Melanoma Research Alliance

The Melanoma Research Alliance is seeking an Associate Director, Rare Melanoma Research to lead and expand our Rare Melanoma Research programs (position based in Washington, DC). This role will focus on advancing research, treatment innovation, and delivery for rare melanomas, working closely with researchers, physicians, and patient advocates. If you're passionate about making a difference in melanoma research and have experience in cancer biology or related fields, please visit https://lnkd.in/g3KCAypz to learn more and apply!

Last month MRA hosted our annual Scientific Retreat and Patient Forum, bringing together physician-scientists, pharmaceutical and biotech representatives, government officials, patient advocates, and nonprofit partners for a week of scientific excellence and collaboration! We were joined in-person by individuals from 15 countries, over 80 different institutions, 22 industry partner organizations, and dozens of representatives from the goverment and non-profit partners. More than 200 individuals joined the Patient Forum virtually from 13 countries! Thank you to all who attended and continue to support MRA in our mission to end suffering and death due to melanoma. This event would not be possible without the support of our sponsors: Merck, Bristol Myers Squibb, Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc., Replimune, Novartis, Regeneron, Castle Biosciences, Inc., Immunocore, Mural Oncology, IO Biotech, Pfizer, Obsidian Therapeutics, L'Oréal, Natera, BioNTech SE, NeraCare, Immatics, Pierre Fabre Laboratories, Exact Sciences, Holland & Knight LLP, SkylineDx BV, Werewolf Therapeutics.

Save, Protect, Fund Melanoma Research. MRA encourages the entire melanoma community to contact members of Congress and urge them to vote NO on the FY25 continuing resolution and instead support a full Defense Appropriations bill that preserves funding for melanoma research. Since 2019, melanoma research has had a dedicated funding stream within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP). These funds drive critical breakthroughs not only for melanoma patients but for advancements across all cancer treatments. Did you know that congress is considering a 57% cut to CDMRP funding? If approved, this would drastically hinder melanoma research and slow progress on life-saving treatments for melanoma patients. Join MRA in saving, protecting, and funding critical #melanoma #research. Together, our voices can make a difference.

MRA CEO Dr. Marc Hurlbert and Director of Communications and Engagement Dana Deighton had the pleasure of joining other Public Access to SunScreens (PASS) Coalition members on Capitol Hill this week to call on members of Congress to take bold actions to ensure that the FDA regulatory framework is streamlined for ingredients that are currently on the market globally, but not yet approved here in the US. We believe the US deserves access to a variety of safe and effective sunscreens that work, because the best sunscreen is the one people will use. Thanks to Coalition members that include Kenvue, The Skin Cancer Foundation, Melanoma Research Foundation, AIM at Melanoma, and to Holland & Knight LLP for coordinating an amazing day.

Team MRA is getting ready for what is sure to be another incredible Melanoma > Exchange Patient Forum this Wednesday. We are so excited to bring patients, survivors, and loved ones together with world-renowned melanoma clinicians and researchers to learn from each other, get support, and leave feeling empowered! There's still time to register, and you can join us virtually from anywhere! Visit curemelanoma.org/forum25 to see the agenda and speakers. Finally, this event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. At the presenting level: Bristol Myers Squibb, Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc., Merck, Novartis, Regeneron, & Replimune. At the Gold level: Castle Biosciences, Inc., Immunocore, & L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty. At the Silver level: Exact Sciences, Holland & Knight LLP, Mural Oncology, & Natera.

MRA-funded research from The Wistar Institute’s Villanueva lab has identified a new way to treat NRAS-mutant melanomas that resist MAPK inhibitors. By targeting the S6K2 gene, researchers successfully killed these drug-resistant melanoma cells using Fenofibrate and DHA (Omega-3)—two compounds already safely used in humans. At MRA, we fund discoveries like this to accelerate scientific progress, leading to safer, more effective treatments and ultimately improving patient outcomes.

The leveraged finance and private equity communities came together last week for the inaugural Leveraged Finance Fights Melanoma (LFFM) London benefit and cocktail party at The National Gallery. Building on the success of the flagship event in New York City, the London benefit for the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) hosted 600 guests, raising ￡1.4 million to support MRA’s investments in UK-based scientists pursuing high impact, lifesaving melanoma research. LFFM was founded in 2011 by Brendan Dillon (Veritas Capital) and Jeff Rowbottom (General Atlantic Credit), who were both diagnosed with melanoma. Since then, it has raised more than ￡22 million to support MRA’s ambitious melanoma research agenda. The event was co-chaired by Roxana Mirica (Apax), Valeria Mollova (Apollo Global Management, Inc.), Leo Wouters (General Atlantic), Sean Costello (Fitch Ratings), and Tara Moore (Golub Capital). The event host committee included: Peter Atkinson (HPS Investment Partners, LLC), Ian Barratt (Kirkland & Ellis), Juan Campos (Hg), Michael Carruthers (Blackstone), Conor Daly (CIFC Asset Management), Philip Edmans (Inflexion), JOHN EMPSON (CVC), Colin Harley (White & Case LLP), Todd Hooper (HPS), Akshat Khaitan (KKR), Simona Maellare (UBS), Dipish Rai (Termgrid), Neel Sachdev (Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP), Chris Scott (The Carlyle Group), Stephen Smith (Sona Asset Management), Rich Trobman (Latham & Watkins), Peter Urquhart (LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group)) and David Witkin (PSP Investments | Investissements PSP). Thank you to all our incredible event co-chairs, host committee, sponsors and attendees who help make melanoma research investments possible. We cannot wait for LFFM New York City on June 11!

This World Cancer Day, we join the global movement to recognize and support everyone impacted by cancer. At the Melanoma Research Alliance, we're united in our mission to end suffering and death due to melanoma. Since 2007, we've directly invested over $160 million in groundbreaking research, leading to 17 FDA-approved treatments that are saving lives. To our incredible clinical trial participants: Thank you. Your courage and dedication are powering progress in melanoma research. Our upcoming Scientific Retreat and Patient Forum theme, "Powering Progress Together" embodies this year's World Cancer Day theme, "United by Unique”. We're bringing together patient advocates and researchers to share their unique stories and approaches, all aimed at advancing melanoma research. Together, we can rewrite the future of melanoma. Let's make this World Cancer Day count.

This Black History Month, we honor pioneering African American dermatologists who paved the way for equitable skin health research. Dr. Theodore K. Lawless, Dr. John A. Kenney Jr., and Dr. A. Paul Kelly broke barriers and advanced dermatological care for all. Their groundbreaking work reminds us that diversity in medicine is crucial for progress. Join us in celebrating these trailblazers and continuing their mission. By supporting diverse voices in dermatology, we accelerate scientific discovery and improve outcomes for all melanoma patients. Together, we can ensure everyone receives the best care, regardless of race. #BlackHistoryMonth #DiversityInDermatology #MelanomaResearch #EquitableHealthcare

The Melanoma Research Alliance is proud to announce the launch of our redesigned website! In line with our commitment to world-class melanoma research, groundbreaking scientific advancements, and authentic, patient- and caregiver-focused education, our updated, mobile friendly website now features an inviting fresh design, improved navigation, and enriched content that reflects our mission, leadership, and innovation. We invite you--our community of patients, caregivers, providers, scientists, partners, and friends-- to explore, share, and revisit MRA's new site and resources. Explore breakthrough research, access our new "Understanding Your Pathology Report" guide, and engage with our extensive webinar library at curemelanoma.org.