Identification of Immune-Mediated Causes of Sensorineural Hearing Loss (R21/R33)

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Purpose. The purpose of this FOA is to encourage submission of milestone-driven interdisciplinary Exploratory/Developmental Phased Innovation (R21/R33) research proposals designed to further our understanding of the mechanism, etiology, and pathophysiology of immune mediated sensorineural hearing loss (IMSNHL). Applications considered responsive include studies of 1) ear organ-specific autoimmune sensorineural hearing loss - i.e. autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED), 2) sudden sensorineural hearing loss attributable to AIED, as well as 3) sensorineural hearing loss associated with systemic autoimmune disease. Proposals primarily involving human subjects/tissues will be given highest priority. The human health goal of this FOA is the ultimate translation of the research findings into clinical biomarkers, new diagnostic tests with high sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value, and the development of therapies that preserve natural hearing. Mechanism of Support. This FOA will utilize the R21/R33 Exploratory/Developmental Phased Innovation grant mechanism. Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards. NIDCD has set aside $700K in FY2011 and $1.3M in FY2012 in anticipation of 2-3 awards per application cycle.

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