The International Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva Association (IFOPA) is excited to announce that it is launching its 2026 Accelerating Cures and Treatments for FOP (ACT for FOP) Grant Program on February 2, 2026

The ACT for FOP Grant Program supports basic and translational research in the complex biology of heterotopic ossification and advances the development of safe and transformative therapies for FOP. The ACT for FOP Grant Program provides, through a competitive application process, funding to scientists conducting research into FOP.

The ACT for FOP Grant Program provides up to $100,000 in research funding over a 2-year period ($50,000/year) to successful applicants. The IFOPA anticipates awarding multiple ACT for FOP Grants in 2026.

Applications for the IFOPA ACT for FOP Grant Program should focus on novel research into FOP biology, the early detection and monitoring of physiological events that precede the formation of new heterotopic bone, and novel therapeutic approaches for disease control and management of symptoms. In particular, the following areas of research are of high interest:

• Novel drug discovery and drug repurposing for the treatment of FOP.
• Research into therapeutic approaches to improving and restoring mobility for individuals with FOP.
• The impact of the FOP ACVR1 mutation on the normal development and functioning of non-skeletal tissue and their impact on the development of heterotopic bone.
• Compensatory genetic events that alter the trajectory and severity of FOP.

Further details on the ACT for FOP program, the application process, application requirements and timelines can be found at http://www.ifopa.org/act-for-fop-grants.

Please contact Mark Hamilton, PhD, IFOPA Director of Research ([email protected]) if you have questions about the ACT for FOP Grant Program or its requirements.

Key Dates:

• ACT for FOP Program Announcement – February 11, 2026
• Letter of Intent (LOI) – Due March 16, 2026
• LOI Notifications – Week of March 30, 2026
• Proposal Submission Deadline – July 14, 2026
• Proposal Notifications – October 30, 2026