Pilot and Feasibility Grants
Objectives
MGNet, a NIH-funded Rare Diseases Clinical Research Consortium (RDCRC) in partnership with the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America and Conquer MG, is seeking proposals for highly innovative investigations in early stages of development. The priorities of the Pilot Grant Program are:
- Identification treatment responsive biomarkers (please see Focus on Biomarkers Research)
- Assess clinical measures and improve that enhance clinical trial readiness
- Evaluation of therapeutic interventions for one or more of the five distinct sub-types of MG (additional information in the full proposal will be required for clinical trials).
Pilot studies must be designed to access the resources of MGNet and focused on clinical and translational research, including fulfilling the definition of clinical and translational research and exclusion of animal studies.
Funding
The MGNet expects to fund up to two grants, each at a level of $75,000 (IDCs will be limited to 10% and included in the $75,000). Projects will be funded for 12 months, with a start date of June 2024. Selection among the applications received will be based on the recommendations of a review committee. A grant may be renewed for an additional one year with approval of interim report by the same review process and availability of funds. Demonstration of fulfillment of initial aims and justification for additional funding will be required. The request will be required a minimum of three months prior to the initial funding period completion.
Eligibility
The PI must hold an MD, PhD, MD/PhD, RN, or more advanced, PharmD, DDS, DVM, or equivalent and be a faculty member at an academic institution.
Application
A full proposal submission will consist of
- Specific aims (one page)
- Research plan (four pages)
- NIH bio-sketch for key personnel
- NIH PHS 398 Detailed Budget Page and budget justification with any proposed cost sharing commitment.
- Human subjects and other institutional assurances to perform the intended research including a specific verification of investigator protected time to perform the study.
- Letters of support (optional)
Apply Now
Proposals will be electronically submitted to the Administrative Core personnel, who will assure all requirements for submission are fulfilled. Proposals will then undergo peer review by an NIH-style study section assembled by the MGNet. Standard review criteria for the parent announcement NIH R01 will be applied (PA-19-056, or if the application includes a clinical trial PA-19-055).