Mechanisms Of Graft Acceptance In Clinical Islet Transplantation - Industry Discovery and Development Partnerships (IDDPs)

Funding Opportunity Description

Breakthrough T1D aims to fill critical gaps in the understanding of mechanisms contributing to graft acceptance and immune tolerance in islet transplantation. While graft survival rates have improved with more refined immune suppression strategies, islet procurement, and surgical procedures, there is still significant heterogeneity in the therapeutic outcomes for islet transplant recipients. While the alloimmune response is likely to drive rejection in many cases, the interactions between islet graft and host immune system are not fully characterized, particularly in the context of successful islet transplants. In addition, the reoccurrence of autoimmunity despite immunosuppressive protocols occurs in some islet transplant recipients. Lastly, the stress and metabolic state of islet grafts is likely to contribute to long-term survival. Overall, the mechanisms that determine why some patients maintain graft function, while others do not, are not entirely clear. This funding opportunity aims to advance our understanding of graft acceptance and immune tolerance in islet transplantation using existing clinical data. Therefore, Breakthrough T1D is soliciting Letters of Intent (LOI) from investigators who have access to such datasets with the aim to ultimately support long-term islet survival and improve therapeutic outcomes of current and future islet transplantation approaches for T1D.

Relevant datasets may include National Institutes of Health NIDDK Central Repository studies, CIT02 through CIT08, pan-CIT, and Collaborative Islet Transplant Registry samples/data, or center-specific datasets from national islet transplant programs and registries, and clinical trials. Industry-sponsored trials and/or trials using alternative sources of insulin-producing cells (e.g., human stem cell-derived islets or porcine sources) are also of interest.

Industry Discovery and Development Partnerships (IDDPs)

For-profit entities may apply under Breakthrough T1D’s Industry Discovery & Development Partnership (IDDP) funding mechanism, which entails additional requirements and typically has a modest royalty payback to Breakthrough T1D. If you would like to submit an Industry Discovery and Development Partnership (IDDP) project LOI to this RFA, please check our grant handbook for additional information and contact Dr. Nicholas Mamrak to discuss proposed scope and budget prior to submitting an application. Indirect costs are not permitted on IDDP applications.

Eligibility

_ You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website.