The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK) an institute within NIH, posted Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) (PA-14-058) on January 3, 2014. The FOA seeks small businesses working under the SBIR program for Phases I and II to research and develop novel technologies capable of diagnosing and monitoring complications for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).
A critical barrier to developing therapies for diabetes complications is the need for validated biomarkers to report early tissue damage before it is clinically apparent and at a stage where treatment can be more effective.
NIDDK has continuously funded research in this field, but what is really needed are novel and more effective technologies based on current scientific advances that may be developed as commercial products by the biotech/small business sector.
Some of the areas of research include developing:
- Measurement tools and or accurate biomarkers
- Technologies to measure blood vessels and nerves in the eye as markers for disease progression
- New retinal imaging systems
- Technology to predict which patients with diabetes are most prone to accelerated development and progression of micro and macrovascular complications
- Novel imaging/non-invasive technology to predict ulcer formation
- New improved technologies and biomaterials to deliver therapies to chronic diabetes wounds
- Novel portable technologies for the ambulatory or at home treatment for diabetics with complications
Total funding support may not exceed $150,000 for Phase I awards and $1,000,000 for Phase II awards. The number of awards is contingent upon NIH appropriations and the amount of meritorious applications.
Also, NIDDK on January 3, 2014, issued their STTR companion funding announcement (PA-14-059). This initiative also supports small businesses innovative research but the research needs to be done in partnership with scientific and academic centers.
For more information on PA-14-058 go to http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-14-058.html. For PA-14-059, go to http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-14-059 or go to www.grants.gov.