About the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research

The Foundation for Prader-Willi Research was established in 2003 by a small group of parents who saw the need to foster research that would help their children with Prader-Willi syndrome lead more healthy and fulfilling lives.  Today, FPWR is composed of hundreds of parents, family members, researchers, and others who are interested in addressing the many issues related to PWS, including childhood obesity, developmental delay, psychiatric disorders, and autism spectrum disorders.

The mission of FPWR is to eliminate the challenges of Prader-Willi syndrome through the advancement of research.  High-quality research will lead to more effective treatments and an eventual cure for this disorder.  By working together, we intend to free our loved ones from the burdens of PWS, allowing them to lead full and independent lives.

How The Foundation for Prader-Willi Research Operates

Under the guidance of our Scientific Advisory Board through a carefully managed grants process, FPWR selects research projects based on the collaborative input of researchers and parents, choosing projects that are both scientifically meritorious and highly relevant for individuals with PWS and their families.

To date, the FPWR has committed more than $2,000,000 to support PWS-related research.

More than fifty research projects have been funded since 2003, covering these topics:
  • the genetics and pathophysiology of PWS
  • the development of mouse models of PWS
  • hunger, obesity, and reward circuits of the brain
  • the development of new therapies for PWS 
  • understanding sleep disturbances in PWS
  • improving academic and learning skills for children with PWS

Research funded by FPWR has been published in top medical journals, including Nature Neuroscience, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Molecular Cell, PLoS One, Endocrinology, and BMC Genomics. For a detailed list of funded projects and publications, click here.