Call for Applications: American College of Rheumatology Research and Education Foundation for Investigator-Initiated Clinical Trials that Address Clinical Aspects of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The American College of Rheumatology Research and Education Foundation is soliciting applications for investigator-initiated clinical trials that address clinical aspects of rheumatoid arthritis. Outcomes from these grants should lead to new insights into the treatment of RA. All applications must be relevant to the purpose and goals of the Within Our Reach campaign. It is expected that these clinical trials will include prospective studies designed to answer questions about biomedical or behavioral interventions, e.g., investigational drugs or investigational medical devices, or new ways of using known treatments relevant to RA. It is hoped that these trials will determine whether new biomedical or behavioral interventions are safe, efficacious, and effective.
For purposes of this program, the term ‘clinical trial’ refers to a broadly based prospective clinical investigation involving a large number of human subjects for the purpose of evaluating an experimental intervention in comparison with a standard or control intervention or comparing two or more existing treatments. The aim of such investigation is to provide evidence leading to a scientific basis for consideration of a change in health policy or standard of care. The definition includes pharmacologic, non-pharmacologic, and behavioral interventions for disease prevention, prophylaxis, diagnosis, or therapy. Community- and other population-based intervention trials also are included.
The proposed trials must be hypothesis-driven, milestone-defined, related to the research mission of the Within Our Reach campaign and considered high priority by the Foundation. Investigators are encouraged to visit the REF website for additional information about the campaign.
The total number of trials funded will depend upon the number and quality of the applications received; however it is anticipated that a maximum of two trials will be funded. The trials will be funded for three years at up to $1,000,000 per year, including eight percent indirect costs.
Previous recipients of Within Our Reach grants may apply. Individuals at the NIH and CDC are not eligible to apply as Principal Investigators for either type of grant, but may serve as part of the research team. These individuals may not receive funds from this program, and must obtain appropriate internal clearances and include documentation of such in the application.
Please visit the website at http://www.rheumatology.org/ref/awards/WOR.asp for more information and to download the full Request for Proposals. All applicants must submit a letter of intent via the online submission form no later than March 1, 2012. Applications must be postmarked by May 1, 2012.
