BASIC AND APPLIED STEM CELL RESEARCH FOR ARTHRITIS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES RELEASE DATE: January 22, 2002 RFA: RFA-AR-02-003 PARTICIPATING INSTITUTES AND CENTERS (ICs): National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) (http://www.nih.gov/niams/) LETTER OF INTENT RECEIPT DATE: February 20, 2002 APPLICATION RECEIPT DATE: March 20, 2002 THIS RFA CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION o Purpose of this RFA o Research Objectives o Mechanism of Support o Funds Available o Eligible Institutions o Individuals Eligible to become Principal Investigators o Where to send Inquiries o Letter of Intent o Submitting an Application o Peer Review Process o Review Criteria o Receipt and Review Schedule o Award Criteria o Required Federal Citations PURPOSE OF THIS RFA The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) invites applications for basic and applied stem cell research and for the development of innovative therapies for arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases. The applications may be for individual research projects (R01) or for exploratory/developmental grants (R21). Pluripotent stem cells present in adult marrow, blood, and other tissues divide, and their progeny become committed to the multiple lineages of mesenchymal tissue, including cartilage, fat, tendon, muscle, fibroblasts, and marrow stroma. Several studies suggest that these cells may be useful for examining mechanisms of progenitor cell differentiation and may be potentially useful for cell and gene therapy. In addition, embryonic stem cells with the capacity for multilineage differentiation could constitute a renewable source of cells that could be employed to replace diseased or damaged tissue by cellular transplantation. This Request for Applications (RFA) is based in part on the scientific opportunities identified in the conference "Stem Cell Biology: Potential and Promise." A summary of the conference and research questions raised can be found at http://www.nih.gov/niams/reports/stemcellmeetsummary.htm. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Stem cell research is an area of cutting edge scientific inquiry that provides new opportunities for researchers and clinicians working in a variety of fields, and it has the potential to lead to new treatments for arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases. A group of stem cell researchers and experts in other relevant fields was convened in June of 2000 to explore the new and emerging research findings in stem cell biology, identify research gaps and opportunities and foster research collaborations. A summary of the conference and research questions raised can be found at: http://www.nih.gov/niams/reports/stemcellmeetsummary.htm. The purpose of this announcement is to encourage pilot and developmental projects (R21) and investigator initiated research projects (R01) that advance understanding of the biology of stem cells, the molecular mechanisms that govern formation of musculoskeletal tissues, and the pathogenesis and treatment of arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases. In addition, the initiative also seeks to promote the development and pilot testing of new therapeutic approaches involving stem cells. Investigators wishing to propose research projects involving the use of human embryonic stem cells should be advised that this type of research may be subject to new regulations and/or restrictions because of the evolving complexity of regulatory issues. The NIH has posted the Notice of Criteria for Federal Funding of Research on Existing Human Embryonic Stem Cells and Establishment of NIH Human Embryonic Stem Cell Registry (NOT-OD-02-005) at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-005.html. Potential areas of research include, but are not limited to the following as related to arthritis and musculoskeletal tissue: basic research on the biological functions of stem cells; developing and optimizing methodologies for harvesting, expanding, and directing the differentiation of stem cell populations; elucidation of mechanisms of stem cell differentiation; and application of stem cell therapies to arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This RFA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01(investigator-initiated research project grant) and the R21 (exploratory/developmental research grant) award mechanisms. Specific application instructions have been modified to reflect "MODULAR GRANT" and "JUST-IN-TIME" streamlining efforts being examined by the NIH. Complete and detailed instructions and information on Modular Grant applications can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm. Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed project will be solely that of the applicant. Future unsolicited competing continuation applications will compete with all investigator-initiated applications and be reviewed according to the customary peer review procedures. The anticipated award date is September 30, 2002. R21 Applications. Use of this mechanism by investigators experienced in arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases research who wish to adapt stem cell methodologies to address basic and applied research questions is encouraged. Also encouraged to apply are investigators with expertise in fields other than arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases who wish to establish new research programs on these diseases using stem cell technologies. Exploratory/developmental studies are not intended for large scale undertakings nor to support or supplement ongoing research. Instead, investigators are encouraged to explore the feasibility of an innovative research question or approach which may not be justifiable through existing research to compete as a standard research project grant (e.g., R01), and to develop a research basis for a subsequent application through other mechanisms, i.e., R01, P01. Exploratory/developmental (R21) grants, may not exceed $75,000 per year in direct costs. The total project period for an R21 application submitted in response to this RFA may not