Our mission and history
Our mission
MPN Research Foundation invests in and advances original research in pursuit of new treatments — and eventually a cure — for essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), and myelofibrosis (MF), blood cancers that are known collectively as myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Founded in 1999, MPN Research Foundation was the first organization dedicated to MPNs, and remains the global organization focused on advancing research.
From its unique position at the intersection among key stakeholders — patients and caregivers, researchers and clinicians, and the biopharmaceutical industry — MPN Research Foundation facilitates a collaborative approach to research that elevates the patient voice in research and drug development, brings disease experts together, and accelerates the industry’s understanding of an extremely complex group of diseases.
MPN Research Foundation history
Diagnosed with polycythemia vera (PV) in 1997, Chicago businessman Robert Rosen was shocked to discover that little research was being conducted on essential thrombocythemia (ET), PV, and myelofibrosis (MF) and that there were no organizations working to assist people with these rare blood cancers.
In 1999, Rosen and a small number of other MPN patients established MPN Research Foundation (at the time known as MPD Foundation) as a way to catalyze research for advanced treatments for MPN patients. To date, MPN Research Foundation has awarded more than $20.1 million for MPN cancer research, focusing on projects that deepen our understanding of MPNs and lead to the development of new treatment options.
Our history as an organization, founded by patients for patients, continues to influence everything we do. To further our patient-centered research mission, MPN Research Foundation helps the MPN community stay informed by sharing curated updates on scientific progress, drug development, the clinical landscape, educational resources, and opportunities to engage with the broader MPN ecosystem.
Together, we’re committed to change the prognosis for people living with an MPN.
Ready to be part of the solution?
Advances in MPN research depend on the active involvement of the MPN community. Subscribe to receive updates about the latest MPN news and research or make a donation to join us and be part of the solution.
