The Rockefeller University » TDF Program Highlights

To date, 388 proposals have been submitted by 58 different labs. Of these, 296 proposals have been fully or partially funded.

Fifty-five laboratories, including half of those led by tenure track faculty, have been funded by Robertson TDF grants to date.

14 Clinical Trials Conducted at the Rockefeller University Hospital

6 First in Human Phase I and 8 Phase II trials completed or in progress at RU Hospital
2 First in Human Phase I trials and 2 Phase II trials in planning stages

8 Clinical Trials Conducted in Collaboration/Outside

3 Phase I trials and 5 Phase II trials completed or in progress outside

16 Clinical Trials Being Conducted around the World with RTDF-generated materials

4 efficacy trials, 2 prevention trials, 10 eradication trials in various stages

New Intellectual Property

112 Invention disclosures and 84 patent applications filed

New Company Formation

8 new companies formed

External Programs/Partnerships for RTDF-Funded Programs

14 programs accepted into TDI (12 small molecules, 2 biologics)
18 programs accepted into TDI Early Initiatives Program (13 small molecules, 5 biologics)
1 program accepted into Pfizer CTI
2 programs accepted into Bridge Medicines

Over 150 professionals drawn from the pharmaceutical, biotech, and life sciences investment industries have served as external reviewers.

Sam Hall

Former Principal, Apple Tree Partners

“The Robertson TDF review process pushes investigators to think about their research from a more translational perspective and can focus them on the key questions and challenges that must be solved in clinically and commercially translating their work. We work with a broad range of academic partners and, for the majority of institutions that have not established a funding mechanism similar to the TDF, I frequently find myself suggesting that they do so and directing them to the Robertson program as a highly successful model.”

Brandy Houser

Managing Partner, Traverse Biotech

“There is no other program that capitalizes on the breadth and depth of experience here in NYC to support early-stage therapeutic development. Personally, I think that it would be beneficial for other universities to emulate this model.”

William D. Ju

Founder, Advancing Innovation in Dermatology

“By combining breakthrough discoveries in the Rockefeller laboratories with guidance on how to move these advances towards product development and commercialization, the Robertson TDF makes a powerful contribution in the quest to translate scientific discoveries into treatments that can substantially improve human health.”

Juan Carlos-Lopez

Former Head of Academic Relations and Collaborations, Roche Pharma and Chief Editor at Nature

“The Robertson TDF has had a positive effect on Rockefeller by challenging faculty to think about their science in a more structured way with a view to develop new therapeutics. “