the natural history of pediatric AA Elucidation of the burden of pediatric alopecia areata on patients and families including the psychosocial impact Advances in treatment or tools for treatment decision-making by patients and families
Award Applicants may request up to $50,000 for one year. Direct costs only. Applicants may request salary support as part of their budget and are encouraged to use budget to compensate support staff necessary for the efficient completion of the proposed research. Refer to PeDRA’s Grant Guidelines for more information on requesting salary support.

Eligibility

Applicants need not be trained in pediatric dermatology but must hold the degree of MD and/or PhD (or equivalent) and be eligible to apply for grants under the guidelines of their host institution.Principal Investigators need not be United States citizens and the research need not be conducted in the United States.Evidence of IRB or IACUC (or equivalent) approval is required for all studies when relevant.Recipients of past or current NAAF and/or PeDRA grants are eligible to apply.