The Follicular Lymphoma Foundation (FLF) supports the development of a cure for follicular lymphoma (FL) at first relapse through their CURE FL Awards—CUrative Research to Eliminate Follicular Lymphoma.
FLF engaged SPARC to perform an assessment of the therapeutic landscape to inform priority research areas to drive therapeutic development in the follicular lymphoma space. As a result of comprehensive diligence efforts, SPARC developed an initial State of Therapeutic Development in FL report and an update a year later.
Working in partnership with SPARC, the FLF developed the CURE FL Awards to assess and prioritize targets and therapeutic mechanisms for philanthropic funding deployment to drive improved understanding of promising FL therapies.Â
The goal is to engage top clinical scientists and researchers from around the world who perform innovative and impactful FL research, align with patient interests, and who can accelerate the path to clinical trials. During the next funding cycle, SPARC supported the FLF as they navigated a co-funding partnership. The result of this collaboration was $2.25 million in funding for FL research.
The FLF funds an annual grant program focused on therapeutic development in FL. This philanthropic initiative seeks transformative projects in areas of treatment identified as most likely to deliver rapid progress toward a cure:
cellular immunotherapy (CAR-T and others)
delivery of targeted therapies (standalone or in combination with other treatments)
The program aims to support innovative and impactful FL research with targeted funding. To date, the CURE FL Awards have supported seven research teams, representing over $4 million in new funding for FL research.
Our Work
Partnership with the Follicular Lymphoma Foundation
Since 2021, the FLF has partnered with SPARC to assess the FL therapeutic development landscape and identify priority areas for funding to accelerate meaningful therapeutic development.Â
SPARC developed a request for proposals (RFP) in collaboration with FLF and managed cycle 1 grantees, accounting for $1.9 million in funding. During the next funding cycle, SPARC supported the FLF as they navigated a co-funding partnership. The result of this collaboration was $2.25 million in funding for FL research.
Clinical Developments in Follicular Lymphoma
In 2023, SPARC assessed the therapeutic development and clinical landscapes in FL. The resulting report reflects these findings and priorities for therapeutic modalities with the greatest potential for impact in FL and opportunities for strategic investments in this space.
Engaging the Inhibitory BTLA Receptor for the Treatment of FL
Dr Hans-Guido Wendel, MD, PhDMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, US
Overview
The Wendel Lab aims to develop a novel CAR T-cell therapy targeting the HVEM-BTLA immune checkpoint pathway, which is disrupted in FL. By targeting this disrupted interaction, the lab aimed to reactivate BTLA signaling, reversing immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment.Â
Project
Utilizing EZH2 Inhibition to Improve Immune Therapies in FL
Preventing Antigen Escape After T Cell Therapies by Enhancing Fas-Mediated Bystander KillingÂ
Joshua Brody, MDIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, USÂ
Overview
The Brody Lab aims to strengthen its evidence base for an innovative strategy to prevent antigen escape and increase the efficacy of T-cell-based immunotherapies. Their approach focuses on eliminating reservoirs of relapse that contain a rare subpopulation of cells in heterogeneous tumors by enhancing T cell Bystander Killing.Â
Cancer Cell. 2025 Jan 13; 43(1):49-68.e9. doi: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.11.006. Epub 2024 Dec 5. PMID: 39642889; PMCID: PMC11732734.
FAQs
I am a researcher looking for funding for my FL-related work. Can I apply for funding right now?
Funding is not available via the CURE FL Awards at all times, but rather during certain time periods when open requests for proposals (RFPs) are open. Please check our RFPs page to find out whether an RFP for this program is currently open, whether you are eligible, and how to apply.
My relative, friend, or I live with FL and would like to join a clinical trial. Can I sign them up for clinical trials here?
SPARC does not provide medical advice or promote clinical trials. If you are interested in clinical trials, please speak with your physician about clinical trial options. To find clinical trials for follicular lymphoma, a good starting point is ClinicalTrials.gov. It is important to recognize that the website may not be fully up-to-date, and there are specifications relating to the criteria required for trial participation that will need to be considered. Consultation with your provider about any trial that you find on ClinicalTrials.gov is important. For more information on what a clinical trial is, the FLF provides a clinical trial overview.
How can I learn more about FL?
The FLF provides scientifically and clinically backed information on FL, signs and symptoms, and treatments on the foundation’s website. Additionally, FLF provides a Fast Facts for Patients booklet, created by Karger Publishing with input from the FLF and patient community.
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