Translational Centers Using Microphysiological Systems for Infectious Diseases (U54 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, under the National Institutes of Health, is soliciting proposals for the Translational Centers Using Microphysiological Systems for Infectious Diseases under solicitation number RFA-AI-28-012. This initiative aims to establish a consortium of centers focused on refining and validating human tissue models to study infectious diseases and test medical interventions. By leveraging New Approach Methodologies, the program seeks to create in vitro systems that capture human variability and patient-specific characteristics, ultimately accelerating the development of safer treatments while reducing costs and the reliance on laboratory animals. The primary objective is to advance these microphysiological systems to a level of regulatory qualification that encourages adoption by product developers and ensures regulatory acceptance. Interested parties must submit their responses by the deadline of January 30, 2027. This federal opportunity specifically focuses on bridging the gap between current research and regulatory use for infectious disease models, though it is noted that clinical trials are not allowed under this specific funding mechanism.