Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Washington received a $1.49 million Project Grant from the Defense Health Agency under the Military Medical Research and Development program (CFDA 12.420) to develop biomaterial strategies that improve the specificity and efficacy of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy for breast cancer treatment. The award, effective April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2029, supports advanced biomedical research aimed at enhancing immunotherapy approaches for military service members, veterans, and the broader public. This research falls within the program's focus on cancer immunotherapy and translational studies designed to transform healthcare through innovative medical interventions.

The project will be conducted at the University of Washington's Seattle campus under the direction of the Office of Sponsored Programs Division. The research addresses a critical gap in CAR-T cell therapy by investigating biomaterial-based approaches to enhance treatment specificity and efficacy, potentially advancing clinical applications of this immunotherapy modality for breast cancer patients. As a leading research institution with extensive experience in biomedical research and federal funding management, the University of Washington is well-positioned to conduct this three-year research initiative within the Defense Health Agency's Military Medical Research and Development portfolio.