A fresh funding program launched by the Milken Institute Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC), in partnership with the Ann Theodore Foundation (ATF), aims to support a future clinical trial for cutaneous sarcoidosis. The program, called ATF Sarcoidosis Inhibitor of mTOR (SIM), will award a two-year grant of up to $575,000 to biomedical researchers to design and conduct a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors in treating sarcoidosis affecting the skin.
Sarcoidosis is a debilitating and sometimes fatal inflammatory disease characterized by abnormal clusters of immune cells in various organs. This new initiative addresses a critical need for more effective treatments for the condition, which currently lacks disease-modifying therapies. While the lungs are most commonly affected, approximately 25% of sarcoidosis cases involve the skin, causing painful rashes, skin lesions, and growths under the skin.
The ATF-SIM program specifically focuses on evaluating mTOR inhibitors given that of promising early evidence suggesting their potential in treating sarcoidosis. A small clinical trial conducted in 2024 indicated that seven out of ten participants with cutaneous sarcoidosis experienced sustained symptom improvement after treatment with sirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor already approved for other inflammatory conditions. This finding suggests a targeted approach to managing the disease could be effective.
“People living with sarcoidosis, which can be extremely painful and unpredictable, currently lack the treatment options they deserve. To advance this potential treatment toward later-stage clinical trials and regulatory approval for use in treating cutaneous sarcoidosis, researchers must continue to demonstrate that an mTOR inhibitor has a significant effect in a new trial with more participants. We are thrilled to work with ATF to ensure the sector accomplishes this next step as quickly as possible.”
Melissa Stevens, Executive Vice President of Strategic Philanthropy, Milken Institute
This is the third funding program launched by the Milken Institute and ATF to support biomedical research focused on sarcoidosis. Since 2020, the organizations have too launched ATF-LOMAS (Learning Opportunities in Medicine and Sarcoidosis) and ATF-BSI (Breakthrough Sarcoidosis Initiative), committing over $11 million to sarcoidosis research to date. They also co-authored a Giving Smarter Guide identifying strategic opportunities for philanthropic investment in the disease.
“At ATF, we believe we owe it to the sarcoidosis community to support promising research directions at all stages of development, including this timely opportunity to accelerate a potential near-term treatment,” said Lisa Spalding, a spokesperson for the Ann Theodore Foundation. “ATF-SIM complements, but does not supplant, our parallel efforts to support early-stage biomedical research and long-term scientific community development through two other grant programs, which will yield benefits for decades to come. We must pursue all possible avenues to improve daily symptom management in favor of long-term symptom relief.”
Applications for the funding program are being accepted until Monday, April 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time, with awardees selected in June 2026. This funding represents a significant step toward addressing the unmet needs of individuals affected by sarcoidosis and improving their quality of life.
