Introduction

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is issued by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to support the development of molecules that target HIV proteins or RNA for degradation or interfere with the translation of HIV RNA into protein. This approach aims to eliminate HIV proteins that have been difficult to target via traditional drug discovery methodologies. The initiative introduces a new drug discovery paradigm for HIV: controlling virus replication by eliminating viral proteins.

Scope of Work

This funding opportunity will support applications for projects that discover and develop novel therapeutics directed to intracellular HIV targets and eliminate viral proteins by various mechanisms. Projects may include proof-of-concept studies in HIV-infected cell lines or primary cells. Studies may extend to the optimization of existing technologies or the development of new technologies. The goal is to identify lead molecules that target HIV RNA and proteins that have the potential to advance as preclinical candidates.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include Higher Education Institutions, Nonprofits, For-Profit Organizations, Local Governments, Federal Governments, and Foreign Organizations. Applicant organizations must complete and maintain active registrations in System for Award Management (SAM), NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) Code (if applicable), eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. All PD(s)/PI(s) must have an eRA Commons account.

Budget and Duration

The maximum project period is two years. Application budgets for NIH R21 grants are: $275,000 in direct costs over a two-year project period, with a maximum of $200,000 in direct costs in any given year.

Additional Information

This NOFO is soliciting R21 applications that will support developmental and/or exploratory research activities for a limited project period (2 years). The companion R01 (RFA-AI-24-057) will support more defined projects for longer periods (up to 5 years). NIAID intends to commit $0.8 M in FY 2025 to fund 2-3 awards.

Key Dates

• Posted Date: August 29, 2024
• Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): November 04, 2024
• Letter of Intent Due Date(s): 30 days prior to the application due date
• Application Due Dates: December 04, 2024
• Expiration Date: December 05, 2024

Application Process

Applications must be submitted electronically following the instructions described in the How to Apply - Application Guide. Paper applications will not be accepted. Applicants must complete all required registrations before the application due date. For assistance with your electronic application or for more information on the electronic submission process, visit How to Apply – Application Guide.

Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by (an) appropriate Scientific Review Group(s) convened by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, in accordance with NIH peer review policies and practices, using the stated review criteria. Applications may undergo a selection process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific and technical merit (generally the top half of applications under review) will be discussed and assigned an overall impact score.

Contact Information

• Application Submission Contacts: eRA Service Desk, GrantsInfo@nih.gov, Grants.gov Customer Support
• Scientific/Research Contact: Gerard M. Lacourciere, Ph.D.
• Peer Review Contact: Vishakha Sharma, Ph.D.
• Financial/Grants Management Contact: Robert Kirker

Reporting Requirements

Recipients will be required to submit the Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR) annually and financial statements as required in the NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 8.4.1 Reporting. A final RPPR, invention statement, and the expenditure data portion of the Federal Financial Report are required for closeout of an award.

For More funding Opportunities, Visit Global Funding Opportunities.