UM1TR006047
Cooperative Agreement
Overview
Grant Description
Technology Development Center for Integrative Physiologic Models of the Human Musculoskeletal System - Abstract
Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders affect approximately 126.6 million adults in the United States, accounting for more than half of the adult population.
The development of disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) for these conditions remains particularly challenging due to subjective clinical assessments, the absence of reliable animal models that closely mimic human pathology, and the high costs associated with large-animal studies.
MSK disorders are influenced by various factors, including environmental exposures, aging, hormonal changes, degenerative diseases, and injuries, impacting individuals across all demographics.
While surgical interventions are sometimes an option, they often have high failure rates, leading to disability and progressive tissue deterioration.
The financial burden is immense, with U.S. healthcare costs related to MSK conditions exceeding $400 billion annually.
To overcome these challenges, innovative preclinical platforms incorporating human cells and tissues are crucial for generating reliable data to support DMD development.
Our team consists of experts with a strong track record in bioengineered systems that accurately replicate human MSK structures and functions.
Leveraging our extensive experience with stem cells, organoids, and advanced in vitro culture platforms, we propose the establishment of an MSK New Approach Methodologies (NAMS) Technical Development Center (TDC) to drive the innovation of combinatory physiological models for muscle, cartilage, tendon, and intervertebral disc research.
Through this initiative, we will investigate MSK pathologies—including mechanical overloading, inflammation, and injury—while considering key influences such as environmental exposures, aging, and hormonal effects.
Additionally, by collaborating closely with the Consortium Steering Committee, the Validation and Qualification Network (VQN), and the NAMS Data Hub and Coordinating Center (NDHCC), the MSK NAMS developed through this effort will be widely accessible to a broad range of downstream users.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders affect approximately 126.6 million adults in the United States, accounting for more than half of the adult population.
The development of disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) for these conditions remains particularly challenging due to subjective clinical assessments, the absence of reliable animal models that closely mimic human pathology, and the high costs associated with large-animal studies.
MSK disorders are influenced by various factors, including environmental exposures, aging, hormonal changes, degenerative diseases, and injuries, impacting individuals across all demographics.
While surgical interventions are sometimes an option, they often have high failure rates, leading to disability and progressive tissue deterioration.
The financial burden is immense, with U.S. healthcare costs related to MSK conditions exceeding $400 billion annually.
To overcome these challenges, innovative preclinical platforms incorporating human cells and tissues are crucial for generating reliable data to support DMD development.
Our team consists of experts with a strong track record in bioengineered systems that accurately replicate human MSK structures and functions.
Leveraging our extensive experience with stem cells, organoids, and advanced in vitro culture platforms, we propose the establishment of an MSK New Approach Methodologies (NAMS) Technical Development Center (TDC) to drive the innovation of combinatory physiological models for muscle, cartilage, tendon, and intervertebral disc research.
Through this initiative, we will investigate MSK pathologies—including mechanical overloading, inflammation, and injury—while considering key influences such as environmental exposures, aging, and hormonal effects.
Additionally, by collaborating closely with the Consortium Steering Committee, the Validation and Qualification Network (VQN), and the NAMS Data Hub and Coordinating Center (NDHCC), the MSK NAMS developed through this effort will be widely accessible to a broad range of downstream users.
Awardee
Funding Goals
<P><SPAN STYLE="BACKGROUND-COLOR:WHITE;">THE OFFICE OF STRATEGIC COORDINATION (</SPAN><A HREF="HTTPS://COMMONFUND.NIH.GOV/"><SPAN STYLE="BACKGROUND-COLOR:WHITE;">COMMON FUND</SPAN></A><SPAN STYLE="BACKGROUND-COLOR:WHITE;">)</SPAN><SPAN STYLE="BACKGROUND-COLOR:#F9F9F9;"> SUPPORTS RESEARCH AND OTHER PROJECTS THAT WILL ACCELERATE FUNDAMENTAL BIOMEDICAL DISCOVERY AND TRANSLATION OF THAT KNOWLEDGE INTO EFFECTIVE PREVENTION STRATEGIES AND NEW TREATMENTS.</SPAN></P>
Grant Program (CFDA)
Place of Performance
Boston,
Massachusetts
021156110
United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Brigham & Womens Hospital was awarded
Advanced Physiologic Models for Musculoskeletal Disorder Research
Cooperative Agreement UM1TR006047
worth $3,516,688
from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in March 2026 with work to be completed primarily in Boston Massachusetts United States.
The grant
has a duration of 4 years 9 months and
was awarded through assistance program 93.310 Trans-NIH Research Support.
The Cooperative Agreement was awarded through grant opportunity Complement-ARIE New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) Technology Development Centers (UM1 Clinical Trial Optional).
Status
(Ongoing)
Last Modified 4/6/26
Period of Performance
3/20/26
Start Date
12/31/30
End Date
Funding Split
$3.5M
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$3.5M
Total Obligated
Activity Timeline
Additional Detail
Award ID FAIN
UM1TR006047
SAI Number
UM1TR006047-3690955508
Award ID URI
SAI UNAVAILABLE
Awardee Classifications
Nonprofit With 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other Than An Institution Of Higher Education)
Awarding Office
75NR00 NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences
Funding Office
75NA00 NIH OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
Awardee UEI
QN6MS4VN7BD1
Awardee CAGE
0W3J1
Performance District
MA-07
Senators
Edward Markey
Elizabeth Warren
Elizabeth Warren
Modified: 4/6/26