HYPERACCELERATED AWARD/MECHANISMS IN IMMUNOMODULATION TRIALS: EXPANSION OF 
RFA AI-02-003 TO INCLUDE BIODEFENSE RESEARCH

Release Date:  July 22, 2002

NOTICE:  NOT-AI-02-034

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
 (http://www.niaid.nih.gov/)

LETTER OF INTENT RECEIPT DATE: One month prior to application receipt date.

APPLICATION RECEIPT DATE: Applications will be accepted MONTHLY on the 9th of 
each month.

PURPOSE OF THIS NOTICE

To inform the research community of expanded funds available to conduct 
investigator-initiated mechanistic studies in clinical trials of vaccines 
focused on Category A, B and C agents of bioterrorism and emerging/re-
emerging infectious diseases (see list of agents at 
http://www2.niaid.nih.gov/Biodefense/bandc_priority.htm. 

Specifically, immunological studies that include samples and data from 
patients enrolled in vaccine trials are sought for evaluation of the 
underlying immune mechanisms of effective responses or adverse reactions to 
candidate vaccines. Such information will provide the fundamental 
understanding needed for development of improved vaccines, and may provide 
useful surrogate biomarkers of immune responses. 

As described in the RFA, the parent or core clinical trial must have 
independent financial support and will NOT receive support under this 
expanded RFA. Proposed mechanistic studies associated with clinical trials 
supported by industry are particularly encouraged, but clinical trials 
supported by any source, public or private, are eligible. 

Consult the original RFA at 
https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AI-02-003.html for additional 
details and for important 
information on research objectives and scope, eligible institutions and 
principal investigators, special requirements, letters of intent, application 
submission procedures, review and award criteria, and the receipt and review 
schedule. 

NIAID maintains comprehensive information on its programs in biodefense and 
emerging infectious diseases at 
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/publications/bioterrorism.htm.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT
The R01 funding mechanism is used. A greatly accelerated schedule of review 
and award of applications is used to ensure the ability to fund projects in a 
timely manner. Thus, highly meritorious applications selected for funding 
under this RFA will receive their awards thirteen weeks after the application 
receipt date. Holidays and other circumstances may alter this schedule 
slightly.

FUNDS AVAILABLE
For fiscal year 2003, additional funds of $5,000,000 are available for 
biodefense vaccine studies of immune mechanisms. Although the financial plans 
of the NIAID 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. 

INQUIRIES
Inquiries are strongly encouraged.  Opportunities to clarify any issues or 
questions from potential applicants are welcome.  

Direct your questions about scientific/research issues to:

Kristy Kraemer, Ph.D.
Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
National Institutes of Health
Room 5124, MSC-7640
6700-B Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892-7640
(Express Mail: 20817)
Phone: 301-496-5598
FAX:   301-402-0175
e-mail: kkraemer@niaid.nih.gov

Direct inquiries regarding peer review to:

Alexander D. Politis, Ph.D.
Center for Scientific Review
National Institutes of Health
Room 4204, MSC-7812
6701 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892-7812
(Express Mail: 20817)
Phone: 301-435-1225
FAX:   301-480-4042
E-mail: ap147h@nih.gov

Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to:

Ann White-Devine
Division of Extramural Activities
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
National Institutes of Health
Room 2118, MSC 7614
6700-B Rockledge Drive 
Bethesda, MD  20892-7614
Phone:  (301) 402-5601
Fax:  (301) 480-3780
Email: adevine@niaid.nih.gov

Weekly TOC for this Announcement
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices

	Office of Extramural Research (OER)			National Institutes of Health (NIH) 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland 20892			Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
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