SOLVE FSHD, a venture philanthropy organization focused on accelerating new therapies for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), is inviting innovators from around the globe to compete for the USD$10 million FSHD Bonus Prize. This prize is part of the XPRIZE Healthspan Competition, which was launched on November 29, 2023.
SOLVE FSHD, a venture philanthropy organization dedicated to accelerating breakthroughs in the treatment of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), has announced its participation in the XPRIZE Healthspan Competition. This groundbreaking initiative offers a total prize pool of USD$10 million to incentivize the development of innovative therapies for FSHD.
As part of this initiative, eight interim prizes of $250,000 each will be awarded to teams that reach key competition milestones by June 2025. The grand prize, valued at $8 million, will go to the team that successfully completes a clinical trial demonstrating significant advancements in FSHD treatment. This marks a critical step toward finding a cure for the disease and improving the quality of life for those affected.
FSHD is a progressive and debilitating form of muscular dystrophy that primarily impacts muscles in the face, shoulder blades, and upper arms. The disease affects approximately 1 million people worldwide and can lead to disability as it progresses. Onset typically occurs in the teenage years or early adulthood, although it can also present in infancy, often with a more aggressive course. As the disease progresses, 20% of patients are wheelchair-bound by age 50. Currently, no disease-modifying or FSHD-specific treatments are available.
The competition, which officially launched on November 29, 2023, aims to inspire the development of solutions that will deliver measurable improvements in muscle function and fat reduction for individuals with FSHD. Teams wishing to participate must register and submit their qualifying entries by December 20, 2024. The challenge is open to innovators from diverse fields, including medicine, technology, and science, who are working towards finding a cure for FSHD.
“We are thrilled to partner with XPRIZE in this ambitious effort to accelerate scientific breakthroughs for FSHD,” said Eva Chin, Executive Director of SOLVE FSHD. “This competition will bring together the brightest minds across various disciplines, all focused on achieving a cure for this devastating disease.”
SOLVE FSHD is committed to finding a solution that can stop muscle degeneration, promote muscle regeneration, and improve the quality of life for those living with FSHD. The organization was founded by Chip Wilson, the Canadian entrepreneur known for founding lululemon and his involvement with Amer Sports. With an initial commitment of $100 million, Wilson aims to catalyze key research and bring a cure for FSHD by 2027.
About SOLVE FSHD
SOLVE FSHD is a venture philanthropy organization focused on accelerating research to cure FSHD. Founded by Chip Wilson, the organization’s mission is to stop muscle degeneration, promote muscle regeneration, and improve life quality for FSHD patients.
About XPRIZE
XPRIZE is a global leader in organizing large-scale competitions aimed at solving humanity’s most pressing challenges. By incentivizing scientifically viable solutions, XPRIZE democratizes innovation and helps create a more equitable and abundant future for all.
