Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 18 158
Applying Metabolomics to Drive Biomarker Discovery in Symptom Science (R21 Clinical Trial Optional), funding opportunity number PA 18-158, is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) discretionary grant program designed to accelerate biomarker discovery in the area of symptom science by using metabolomics. The central idea is to support early-stage, exploratory research that leverages comprehensive metabolite profiling to better explain why symptoms occur, how they vary across individuals, and how they can be measured and managed more effectively. In practice, this means the program is looking for projects that can connect metabolomic signatures (patterns of small molecules in biological samples) to symptoms in ways that advance understanding, improve assessment, and ultimately inform symptom management strategies.
The announcement uses the R21 mechanism, which is typically intended for developmental, high-impact, proof-of-concept work rather than large, definitive studies. The “Clinical Trial Optional” language indicates that applicants may propose studies that include a clinical trial component, but they are not required to do so. This flexibility allows teams to pursue biomarker discovery using existing cohorts and samples, observational designs, or small prospective studies, while still leaving room for clinical research when it is justified and feasible.
Key features of the opportunity include its placement within NIH’s health-focused funding areas (CFDA numbers 93.213 and 93.361) and an award ceiling listed at $200,000. While the notice does not specify the number of awards expected, the emphasis is clearly on supporting innovative applications of metabolomics that can produce promising biomarker leads relevant to symptoms. The goal is not just to generate large datasets, but to translate metabolomic data into meaningful biological or clinical insights that improve how symptoms are understood and addressed.
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based public and private organizations as well as certain non-U.S. entities. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township, and 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); small businesses; and other categories. The opportunity also explicitly highlights additional eligible groups such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), 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 non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations). This wide eligibility suggests NIH is encouraging diverse institutional participation and broad collaboration, including community-based and international partners where appropriate.
Administrative details included in the source data indicate the opportunity was created on 2017-11-06, with an original closing date of 2019-05-07. Overall, the program can be summarized as an NIH R21 grant initiative focused on using metabolomics as a modern, data-rich tool to discover biomarkers that clarify symptom biology and improve symptom measurement and management, with broad applicant eligibility and optional inclusion of clinical trials.Apply for PA 18 158
- The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Applying Metabolomics to Drive Biomarker Discovery in Symptom Science (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.213, 93.361.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2017-11-06.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2019-05-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
- 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.
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FAQs: Applying Metabolomics to Drive Biomarker Discovery in Symptom Science (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) - PA 18-158
What is the funding opportunity called?
The opportunity is titled "Applying Metabolomics to Drive Biomarker Discovery in Symptom Science (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)."
What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number is PA 18-158.
Which federal agency is offering this grant?
This is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) discretionary grant program.
What is the main purpose of this NIH program?
The program is designed to accelerate biomarker discovery in symptom science by using metabolomics. It supports projects that link metabolomic signatures (patterns of small molecules found in biological samples) to symptoms in ways that advance understanding, improve assessment, and inform symptom management strategies.
What type of research does the program emphasize?
It emphasizes early-stage, exploratory research that uses comprehensive metabolite profiling to help explain why symptoms occur, how symptoms vary across individuals, and how symptoms can be measured and managed more effectively.
What is meant by "metabolomics" in this context?
In this context, metabolomics refers to comprehensive profiling of small molecules (metabolites) in biological samples, with the goal of identifying patterns (metabolomic signatures) associated with symptoms.
What is meant by "biomarker discovery" for symptom science?
Biomarker discovery here means identifying metabolomic patterns that connect to symptoms and produce promising biomarker leads that are relevant to understanding symptom biology, improving symptom assessment, and supporting better symptom management approaches.
What grant mechanism is used for this opportunity?
The announcement uses the NIH R21 mechanism.
What does the R21 mechanism imply about project scope?
R21 awards are typically intended for developmental, high-impact, proof-of-concept work rather than large, definitive studies. This opportunity is positioned to support exploratory research that can generate promising leads and insights.
Are clinical trials required under this funding opportunity?
No. The opportunity is labeled "Clinical Trial Optional," meaning applicants may propose studies that include a clinical trial component, but they are not required to do so.
If clinical trials are optional, what kinds of study designs are implied as acceptable?
The description indicates flexibility for biomarker discovery approaches such as using existing cohorts and samples, observational designs, or small prospective studies, while still allowing clinical research when justified and feasible.
What is the program trying to produce besides large datasets?
The program goal is not only to generate large datasets, but to translate metabolomic data into meaningful biological or clinical insights that improve how symptoms are understood and addressed.
What is the maximum award amount mentioned?
An award ceiling of $200,000 is listed in the source information provided.
