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, intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Liver Cirrhosis Network: Scientific and Data Coordination Center. This upcoming opportunity will use the U24 cooperative agreement activity code and is being developed by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The Liver Cirrhosis Network currently oversees two major initiatives: the Liver Cirrhosis Network Longitudinal Cohort Study and the Liver Cirrhosis Network Rosuvastatin Efficacy and Safety for Cirrhosis in the United States (RESCU), a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 clinical trial. The anticipated NOFO will represent a limited competition renewal of RFA-DK-20-004. Its main objectives are to complete enrollment in the two ongoing studies, ensure rigorous study management, and advance data collection and analysis. The Scientific and Data Coordination Center will be responsible for overseeing clinical study operations, offering biostatistical support, disseminating research findings, and conducting additional analytical work related to the studies. This center is a key component in managing study integrity and supporting the scientific mission of the Liver Cirrhosis Network. This opportunity is forecasted and applications are not currently being solicited. The NIH has provided this notice in advance to allow researchers and institutions sufficient time to form collaborative teams and develop proposals aligned with the goals of the initiative. Investigators with experience in liver disease, particularly those with interest in translational sciences and collaborative clinical research, are strongly encouraged to prepare for this forthcoming competition. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities, such as state and local governments, tribal organizations, higher education institutions, public housing authorities, small businesses, and nonprofits both with and without 501(c)(3) IRS status. For-profit organizations are also eligible, regardless of size. The NOFO will be open to private and public institutions alike, with no geographic restrictions specified, indicating a nationwide scope. The expected total program funding is $1,835,051, which also represents the ceiling for individual awards. Only one award is expected to be granted under this opportunity. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement specified for applicants. The estimated post date for the NOFO is July 11, 2025, with an estimated application due date of August 15, 2025. Award decisions are expected by July 1, 2026, with the project start date set for the same day. Inquiries regarding the NOFO can be directed to Dr. Edward Doo at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. He can be reached at 301-451-4524 or via email at dooe@niddk.nih.gov. This forecast is intended for planning and preparation purposes only and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of funding availability.