Tissue Chips in Space 2.0: Translational Multi-Organ Tissue Chip Systems for Drug Efficacy, Toxicity Testing, and Personalized Medicine in Human Health, Aging and Associated Diseases (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Background
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) and the National Institute on Aging (NIA), is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to develop multi-organ automated microphysiological systems (MPS) for studying the effects of microgravity on human physiology, particularly in relation to aging and associated diseases.

The program aims to leverage the unique research environment of the International Space Station National Laboratory (ISS-NL) to gain insights into human pathophysiology, enhance drug efficacy and toxicity testing, and advance personalized medicine.

Grant Details
The grant supports the development of multi-organ automated MPS that can simulate human physiological responses under microgravity conditions. Key tasks include:
1) Developing robust complex organ systems that replicate age-related dysfunctions;
2) Validating these systems on Earth before testing them in space;
3) Conducting experiments aboard the ISS-NL to assess biomarkers, drug efficacy, and safety;
4) Incorporating diverse human samples to model aging progression accurately;
5) Establishing a multidisciplinary approach involving bioengineering, computational biology, pharmacology, and clinical science.

The project will be executed in two phases: UG3 for initial development and UH3 for advanced testing.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, local governments, state governments, tribal governments, and other entities. Special consideration is given to institutions serving underrepresented populations. Non-domestic entities are not eligible to apply.

Period of Performance
The total project period may extend up to five years, with each phase (UG3 and UH3) lasting between two to three years.

Grant Value
NIH intends to commit approximately $5 million in FY2025 for 4-5 awards from NCATS and an additional $600,000 from NIA for one co-funded award. Each application budget is limited to $750,000 direct costs per year.

Place of Performance
The research will primarily take place at the International Space Station National Laboratory (ISS-NL), with preliminary work conducted on Earth.