Our Mission and History

Our Mission

The mission of MPN Research Foundation is to stimulate original research in pursuit of new treatments — and eventually a cure — for the blood cancers polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and myelofibrosis, known collectively as myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN).

Through a combination of MPN cancer research, advocacy, and education, we bring together patients, researchers, and clinicians around the common goal of realizing new treatment options and, ultimately, a cure for MPNs.

MPN Research Foundation History

Diagnosed with polycythemia vera in 1997, Chicago businessman Robert Rosen was shocked to discover that little research was being conducted on PV, ET, and MF and that there were no advocacy groups working to assist people with these rare blood cancers.

In 1999, Rosen and a small number of other MPN patients established MPN Research Foundation (at the time known as MPD Foundation) as a way to catalyze research for advanced treatments for MPN patients. To date, MPN Research Foundation has awarded more than $18 million for MPN cancer research, focusing on projects that accelerate our understanding of MPNs and lead to the development of new treatment options.

Our history as an organization that was founded by patients for patients continues to influence everything we do. In addition to funding promising MPN research, we work to educate and empower patients, family members, doctors and researchers across the MPN community. Together, we’re committed to change the prognosis for people living with an MPN.

Ready to Get Involved?

Advances in MPN research depend on the active involvement of patients and other individuals in the MPN community. Subscribe to receive updates about the latest MPN news and research, or make a donation to join us in our fight against MPNs.

What does it mean to be diagnosed with PV, ET, or PMF?