The Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST) is a patient‑driven nonprofit foundation focused on accelerating the discovery and development of effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for Angelman syndrome. Through philanthropic fundraising and strategic partnerships, FAST deploys financial support to scientific teams and organizations working on promising therapeutic approaches.
Role of FAST in the funding ecosystem
FAST primarily acts as a research funder. It supports basic, translational and clinical research projects that target the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms of Angelman syndrome. Funding can include research grants for academic laboratories, support for early‑stage translational programs, and co-funding of clinical trials or drug development initiatives in collaboration with industry partners.
Types of projects and beneficiaries
- Academic and medical research teams exploring novel therapeutic strategies, biomarkers or disease models.
- Translational programs that move discoveries from the lab toward human testing, including preclinical studies and optimization of candidate therapies.
- Clinical studies and trials designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of potential treatments for people living with Angelman syndrome.
- Collaborative consortia and infrastructure projects that strengthen the global Angelman research community.
General approach to evaluation
While specific program details may vary over time, FAST generally seeks projects with strong scientific rationale, clear relevance to Angelman syndrome, and realistic paths toward therapeutic impact. Proposals are typically reviewed with input from scientific and medical experts, and funding decisions aim to balance high‑risk, high‑reward innovation with clinically actionable progress.
Global reach and impact
Although based in the United States, FAST collaborates with and funds researchers and institutions around the world. By concentrating resources on a focused set of high‑priority projects, the foundation helps to de‑risk early research, attract additional investors and public funders, and speed up the development of treatments that can improve outcomes for individuals with Angelman syndrome and their families.