A Request for Applications (RFA) with set-aside is proposed, entitled “Discovery of molecular targets for pregnancy-related/induced diseases and development of therapeutics to prevent/treat pregnancy-related/induced diseases” using the R41: Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)-Phase I and R42: Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)-Phase II as well as R43: Small Business Innovation Research Grant (SBIR) – Phase I, and R44: Small Business Innovation Research Grant (SBIR) - Phase II mechanisms.
Purpose
Gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertension and preeclampsia complicate a significant percentage of pregnancies and remain some of the major causes of maternal and neonatal morbidity. Despite their high prevalence among pregnant women drug development for obstetric indications is practically non-existent. Reasons for the paucity of new drugs for obstetrics include risk aversion, the cost of reproductive toxicology studies, the small market size, and a regulatory system, which encourages off-label use. The scientific purpose of this initiative is to identify molecular targets that can lead to the development of new, safe and effective medications.
Scope
The proposed RFA will support research that aims to identify specific targets that will lead to the development of new, targeted therapeutics for the prevention and/or treatment of these disorders. Translational research methods should be employed.
Objectives
The objective of this RFA is to identify novel molecular targets that can lead to the development of treatments for pregnancy-related/induced diseases that are safe and effective for the mother and developing fetus. Research areas appropriate for this announcement include: Identification of new targets from already identified critical molecular pathways using high-throughput screening for development of novel therapeutics as well as trials of existing experimental drugs that target those pathways.
Program Contact
Ekaterini Tsilou, MD
Obstetric and Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics Branch
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