[National Institutes of Health (NIH)](https://www.nih.gov/)

October 1, 2025 (forecasted)

Estimated $3,000,000 total; ~6 awards anticipated; R01 mechanism

Supports research to engineer stem cell-derived islet cells with improved characteristics for cell replacement therapies in diabetes.

This is a forecasted opportunity; applications are not yet being accepted.

--- ## Description The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the NIH, intends to issue a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support research focused on engineering stem cell-derived islet cells to enhance outcomes in cell replacement therapies for diabetes. Unlike cadaveric human islets, these stem cell-derived products are created from controlled cell bank sources, allowing for the optimization of cell characteristics to improve graft viability and function. The initiative encourages studies targeting pathways and mechanisms amenable to engineering, along with preclinical validation of such approaches. Collaborative projects combining expertise in stem cell biology, islet biology, transplant immunology, and type 1 diabetes autoimmunity are especially encouraged. --- ## Due Dates - Estimated application due date: October 1, 2025 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total program funding: $3,000,000 - Expected number of awards: 6 - Funding mechanism: R01 (Research Project Grant) - No cost sharing or matching required --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - State, county, city, and township governments - Independent school districts - Public and private institutions of higher education - Federally recognized and other Native American tribal governments/organizations - Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities - Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status) excluding institutions of higher education - For-profit organizations (including small businesses) - U.S. territories or possessions - Faith-based or community-based organizations - Regional organizations - Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign institutions) - Eligible agencies of the federal government --- ## Application Process - This is a forecasted opportunity; applications are not being accepted at this time. - The official NOFO will be published at a later date, providing detailed instructions and requirements. - Potential applicants are encouraged to begin developing collaborations and research plans in anticipation of the forthcoming solicitation. - The R01 activity code will be used for this opportunity. --- ## Additional Information - The opportunity is intended to stimulate innovative engineering of stem cell-derived islet cells for enhanced transplantation outcomes. - Preclinical testing and validation of engineered cell products are a priority. - Collaborative, multidisciplinary research is encouraged. --- ## External Links - [Opportunity Listing on Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359016) - [NIH Main Website](https://www.nih.gov/) - [NIDDK Main Website](https://www.niddk.nih.gov/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Affiliation | |------------------|------------------------------|--------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Albert J. Hwa, PhD | [albert.hwa@nih.gov](mailto:albert.hwa@nih.gov) | 301-451-1525 | National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases | ---

Engineering Improved Stem Cell-Derived Islet Cells for Replacement Therapies

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