Controlled Clinical Trials on Long-Term Effects of Nutritional Interventions on the Progression of Risk Factors for Age-Related Chronic Conditions Over the Life Span and Their Age of Onset

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for randomized controlled clinical trials on long-term effects of nutritional interventions on the progression of risk factors for age-related chronic conditions over the life span and their age of onset. Although considerable information is available on health benefits and risks of a variety of nutritional factors (e.g., macronutrients, overall caloric intake, differing nutrient sources) there remains a need for better understanding of long-term benefits and potential risks of differing nutritional factors and dietary practices to maintain health across the full range of the life span. Rigorous understanding of these effects requires long-term controlled clinical trials of preventive interventions in younger and/or older persons. Given the rates of risk factor progression in younger persons and of accumulation of morbidities in later life, many such trials will require long-term intervention durations and follow-up of at least 5 years to provide sufficient power and evidence of their long-term effects. In order to support projects of sufficient duration to provide for start-up, enrollment, follow-up, and outcome data analyses in such trials, applications in response to this NOFO may propose projects of up to seven years in length. Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. This NOFO intends to utilize the U19 activity code. Investigators with expertise and insights into this area of aging research are encouraged to begin to consider applying for this new NOFO.

Other Eligible ApplicantsIndian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized);Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government;U.S. Territory or Possession;Faith-based or Community-based Organizations;Regional Organizations.

The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: the scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and the relevance and importance to announced program objectives. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR 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 of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific and technical merit of the proposed...

This program has no statutory formula. Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

Not Applicable.