Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a devastating and life-threatening genetic skin disorder that affects children from birth. Individuals with EB lack critical proteins that bind the skin's two layers together, causing the skin to tear apart, blister, and shear off, leading to severe pain, disfigurement, and internal and external wounds that may never heal. The majority battling EB are children, as many don’t live long into adulthood. Children with EB are often called “Butterfly Children” because their skin is as fragile as the wings of a butterfly. With skin this fragile, everyday activities like eating, sleeping, walking and playing can become monumental tasks. Today, there are no cures for individuals battling EB, however, EB Research Partnership (EBRP) is dedicated to changing that. |
Founded in 2010 by a group of dedicated parents, Jill Vedder, and Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, EB Research Partnership (EBRP) is the largest nonprofit funding research aimed at finding a cure for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).
Over the last decade, EBRP has made remarkable strides, including raising +$60M for life-saving research, contributing to a 20x growth in EB clinical trials, helping to fund the first-ever FDA approved topical gene therapy and treatment for EB families. EBRP ensures sustainable funding for future EB research through an innovative Venture Philanthropy Model. Instead of simply making grants, EBRP searches the globe to strengthen and accelerate the most promising research projects. These projects are vetted through EBRP’s world-class Scientific Advisory Board. |
In exchange for funding, EBRP takes a financial interest in the work of research institutions. When those projects succeed, the returns are reinvested back into other promising EB research initiatives that are also scalable across thousands of other rare diseases. Every dollar invested at EBRP is multiplied — potentially many times over.
EBRP’s Venture Philanthropy Model has been highlighted for its leadership by Harvard, Yale, MIT, the Milken Institute, and Stanford Social Innovation Review.
EBRP’s Venture Philanthropy Model has been highlighted for its leadership by Harvard, Yale, MIT, the Milken Institute, and Stanford Social Innovation Review.
At EBRP, we have one bold audacious goal: heal and cure EB by 2030. In the process, we’re pioneering a model that can benefit the more than 400 million people affected by a rare disease. We are proud of the progress being made towards achieving that goal and more inspired than ever to continue advancing life-saving treatments and cures for EB families across the globe.
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