Personalized Strategies to Manage Symptoms of Chronic Illness (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) | PA 18 156

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the title and funding opportunity number for this NIH grant?

The opportunity is titled "Personalized Strategies to Manage Symptoms of Chronic Illness (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" and the Funding Opportunity Number is PA-18-156.

What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?

This NIH opportunity supports early-stage, exploratory research designed to reduce symptom burden and improve health-related quality of life (HRQL) for people living with chronic illnesses. It is intended to help generate preliminary data, open new research directions, or test novel approaches that may be too early for larger, more definitive funding mechanisms.

What grant mechanism does this program use, and what does that imply about the project type?

The program uses the NIH R21 mechanism. This signals a focus on innovative, higher-risk, exploratory projects that are appropriately scoped for smaller budgets and earlier-stage investigation (for example, feasibility work, proof-of-concept studies, or pilot testing that supports future, larger studies).

Are clinical trials required under this opportunity?

No. Clinical trials are allowed but not required (Clinical Trial Optional). Applicants may propose a clinical trial if it fits the aims, but they can also propose non-trial work such as basic mechanistic studies, intervention development, pilot testing, or other translational research.

What kinds of research topics does the announcement encourage?

The announcement emphasizes two complementary areas: (1) research that increases knowledge of biological mechanisms driving symptoms (including pathways, biomarkers, physiological processes, and factors linked to symptom development, persistence, and variability), and (2) the design and testing of innovative, cost-effective, targeted interventions to prevent symptoms, manage them more effectively, or reduce severity.

Why does the opportunity emphasize "personalized" strategies?

The personalization emphasis reflects interest in symptom management approaches that account for individual differences rather than applying a one-size-fits-all strategy. The announcement highlights tailoring based on factors such as biology, comorbidities, environment, behavior, and social context.

What problem is this program trying to address in chronic illness care?

The program is centered on the idea that chronic illness is often accompanied by persistent, overlapping symptoms that can be as disabling as the disease itself. The intent is to push the field toward more precise, evidence-driven symptom management to reduce symptom burden and improve HRQL.

What are examples of the types of studies that could fit (based on the description)?

Examples consistent with the description include exploratory studies of symptom mechanisms (such as investigating underlying biological pathways or identifying biomarkers) and early-stage intervention work (such as developing, refining, or pilot-testing targeted and scalable symptom management interventions). The announcement also notes translational approaches as appropriate.

How much funding is available per award?

The award ceiling is listed as $200,000, indicating projects should be scoped as smaller, exploratory efforts.

Is the program guaranteed to fund a specific number of awards?

The source information does not specify an exact number of expected awards. It indicates NIH anticipated making awards under the announcement, with awards depending on available funds and competitive peer review.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 93.361.

What activity categories does this opportunity fall under?

The opportunity falls under the broad activity categories of education and health.

Is this a discretionary grant program?

Yes. It is described as a discretionary grant program, meaning awards depend on available funds and competitive peer review.

What was the closing date shown in the provided record?

The original closing date provided is January 7, 2019.

What is the record creation date, and why does it matter?

The record creation date is November 7, 2017. Along with the closing date, this provides historical context and suggests applicants should verify the current status or look for any reissued or successor announcements via NIH or grants.gov.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized tribal governments; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in those categories); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses.

Are specific types of institutions and organizations explicitly highlighted as eligible?

Yes. The announcement explicitly highlights additional eligible applicants such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI); Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs); faith-based or community-based organizations; eligible federal agencies; regional organizations; U.S. territories or possessions; Indian/Native American tribal governments that are not federally recognized; and non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations).

Are non-U.S. (foreign) organizations eligible to apply?

Yes. The eligibility list includes non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations).

What kinds of teams does NIH appear to be encouraging for this work?

The announcement encourages interdisciplinary teams, reflecting that symptom science and practical intervention development can involve multiple disciplines and settings (for example, clinical environments, academic centers, community organizations, tribal entities, and international collaborators).

What are applicants generally expected to address in their proposed project?

Based on the description, applicants would typically be expected to clearly define the symptom problem, justify the scientific premise for a mechanistic pathway or intervention, and explain how the work could meaningfully reduce symptom burden and improve HRQL, even if the project is exploratory and focused on feasibility or proof of concept rather than a final, fully powered study.