Partnerships for Development of Vaccines to Prevent Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and/or Tuberculosis (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is forecasting a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at the development of vaccines targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection and/or tuberculosis (TB). This opportunity emphasizes the preclinical development of lead vaccine candidates and is part of NIAID's strategic effort to enhance the clinical pipeline for TB vaccines. Applications will be submitted under the R01 activity code, and clinical trials are not allowed under this funding opportunity. This grant seeks to attract research applications focused specifically on the early-stage development of vaccines, with the overarching goal of addressing the global TB burden. It encourages collaborative investigations and aims to support scientific advancements that can translate into viable clinical vaccine candidates. The NOFO is structured to provide adequate preparation time for potential applicants, fostering robust partnerships and comprehensive project proposals that align with the agency's scientific priorities. The funding opportunity is discretionary, with an expected total program funding of approximately $4,730,000. An estimated five awards are anticipated, although specific ceiling and floor amounts for individual awards have not been disclosed. The NOFO falls under the category of Health and is supported through the Assistance Listing 93.855, designated for Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research. Matching funds are not required for this opportunity. Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities such as county governments, state governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, and other tribal organizations. Also eligible are independent school districts, public and private institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations (excluding small businesses), small businesses, and nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status other than institutions of higher education. The wide eligibility criteria aim to ensure diverse participation in advancing TB vaccine research. The forecasted post date for the NOFO is September 8, 2025, with an estimated application due date of November 7, 2025. Awards are expected to be announced by July 1, 2026, which also marks the proposed project start date. This forecast is meant to enable timely collaboration formation and proposal development, and applications are not being solicited at this time. Interested parties may reach out to Dr. Katrin Eichelberg at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for further information. She can be contacted by phone at 240-669-2921 or via email at keichelberg@nih.gov. This opportunity is not offered on a rolling basis and is not marked as recurring. However, due to its importance and subject matter, similar future opportunities may be anticipated.