Does the announcement specify how many awards NIH expects to make?
No. The provided information notes that the number of awards expected is not specified.
What CFDA numbers are associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is placed within NIH health-focused funding areas associated with CFDA numbers 93.213 and 93.361.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based public and private organizations as well as certain non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations).
Are state and local governments eligible?
Yes. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township, and special district governments.
Are school districts eligible?
Yes. Independent school districts are listed as eligible applicants.
Are colleges and universities eligible?
Yes. Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education.
Are Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) explicitly encouraged or included?
Yes. The opportunity explicitly highlights eligibility for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, AANAPISI institutions, Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), and related categories.
Are Tribal governments and Tribal organizations eligible?
Yes. Federally recognized Native American tribal governments are eligible, and tribal organizations that are not federally recognized are also listed as eligible.
Are nonprofits eligible, including those without 501(c)(3) status?
Yes. Nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education) are listed as eligible applicants.
Are for-profit organizations eligible?
Yes. For-profit organizations (other than small businesses) are listed as eligible, and small businesses are also listed as eligible.
Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?
Yes. Faith-based or community-based organizations are explicitly highlighted among additional eligible groups.
Are federal agencies eligible to apply?
Yes. Eligible federal agencies are explicitly highlighted as eligible.
Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible?
Yes. U.S. territories or possessions are explicitly highlighted among eligible applicant categories.
Are non-U.S. (foreign) organizations eligible?
Yes. The opportunity explicitly includes non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations) among eligible applicants.
When was this opportunity created?
The administrative details provided indicate it was created on 2017-11-06.
What was the original closing date listed?
The original closing date listed in the provided information is 2019-05-07.
What is the overall summary of what NIH is seeking to fund under PA 18-158?
NIH is seeking innovative, early-stage R21 projects that apply metabolomics to discover biomarkers relevant to symptom science, with the intent to connect metabolomic signatures to symptoms in ways that improve understanding, assessment, and symptom management. Clinical trials may be included but are optional, and eligibility spans a wide range of domestic and certain international organizations.
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| Addressing Unmet Needs in Persons with Dementia to Decrease Behavioral Symptoms and Improve Quality of Life (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 147 Funding Number: PA 18 147 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Improving Individual and Family Outcomes through Continuity and Coordination of Care in Hospice (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 148 Funding Number: PA 18 148 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Personalized Strategies to Manage Symptoms of Chronic Illness (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 156 Funding Number: PA 18 156 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Innovative Questions in Symptom Science and Genomics (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 139 Funding Number: PA 18 139 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Use of Technology to Enhance Patient Outcomes and Prevent Illness (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 163 Funding Number: PA 18 163 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Addressing Unmet Needs in Persons with Dementia to Decrease Behavioral Symptoms and Improve Quality of Life (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 165 Funding Number: PA 18 165 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Personalized Strategies to Manage Symptoms of Chronic Illness (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 138 Funding Number: PA 18 138 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mechanisms, Models, Measurement, and Management in Pain Research (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 159 Funding Number: PA 18 159 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Symptom Management in HIV-Infected Individuals with Comorbid Conditions (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 161 Funding Number: PA 18 161 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Health Promotion Among Racial and Ethnic Minority Males (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 162 Funding Number: PA 18 162 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Use of Technology to Enhance Patient Outcomes and Prevent Illness (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 145 Funding Number: PA 18 145 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Self-Management Interventions and Technologies to Sustain Health and Optimize Functional Capabilities (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 146 Funding Number: PA 18 146 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Symptom Management in HIV-Infected Individuals with Comorbid Conditions (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 143 Funding Number: PA 18 143 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Altered neuronal circuits, receptors and networks in HIV-induced Central Nervous System (CNS) dysfunction (R21- Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA MH 18 611 Funding Number: RFA MH 18 611 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Palliative Care Needs of Individuals with Advanced Rare Diseases and Their Family Caregivers (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 149 Funding Number: PA 18 149 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Innovative Questions in Symptom Science and Genomics (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 157 Funding Number: PA 18 157 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Self-Management Interventions and Technologies to Sustain Health and Optimize Functional Capabilities (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 164 Funding Number: PA 18 164 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Palliative Care Needs of Individuals with Rare Advanced Diseases and Their Family Caregivers (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 167 Funding Number: PA 18 167 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Improving Individual and Family Outcomes through Continuity and Coordination of Care in Hospice (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 166 Funding Number: PA 18 166 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Short-term Mentored Career Enhancement Awards for Mid-Career Investigators to Integrate Basic Behavioral and Social Sciences (K18 - No Independent Clinical Trials) Apply for PAR 18 349 Funding Number: PAR 18 349 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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