exceed three years. These grants are non-renewable and continuation of projects developed under the R21 program will be through the traditional unsolicited (R01 or P01) grant programs. Investigators proposing to conduct small, pilot/toxicity clinical trials are advised to review the NIAMS guidelines for preparation of clinical trial applications and the NIAMS guidelines for Data and Safety Monitoring Boards (http://www.nih.gov/niams.htm). R01 Applications. Because the nature and scope of the research proposed in response to this RFA may vary, it is anticipated that the size of an award will vary also. Modular budgeting procedures apply for grants up to $250,000. Specific R01 application instructions have been modified to reflect "Modular grant" and "Just-in-time" streamlining efforts. Complete instructions and information on Modular Grants can be found at (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm). FUNDS AVAILABLE The estimated funds available for the first year of support for the program are $1,000,000. Because the nature and scope of the research proposed may vary, it is anticipated that the size of each award will also vary. Although the financial plans of the IC(s) provide support for this program, awards pursuant to this RFA are contingent upon the availability of funds and the receipt of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. At this time, it is not known if this RFA will be reissued. ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS You may submit (an) application(s) if your institution has any of the following characteristics: o for-profit or non-profit organizations o public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, and laboratories o units of State and local governments o eligible agencies of the Federal government o domestic or foreign o faith-based organizations INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE TO BECOME PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS Any individual with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research is invited to work with their institution to develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH programs. WHERE TO SEND INQUIRIES We encourage inquiries concerning this RFA and welcome the opportunity to answer questions from potential applicants. Inquiries may fall into three areas: scientific/research, peer review, and financial or grants management issues: o Direct your questions about scientific/research issues to: Dr. Bernadette Tyree Cartilage and Connective Tissue Program 45 Center Drive, Room 5AS-25H Bethesda, MD 20892-6500 Telephone: (301) 594-5032 FAX: (301) 594-4543 Email: TyreeB@mail.nih.gov Dr. Richard W. Lymn Muscle Biology Program 45 Center Drive, Room 5AS-49E Bethesda, MD 20892-6500 Telephone: (301) 594-5128 FAX: (301) 480-4543 Email: LymnR@mail.nih.gov Dr. William J. Sharrock Bone Biology Program 45 Center Drive, Room 5AS-37A Bethesda, MD 20892-6500 Telephone: (301) 594-5055 FAX: (301) 480-4543 Email: SharrocW@mail.nih.gov o Direct your questions about peer review issues to: Dr. Tommy L. Broadwater Review Branch 45 Center Drive, Natcher Bldg. Rm. 5A25U Bethesda, MD 20892-6500 Telephone: (301) 594-4953 FAX: (301) 480-4543 Email: broadwat@mail.nih.gov o Direct your questions about financial or grants management matters to: Melinda Nelson Grants Management Branch 45 Center Drive, Natcher Bldg. Rm. 5A49F Bethesda, MD 20892-6500 Telephone: (301) 594-3535 FAX: (301) 480-5450 Email: nelsonm@mail.nih.gov LETTER OF INTENT Prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent that includes the following information: o Descriptive title of the proposed research o Name, address, and telephone number of the Principal Investigator o Names of other key personnel o Participating institutions o Number and title of this RFA Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of a subsequent application, the information that it contains allows IC staff to estimate the potential review workload and plan the review. The letter of intent is to be sent by the date listed at the beginning of this document. The letter of intent should be sent to: Dr. Tommy L. Broadwater Review Branch 45 Center Drive, Natcher Bldg. Rm. 5A25U Bethesda, MD 20892-6500 Telephone: (301) 594-4953 FAX: (301) 480-4543 Email: broadwat@mail.nih.gov SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION Applications must be prepared using the PHS 398 research grant application instructions and forms (rev. 5/2001). The PHS 398 is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html in an interactive format. For further assistance contact GrantsInfo, Telephone (301) 435-0714, Email: GrantsInfo@nih.gov. SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR MODULAR GRANT APPLICATIONS: Applications requesting up to $250,000 per year in direct costs must be submitted in a modular grant format. The modular grant format simplifies the preparation of the budget in these applications by limiting the level of budgetary detail. Applicants request direct costs in $25,000 modules. Section C of the research grant application instructions for the PHS 398 (rev. 5/2001) at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html includes step- by-step guidance for preparing modular grants. Additional information on modular grants is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm. USING THE RFA LABEL: The RFA label available in the PHS 398 (rev. 5/2001) application form must be affixed to the bottom of the face page of the application. Type the RFA number on the label. Failure to use this label could result in delayed processing of the application such that it may not reach the review committee in time for review. In addition, the RFA title and number must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked. The RFA label is also available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/label-bk.pdf. SENDING AN APPLICATION TO THE NIH: Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the Checklist, and three signed, photocopies, in one package to: Center For Scientific Review National Institutes Of Health 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 1040, MSC 7710 