Pancreatic Cancer Detection Consortium: Management and Data Coordination Unit (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The Pancreatic Cancer Detection Consortium: Management and Data Coordination Unit (MDCU) is a funding opportunity initiated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically under the National Cancer Institute (NCI), to support the development and coordination of research efforts related to the early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This funding mechanism is part of a broader strategic response to the 2014 Scientific Framework for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, which identified early detection as a critical area for progress against one of the most lethal cancer types. This opportunity, issued under PAR-26-126, falls under the cooperative agreement mechanism (U24), with no clinical trials permitted. The MDCU will serve as a centralized hub for coordination, data management, and statistical support for the Pancreatic Cancer Detection Consortium (PCDC), which includes separate Research Units (RUs) focused on biomarker development. Specifically, the MDCU is expected to assist with collaborative study design, protocol standardization, coordination among research entities, statistical analysis of results, and logistical support. It will also support the development and maintenance of biorepositories—key to the research infrastructure—and assist with organizing consortium-wide meetings and communication. This funding initiative is forecasted for release, with an estimated posting date of April 30, 2026, and an application deadline of July 1, 2026. Applications are not yet being accepted, placing the current engagement phase as early-stage. The estimated award date is December 1, 2026, aligning with the projected project start date. As a federal grant forecasted through Grants.gov, the funding source is officially the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institutes of Health. Eligible applicants for this opportunity span a broad spectrum of public and private entities, including but not limited to state and local governments, higher education institutions (both public and private), for-profit organizations, tribal governments and organizations (federally recognized and otherwise), nonprofit organizations with or without IRS 501(c)(3) status, housing authorities, school districts, and certain faith-based, community-based, or regional organizations. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities are also eligible to apply. There are no matching or cost-sharing requirements specified for this opportunity. While the exact funding amounts, number of awards, and total program funding are not yet specified, the Assistance Listing Number (ALN) is 93.394, indicating the grant is aligned with cancer detection and diagnosis research. As this opportunity is currently forecasted, no direct PDF NOFO has yet been made available. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor the listing closely and may contact the Division of Cancer Prevention's Cancer Biomarkers Branch (DCP CBB) via the provided email address ([email protected]) for additional information or updates. Once the full NOFO is released, it will likely outline application components, evaluation criteria, and reporting requirements in greater detail.