Project Grant HT9425261E361

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) awarded Beckman Research Institute of The City of Hope a $140,000 Project Grant under the Military Medical Research and Development program (CFDA 12.420) for the period September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027. The award supports research focused on "Enhancing TIL Trafficking via Paired Cell Engineering and Lipid Nanoparticle Modulation of the Tumor Microenvironment in Mucosal Melanoma." The research will be conducted at the Institute's facility in Irwindale, California and aims to advance tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) cell therapy approaches through combined cellular engineering and lipid nanoparticle technologies to improve therapeutic efficacy in mucosal melanoma treatment.

This award aligns with the DHA's broad portfolio supporting investigator-initiated biomedical research addressing Service Member health and battlefield medicine. The grant supports Beckman's core research mission in cancer immunology and translational medicine, building upon the Institute's established track record of receiving federal funding for innovative immunotherapy and CAR T cell development initiatives. The 12-month project period is consistent with typical DHA award structures, which generally range from three to four years depending on scope and funding priorities.