Bethesda, MD 20892-7710 Bethesda, MD 20817 (for express/courier service) At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application must be sent to: Dr. Tommy L. Broadwater Review Branch 45 Center Drive, Natcher Bldg. Rm. 5A25U Bethesda, MD 20892-6500 APPLICATION PROCESSING: Applications must be received by the application receipt date listed in the heading of this RFA. If an application is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without review. The Center for Scientific Review (CSR) will not accept any application in response to this RFA that is essentially the same as one currently pending initial review, unless the applicant withdraws the pending application. The CSR will not accept any application that is essentially the same as one already reviewed. This does not preclude the submission of substantial revisions of applications already reviewed, but such applications must include an Introduction addressing the previous critique. PEER REVIEW PROCESS Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by the CSR and responsiveness by the (IC). Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant without further consideration. If the application is not responsive to the RFA, CSR staff may contact the applicant to determine whether to return the application to the applicant or submit it for review in competition with unsolicited applications at the next appropriate NIH review cycle. Applications that are complete and responsive to the RFA will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group convened by the (IC) in accordance with the review criteria stated below. As part of the initial merit review, all applications will: o Receive a written critique o Undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit, generally the top half of the applications under review, will be discussed and assigned a priority score o Receive a second level review by the National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Advisory Council. REVIEW CRITERIA The goals of NIH-supported research are to advance our understanding of biological systems, improve the control of disease, and enhance health. In the written comments, reviewers will be asked to discuss the following aspects of your application in order to judge the likelihood that the proposed research will have a substantial impact on the pursuit of these goals: o Significance o Approach o Innovation o Investigator o Environment The scientific review group will address and consider each of these criteria in assigning your application's overall score, weighting them as appropriate for each application. Your application does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific impact and thus deserve a high priority score. For example, you may propose to carry out important work that by its nature is not innovative but is essential to move a field forward. (1) SIGNIFICANCE: Does your study address an important problem? If the aims of your application are achieved, how do they advance scientific knowledge? What will be the effect of these studies on the concepts or methods that drive this field? (2) APPROACH: Are the conceptual framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well integrated, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Do you acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics? (3) INNOVATION: Does your project employ novel concepts, approaches or methods? Are the aims original and innovative? Does your project challenge existing paradigms or develop new methodologies or technologies? (4) INVESTIGATOR: Are you appropriately trained and well suited to carry out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to your experience level as the principal investigator and to that of other researchers (if any)? (5) ENVIRONMENT: Does the scientific environment in which your work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Do the proposed experiments take advantage of unique features of the scientific environment or employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support? ADDITIONAL REVIEW CRITERIA: In addition to the above criteria, your application will also be reviewed with respect to the following: o PROTECTIONS: The adequacy of the proposed protection for humans, animals, or the environment, to the extent they may be adversely affected by the project proposed in the application. o INCLUSION: The adequacy of plans to include subjects from both genders, all racial and ethnic groups (and subgroups), and children as appropriate for the scientific goals of the research. Plans for the recruitment and retention of subjects will also be evaluated. (See Inclusion Criteria included in the section on Federal Citations, below) o BUDGET: The reasonableness of the proposed budget and the requested period of support in relation to the proposed research. RECEIPT AND REVIEW SCHEDULE Letter of Intent Receipt Date: February 20, 2002 Application Receipt Date: March 20, 2002 Peer Review Date: TBA Council Review: September, 2002 Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 30, 2002 AWARD CRITERIA Award criteria that will be used to make award decisions include: o Scientific merit (as determined by peer review) o Availability of funds o Programmatic priorities. MONITORING PLAN AND DATA SAFETY AND MONITORING BOARD: Research components involving Phase I and II clinical trials must include provisions for assessment of patient eligibility and status, rigorous data management, quality assurance, and auditing procedures. In addition, it is NIH policy that all clinical trials require data and safety monitoring, with the method and degree of monitoring being commensurate with the risks (NIH Policy for Data Safety and Monitoring, NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, June 12, 1998: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-084.html). NCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN CLINICAL RESEARCH: It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups and their sub-populations must be included in all NIH-supported clinical research projects unless a clear and compelling justification is provided indicating