Analyses of CALERIE Data and Biospecimens to Elucidate Mechanisms of Caloric Restriction (CR)-Induced Effects in Humans (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | PA 18 823

Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 18 823

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, issued this discretionary grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number PA-18-823) to support R01 research projects that use existing resources from the CALERIE trial (Comprehensive Assessment of Long-term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy). The central focus is on secondary analyses, meaning applicants are expected to work with previously collected CALERIE data and/or stored CALERIE biospecimens rather than launching new human intervention studies. Consistent with that purpose, the announcement is explicitly labeled "Clinical Trial Not Allowed," signaling that the proposed work should not involve initiating a new clinical trial or assigning participants to interventions; instead, it should leverage CALERIE materials to answer additional mechanistic and translational questions.

The scientific goal of the program is to deepen understanding of how sustained caloric restriction (CR) affects human health. In practical terms, the NIA is looking for analyses that clarify CR-related changes in risk factors for chronic diseases and, importantly, the cellular and molecular pathways that may mediate those effects in humans. Applications are therefore expected to move beyond high-level observations and aim for more detailed mechanistic insight, such as linking CR exposure to biological markers, pathways, or profiles that help explain why certain physiological changes occur and how those changes might translate into altered disease risk.

This opportunity sits within the NIH "Health" activity category (CFDA number 93.866) and uses the standard NIH research project grant mechanism (R01). Because it is an R01, projects are generally expected to be hypothesis-driven, analytically rigorous, and substantial in scope, with clear aims, appropriate statistical or bioinformatic methods, and a plan for making full use of the CALERIE dataset and/or biospecimen repository to generate publishable, field-advancing findings.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. and non-U.S. organizations. Domestic eligible applicants listed include state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and small businesses. The FOA also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and foreign (non-U.S.) entities.

Key administrative details in the posted record include the original creation date of June 8, 2018, with an original closing date listed as September 7, 2021. The award ceiling and expected number of awards are not specified in the provided source fields, which typically means applicants would need to consult the full FOA text and NIH funding guidance for budget expectations, paylines, and related administrative constraints. Overall, the opportunity is designed for investigators who can use CALERIE data and biospecimens to extract deeper, mechanistically informative insights about caloric restriction in humans and its potential relevance to aging and chronic disease risk.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Analyses of CALERIE Data and Biospecimens to Elucidate Mechanisms of Caloric Restriction (CR)-Induced Effects in Humans (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.866.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2018-06-08.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-09-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PA 18 823

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