[Breakthrough T1D](https://www.breakthrought1d.org)

January 28, 2026 (Letter of Intent) | March 11, 2026 (Full proposal)

Up to $900,000 total over 3 years (SRA); budgets above this require pre-approval.

Supports translational research to improve vascularization and monitoring of islet replacement therapies for type 1 diabetes.

--- ## Description This opportunity from Breakthrough T1D funds translational research aimed at overcoming persistent barriers to long-term success of islet replacement therapies for type 1 diabetes. The focus is on advancing the clinical application of vascularization and engraftment strategies, particularly at extrahepatic transplant sites. The program seeks research that will define vascular features predicting durable graft outcomes, enhance vascular integration and resilience, and develop non-invasive technologies for monitoring graft development in vivo. Projects must have clear translational potential and align with clinical standards, with preference for multidisciplinary collaborations and approaches that bridge gaps between preclinical models and human application. --- ## Due Dates - January 28, 2026: Letter of Intent deadline - March 11, 2026: Full proposal deadline Other key milestones: - Informational webinar: January 13, 2026 - Notification of LOI outcome: February 11, 2026 - Award notification: July 2026 - Earliest anticipated start: October 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum funding: Up to $900,000 USD total costs for up to 3 years (including up to 10% indirect costs for nonprofit/academic SRAs). - Projects exceeding $900,000 or 3 years require discussion and pre-approval from Breakthrough T1D staff. - For-profit entities may apply under the Industry Discovery & Development Partnership (IDDP) mechanism, which does not allow indirect costs and may include a royalty payback. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must hold an MD, DO, DMD, DVM, PhD, or equivalent and have a faculty or equivalent research position at a nonprofit, academic, or for-profit institution. - Eligible organizations: domestic and foreign non-profits (universities, hospitals, labs), for-profits, government units, and industry-academic collaborations. - No citizenship requirements. - Breakthrough T1D encourages applications from persons with disabilities, women, and underrepresented minorities. - Additional documentation may be requested from for-profit applicants if invited for a full proposal. --- ## Application Process - Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) (maximum 2 pages) via the online [RMS360 system](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/explore-research/funding-opportunities/). - Use the LOI template provided on RMS360. - Only approved LOIs may proceed to submit a full proposal (maximum 10 pages, using provided templates). - All applications involving human subjects must follow U.S. NIH and HHS guidelines. - For-profit applicants should contact Breakthrough T1D staff before applying under the IDDP mechanism. --- ## Additional Information - Proposals must address at least one of the following: - Define vascular features correlating with or predicting graft function/durability. - Advance strategies to enhance vascular integration, perfusion, and resilience at extrahepatic transplant sites. - Develop non-invasive technologies for longitudinal monitoring of graft vascularization and function. - Preference for projects using large-animal T1D models, standardized quantitative metrics, human-relevant vascular biology, and those demonstrating translational feasibility. - Not in scope: purely in vitro studies, projects focused solely on islet differentiation or immune modulation without a vascularization component, or encapsulation/immune-isolation technologies. --- ## External Links - [Breakthrough T1D Funding Opportunities](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/explore-research/funding-opportunities/) - [Full RFA and Program Details (PDF)](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/RFA_Vascularization_Call-Document.pdf) - [Contact Breakthrough T1D](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/contact-us/) - [Webinar Registration (by Jan 12, 2026)](https://breakthrought1d-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BMGgFL2dQb6oeCG54km-Vw#/registration) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | Email | |------------------------------|--------------------------------------|------------------------------------| | Strategic/scientific inquiries | Alex Bashore, PhD, Scientist | [abashore@BT1D.org](mailto:abashore@BT1D.org) | | Administrative inquiries | Madhu Prakash, Program Administrator | [mprakash@BT1D.org](mailto:mprakash@BT1D.org) |

Breakthrough T1D Request for Applications: Translational Strategies to Define, Enhance, and Monitor Vascularization for Durable Islet Replacement Therapies

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