The Investigational Collaboration Unit (ICU) centers around a teams of researchers who collaborate on a vascular research project funded and centrally managed by FAVR. The acronym is an intentional play on "intensive care unit" to underscore that every research project we undertake will be patient-focused and managed with a sense of urgency toward reaching specified research objectives. Each ICU provides a highly collaborative research infrastructure to accelerate the most promising therapies to treat disorders of the vascular system.
Seeded by venture philanthropy from individuals, foundation, or corporations, an ICU is focused on a patient-centered research problem. Each research entity with the ICU has a shared Intellectual Property agreement with FAVR that allows it to out-license intellectual property to private industry, in turn, generating licensing fees and royalties back to the foundation over time. In concert with the recommendations of its Scientific Advisory Board, FAVR's Board of Trustees and operations staff will manage each ICU's research plan and budget, and participate in fundraising and support.
Each ICU will target fundamental disease problems that are demanding attention and near-term solutions, and that represent the most promising directions for rapid translation into clinical practice. These may include:
- Biology of blood vessel development, growth and repair
- Aneurysm formation and control
- Peripheral artery disease
- Venous disease and mechanisms of blood-clotting
- Vascular disease risk factors unique to women
Our current ICU is the Prediction and Prevention Program. Learn more...