that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the subjects or the purpose of the research. This policy results from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law 103-43). All investigators proposing clinical research should read the AMENDMENT "NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research - Amended, October, 2001," published in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts on October 9, 2001 (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-001.html); a complete copy of the updated Guidelines are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/women_min/guidelines_amended_10_2001.htm. The amended policy incorporates: the use of an NIH definition of clinical research; updated racial and ethnic categories in compliance with the new OMB standards; clarification of language governing NIH-defined Phase III clinical trials consistent with the new PHS Form 398; and updated roles and responsibilities of NIH staff and the extramural community. The policy continues to require for all NIH- defined Phase III clinical trials that: a) all applications or proposals and/or protocols must provide a description of plans to conduct analyses, as appropriate, to address differences by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic groups, including subgroups if applicable; and b) investigators must report annual accrual and progress in conducting analyses, as appropriate, by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic group differences. INCLUSION OF CHILDREN AS PARTICIPANTS IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS: The NIH maintains a policy that children (i.e., individuals under the age of 21) must be included in all human subjects research, conducted or supported by the NIH, unless there are scientific and ethical reasons not to include them. This policy applies to all initial (Type 1) applications submitted for receipt dates after October 1, 1998. All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the "NIH Policy and Guidelines" on the inclusion of children as participants in research involving human subjects that is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/children/children.htm. REQUIRED EDUCATION ON THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECT PARTICIPANTS: NIH policy requires education on the protection of human subject participants for all investigators submitting NIH proposals for research involving human subjects. You will find this policy announcement in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts Announcement, dated June 5, 2000, at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-039.html. HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS (hESC): Criteria for federal funding of research on hESCs can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/stem_cells.htm and at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-005.html. Only research using hESC lines that are registered in the NIH Human Embryonic Stem Cell Registry will be eligible for Federal funding (see http://escr.nih.gov). It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide the official NIH identifier(s)for the hESC line(s)to be used in the proposed research. Applications that do not provide this information will be returned without review. PUBLIC ACCESS TO RESEARCH DATA THROUGH THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-110 has been revised to provide public access to research data through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) under some circumstances. Data that are (1) first produced in a project that is supported in whole or in part with Federal funds and (2) cited publicly and officially by a Federal agency in support of an action that has the force and effect of law (i.e., a regulation) may be accessed through FOIA. It is important for applicants to understand the basic scope of this amendment. NIH has provided guidance at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/a110/a110_guidance_dec1999.htm. Applicants may wish to place data collected under this PA in a public archive, which can provide protections for the data and manage the distribution for an indefinite period of time. If so, the application should include a description of the archiving plan in the study design and include information about this in the budget justification section of the application. In addition, applicants should think about how to structure informed consent statements and other human subjects procedures given the potential for wider use of data collected under this award. URLs IN NIH GRANT APPLICATIONS OR APPENDICES: All applications and proposals for NIH funding must be self-contained within specified page limitations. Unless otherwise specified in an NIH solicitation, Internet addresses (URLs) should not be used to provide information necessary to the review because reviewers are under no obligation to view the Internet sites. Furthermore, we caution reviewers that their anonymity may be compromised when they directly access an Internet site. HEALTHY PEOPLE 2010: The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2010," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This RFA is related to one or more of the priority areas. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2010" at http://www.health.gov/healthypeople. AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS: This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.846, and is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review. Awards are made under authorization of Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and administered under NIH grants policies described at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92. The PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke- free workplace and discourage the use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care, or early childhood development services are provided to children. This is consistent with the PHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of the American people. http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-02-015.html.
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