What kind of
life will you live

when there is finally a cure?

Together, we can move ME/CFS & Long COVID research further, faster.

Life altering illnesses

With ME/CFS or Long COVID, your old life fades away. You lose contact with family and friends. You have to explain your illness again and again. Even your doctor doesn’t understand what is happening to you. 

You are not alone. A staggering 85 million individuals face multisystem diseases like ME/CFS and Long COVID.

Woman looking at her reflection in a window.

Complex diseases require
open collaboration

ME/CFS and Long COVID disrupt many body systems. Traditional research looks at one system at a time. That approach doesn’t work.

That’s where Open Medicine Foundation (OMF) comes in. As a nonprofit, we’ve raised more than $45 million to fund open collaborative research. OMF brings world-renowned scientists together to study, diagnose, treat, and cure complex diseases.

It’s a bold dream.  It’s the path that will get you back to a fulfilling life.   

How do we get to an answer faster?

Understand
disease
mechanisms

Once we understand how ME/CFS and Long COVID develop, researchers can pinpoint targets for intervention.

Define
diagnostic
criteria

ME/CFS and Long COVID are difficult conditions to diagnose. We need specific biomarkers and definitive tests. 

Find
effective
treatments

Currently, there are very few treatments and they only target symptoms. OMF will launch treatment trials in 2023.

Broaden
access to
quality care

OMF provides medical education to help healthcare providers understand the challenges of multisystem disease.

We take a multisystem approach

Neuroendocrine

6 Neuroendocrine Studies

Dysfunctions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis have been observed, leading to abnormalities in stress response, sex hormone levels, and autonomic nervous system regulation. 

Immune

3 Immune Studies

The immune system is composed of white blood cells, antibodies, and other components. It defends the body against infections and diseases, helping to maintain overall health.

Cardiovascular

3 Cardiovascular Studies

The cardiovascular system, comprising the heart, blood vessels, and blood, is responsible for transporting oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.

Metabolism

10 Metabolism Studies

Metabolism involves dysregulation in energy production, particularly in ATP synthesis and mitochondrial function. Abnormalities in carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism have also been observed.

Genetics

1 Genetics Study

Genetics may contribute to an individual's susceptibility to multisystem disease, including variations in immune system genes, genes involved in energy metabolism, and genes related to neurotransmitter function. 

Multiomics

12 Multiomic Studies

Multiomics combines various omics technologies such as genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. 

Diagnostics

11 Diagnostic Studies

Diagnostic studies help identify specific biomarkers, imaging techniques, and diagnostic criteria that aid in distinguishing different diseases. 

Treatment

2 Treatment Studies

Treatment studies evaluate the efficacy and safety of potential interventions. Researchers hope to refine existing therapies, develop new interventions, and provide evidence-based guidelines for healthcare providers. 

 

Systems Biology

4 Systems Biology Studies

Systems biology is an interdisciplinary approach that combines biology, mathematics, and computational analysis. It helps identify key pathways, biomarkers, and potential therapeutic targets.

Pathogens

4 Pathogen studies

Infections can trigger or exacerbate symptoms, leading to increased fatigue, pain, and cognitive difficulties. Pathogens can also contribute to immune system dysregulation and inflammation. 

1

Studies funded by OMF

since 2012

By funding studies that examine multiple systems, researchers can see how ME/CFS and Long COVID develop. This approach will lead to more effective treatments and improved quality of life.

Click on each system to read a description.

The power of open collaborative research

OMF supported centers

You shouldn’t have to struggle alone

More than 200 researchers in your corner

We get it. We, too, are patients, parents, or partners of someone with multisystem disease. We are passionate about finding a cure.

At OMF, research is a team sport. We take a systems biology approach at our seven global Collaborative Research Centers. We have a world-renowned Scientific Advisory Board overseeing the process. Instead of waiting on publications, we share results in real-time. 

OMF believes multisystem disease should not be a life sentence but a solvable puzzle.

Our Collaborators

Your life is too important to live in the shadows.

What will happen if research remains focused on one system at a time?

How will your life shrink? How many graduations, birthday parties, or everyday activities will you miss? What will happen with your career?

Something has to change. 

Why donate to OMF?

7

Global Collaborative Centers

OMF partners with leading research institutions worldwide.

200

Collaborators

OMF brings together brilliant scientists from around the globe.

$45

million

Raised to fund research

Open collaborative research will unlock the door to treatments and cures. With your help, we can get to life-changing answers faster.

How It Works

OMF’s research process

1

It all starts with you

With your support, OMF funds groundbreaking research and medical education. We bring hope to those who need it most.

2

Researchers openly collaborate

We bring together top researchers in multiple specialties —  scientists dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and ultimately curing ME/CFS and Long COVID. They share data, collaborate, and build on each other’s work. 

3

Light bulb moment

Even small breakthroughs can make a big difference when scientists share their ideas.

4

Communication is key

Unlike traditional research, we don’t wait for publication before we communicate our findings. We regularly post research updates on our website and through email. Make sure you subscribe to our latest news.

Go ahead.

Imagine your life when there is a cure.

Get your copy

ME/CFS and Long COVID fact sheet

Perfect for printing and sharing with your doctor or personal community.

Open Medicine Foundation is a US based global nonprofit, with an affiliate organization in Canada (OMF Canada) and a foreign branch in Australia (OMF Australia). 

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME / CFS) Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), Fibromyalgia Leading Research. Delivering Hope.Open Medicine Foundation®

What are the advantages of giving from your Donor Advised Fund (DAF)?

  • Your gifts to your donor advised fund entitle you to an immediate income tax deduction at the time of contribution.
  • You avoid capital gains tax on appreciated assets you place in your donor advised fund.
  • Your fund’s investment gains accumulate tax free.
  • Funds are distributed to Open Medicine Foundation in your name and immediately put to use to support our worldwide research efforts.

How do I make a donation through my DAF?

Just click on the DAF widget below. It is simple and convenient to find your fund among the over 900 funds in our system.

Still can’t find your fund? 

  • Request a grant distribution through your Donor Advised Fund sponsor
  • Be sure to use OMF’s EIN #26-4712664
  • You can also designate OMF as a beneficiary for your Donor Advised Fund
  • Questions? Give us a call at 650-242-8669 
 
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