PAR-25-068
Pilot Studies of Biological, Behavioral and Social Mechanisms Contributing to HIV Pathogenesis Within the Mission of NIDDK (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Summary
PAR-25-068: Pilot Studies of HIV Pathogenesis Within NIDDK Mission
Research Focus
This funding opportunity supports exploratory and developmental research on biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms underlying HIV pathogenesis and comorbidities, coinfections, and complications (CCCs) affecting organs within the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) mission. Research targets HIV-related diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney, endocrine and metabolic systems, and obesity. The program prioritizes mechanistic studies of how HIV or antiretroviral therapy (ART) contributes to these CCCs; interrogation of HIV reservoirs in NIDDK-relevant tissues (gastrointestinal mucosa, male genital tract, kidney, adipose tissue); and investigation of how health-impeding social determinants of health (food insecurity, discrimination, inadequate housing, lack of healthcare access) affect disease pathogenesis and viral reservoir dynamics. Projects may employ basic science, translational research, epidemiological and observational approaches, human subjects, animal models, or nonidentifiable biospecimens and data. Studies of gastrointestinal and penile microbiomes, mucosal immunology, and the biological consequences of nutritional inadequacy are encouraged.
At a Glance
- Who can apply: Institutions with NIDDK-mission-aligned research; early contact with NIDDK program staff strongly encouraged.
- Funding & project length: Not stated; R21 mechanism (exploratory/developmental grants).
- Award type: R21 Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant; clinical trials not allowed.
- Key dates: Open April 7, 2025; rolling due dates through November 17, 2027 (May, September, January, May cycles); earliest start December 2025.
- Best fit for: Basic and translational researchers studying HIV-related metabolic, gastrointestinal, kidney, or endocrine disease; behavioral/social science approaches to HIV pathogenesis and reservoir dynamics.
Key Facts
Deadline
Wed, March 17, 2027
Posted
Wed, January 8, 2025
Award / Year (direct costs)
$275,000
Max Total
$550,000
Max Duration
2 years
Keywords
Research Areas
Gotchas (3)
Clinical trials are explicitly not allowed under this R21 mechanism, despite the broad scope of HIV research. The title and multiple sections emphasize 'Clinical Trial Not Allowed,' and applicants pro
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Source Text
“This NOFO does not accept applications proposing clinical trial(s). Applicants proposing clinical trial(s) might consider PAS-25-102: Small R01s for Clinical Trials Targeting Diseases within the Mission of NIDDK.”
Applicants must contact NIDDK staff early to confirm their project falls within NIDDK's mission, as not all research on NIDDK-relevant diseases is automatically appropriate for the Institute. This is
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Source Text
“Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact NIDDK staff as soon as possible in the development of the application, so that NIDDK staff can help the applicant understand whether the proposed project is within the goals and mission of the Institute.”
The FOA was updated on March 31, 2025 to align with agency priorities, and applicants are explicitly told to 'carefully reread the full funding opportunity and make any needed adjustments.' This sugge
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Source Text
“This funding opportunity was updated to align with agency priorities. Carefully reread the full funding opportunity and make any needed adjustments to your application prior to submission.”