Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for Liver Cirrhosis Network: Scientific and Data Coordination Center (U24 Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), under the Department of Health and Human Services, has issued a forecasted funding opportunity titled "Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for Liver Cirrhosis Network: Scientific and Data Coordination Center (U24 Clinical Trial Optional)". This opportunity, listed under opportunity number NOT-DK-26-309, is administered by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), a component of NIH responsible for conducting and supporting medical research on some of the most common, costly, and chronic conditions. The announcement serves as a precursor to a full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) expected to be released in July 2025. The purpose of this funding initiative is to support the continuation and completion of two major liver disease studies: the Liver Cirrhosis Network Longitudinal Cohort Study and the Liver Cirrhosis Network Rosuvastatin Efficacy and Safety for Cirrhosis in the United States (RESCU), which is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2 clinical trial. This opportunity is specifically for establishing a Scientific and Data Coordination Center under the U24 cooperative agreement mechanism. The center will play a critical role in managing clinical studies, providing technical biostatistical support, conducting data analyses, disseminating research findings, and performing ancillary studies. The anticipated funding ceiling for this opportunity is $1,835,051, with the same amount representing the estimated total program funding. Only one award is expected to be issued. Importantly, this opportunity does not require cost sharing or matching from applicants. Funding will support a comprehensive data coordination effort and infrastructure necessary for the successful continuation of liver cirrhosis research, with activities focused on statistical analysis, project management, and data dissemination. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is broad, including private and public institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status), small businesses, for-profit organizations (excluding small businesses), federally recognized Native American tribal governments and organizations, state and local governments (including city, township, county, and special district governments), public housing authorities, and independent school districts. The funding is available on a nationwide basis, and there are no geographic restrictions noted. The estimated timeline includes a publication date of July 11, 2025, with applications due by August 15, 2025. The anticipated award and project start date is July 1, 2026, and the notice was last updated on May 13, 2025. Since this is a forecast, applications are not being accepted at the current time. Potential applicants are advised to begin forming collaborative teams and preparing their project concepts to align with the forthcoming NOFO. Individuals with expertise in liver disease and translational sciences are especially encouraged to consider applying. The designated point of contact for this opportunity is Edward Doo, MD, who can be reached at 301-451-4524 or via email at dooe@niddk.nih.gov. This forecast is intended to give sufficient notice to the research community to prepare high-quality, responsive proposals once the NOFO is officially published.