Continuation and Expansion of the National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank for Translational Research (U24)

The National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank (NMVB) was established in 2006 to serve as a resource for malignant mesothelioma research. This funding opportunity will advance biomedical research for malignant mesothelioma by adding more biospecimens together with demographic data and clinical data. Examples of biospecimens include fresh frozen tumor and control tissues, paraffin embedded tissues, blood, DNA, RNA, and protein samples from mesothelioma patients. Demographic data includes age, sex, race, and occupational history. Clinical data includes stage, treatment, and survival information. The virtual registry and tissue bank also serve as a virtual repository and offer a library of biospecimens and data that investigators can use and share, including genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data. The NMVB can: • Help identify early signs of disease. • Support the development of biomarkers that show disease stage and prognosis. • Help develop new or improved treatment options. The goal is to continue to expand the NMVB and improve its ability to be a resource for both biomedical researchers and the clinical science community focused on malignant mesothelioma research.

Applicant institution must have an established registry and tissue bank with the capability of functioning as a national virtual registry and tissue bank for mesothelioma, one in which participating institutions will make available their independent stores of mesothelioma tissue for public access and use through a centralized Internet-based database or registry. This virtual registry and tissue bank must be able to provide a resource for investigators engaged in the research of mesothelioma, to include, but not limited to, biospecimens (blood, plasma, white blood cells, and normal and malignant mesothelioma tissues) together with demographic data such as age, sex, race, occupational history and other epidemiologic information, and clinical data (stage, treatment and survival information).Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are not eligible to apply. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply. Foreign components, as defined in the HHS Grants Policy Statement, are not allowed.

The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: (1) the scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) the relevance and importance to stated program objectives. Training Grants: Criteria used in evaluating training proposals include: (1) Overall potential contribution of the project toward meeting program objectives; (2) the need for training in the areas outlined in the application; (3) curriculum content and design; (4) previous record of training; (5) evaluation methods; (6) experience and training of the project director and staff; (7) institutional commitment; (8) academic and physical environment; (9) past performance; and (10) appropriateness of budget. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR Phase I grant applications: (1) The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness...