With a Ph.D. in biochemistry and over 20 years of experience in academia and oncology R&D, Dr. Bakker joined Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF) in 2011 to disrupt neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis (NF) research and help deliver treatments fast. Her approach is straightforward: unite the best, eliminate barriers, and drive every effort with purpose. Under her leadership, CTF has rallied global partners and some pharma companies to achieve breakthroughs. Together, they secured two NF1 drug approvals, two VP investments, platform-basket trials, and a working drug for Nf2-SWN. They launched pioneering gene therapy programs and built a preclinical hub that fast-tracks clinical-ready assets. CTF’s leadership in Europe’s IMI2-funded platform trials for NF1 and schwannomatosis has set a new standard in collaborative R&D in Europe, creating a global model for rare disease research that could transform the field.
Dr. Bakker’s vision goes beyond NF. She’s building a blueprint to catapult global rare disease research and even oncology into a new era of safe, targeted treatments. Recognized by the King of Belgium as an Officer in the Order of Leopold, Annette knows that actual progress demands champions—those ready to step up, take action, and push boundaries. Now, she’s calling on champions across pharma and investment to join CTF’s relentless mission.
Alliance for Rare Cancers I Jedi Rare Cancer Foundation
P.O. Box 683501, Park City, Utah 84068
The Alliance for Rare Cancers is a fiscally sponsored program of the Jedi Rare Cancer Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, accepting tax-deductible donations from individuals, corporations, family-advised funds, and foundations. Federal Tax ID 86-2610819. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.
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