WASHINGTON, LONDON, May 21, 2026 — Blood Cancer United®, formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, has received a $1 million grant from Blood Cancer UK to expand the impact of its Therapy Acceleration Program® (TAP).
TAP’s mission is to accelerate the development of innovative treatments and cures for blood cancers by catalyzing investment in biotech startups with the most encouraging science and highest potential for patient impact. TAP provides both capital and strategic leadership to help these companies advance groundbreaking therapies from concept to clinic.
The multi-year commitment by Blood Cancer UK will enhance TAP’s work with its biotech partners to support novel treatment platforms and innovative therapies that address high unmet medical needs in blood cancer patients. TAP works with companies internationally to identify and support the most promising science, wherever it is being developed.
Blood Cancer United is actively growing TAP to increase its portfolio and become self-sustaining while continuing to advance the organization's mission. The grant from Blood Cancer UK—which marks the first foundation donation at this level to support TAP—gives Blood Cancer United more flexibility to move quickly as new science and clinical opportunities emerge.
This support allows TAP to invest in and partner with biotech companies where there is the greatest potential benefit for patients. Any returns from these investments will be reinvested back into TAP, allowing donor dollars to support even more promising therapies over time.
“Progress against blood cancer doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens when organizations with shared values and complementary strengths come together to help patients live longer, better lives,” said Lore Gruenbaum, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Blood Cancer United.
Since its launch in 2007, Blood Cancer United’s Therapy Acceleration Program has supported six therapies that have gone on to receive FDA approval or be included in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) Guidelines. Today, more than 30 active clinical studies involve TAP‑supported therapies, reflecting the program’s growing role in advancing blood cancer research.
“This investment delivers a key ambition in Blood Cancer UK’s research strategy, working in partnership to help speed up the development of promising new treatments so they move into the clinic and people with blood cancer can benefit from innovations sooner,” said Dr. Rubina Ahmed, Director of Research, Policy and Services at Blood Cancer UK.
“Through this collaboration with Blood Cancer United’s Therapy Acceleration Program, we hope to support promising ideas making their way towards patients, including encouraging more innovation from UK-based companies. TAP looks internationally for the best science, and we want to help create opportunities for more breakthrough research happening in the UK to become part of that global pipeline.”
About Blood Cancer United®
Blood Cancer United® (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) is the largest global nonprofit focused on blood cancer patient support, research, and advocacy. Since their founding in 1949, the organization has consistently evolved to better serve people affected by all 100-plus types of blood cancer. Blood Cancer United funds innovative research, offers free resources and personalized support, and advocates at state and national levels for more accessible and affordable healthcare for all patients. To learn more, visit www.BloodCancerUnited.org.
About Therapy Acceleration Program
The Therapy Acceleration Program® is Blood Cancer United’s mission-driven, strategic venture philanthropy initiative that seeks to accelerate the development of innovative blood cancer therapies and change the standard of care.
TAP collaborates with biotech companies to support the development of novel platforms, first-in-class therapies addressing high unmet medical needs, emerging patient populations, and orphan indications.
About Blood Cancer UK
Blood Cancer UK has invested £500 million in research in blood cancer since 1960. Currently the charity is funding over 100 research projects at a total cost of £44.8 million. To keep up-to-date with all the latest blood cancer news, go to https://bloodcancer.org.uk/news/ and find us on social media.