DoD Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Translational Research Award

The FY23 DMDRP TRA mechanism supports advanced translational research that will accelerate the movement of promising ideas in DMD research into clinical applications. Translational research may be defined as an integration of basic science and clinical observations. Observations that drive a research idea may originate from a laboratory discovery, population-based studies, or a clinician’s firsthand knowledge of patient care. The ultimate goal of translational research is to move a concept or observation forward into clinical application. However, Principal Investigators (PIs) should not view translational research as a one-way continuum from bench to bedside. The research plan must involve a reciprocal flow of ideas and information between basic and clinical science.

This mechanism is intended to support established projects that have moved beyond the realm of basic research and proof of concept studies and have the potential to result in a near-term impact in clinical research or the clinic. Research projects investigating therapies that will be efficacious across the lifespan, including infants, toddlers, and non-ambulatory individuals, are strongly encouraged. Pilot, proof-of-principle clinical trials, and correlative studies to better inform development of drugs, devices, and other interventions are allowed.

All applications must include preliminary data relevant to DMD and the proposed project.

Early-Career Partnering PI Option: The FY23 DMDRP encourages applications that include meaningful and productive collaborations between investigators. In an effort to promote enhanced research capacity within the DMD field, the FY23 TRA includes an option for an Early-Career Partnering PI. The Partnering PI Option is structured to accommodate two PIs. One PI will be identified as the Initiating PI and will be responsible for the majority of the administrative tasks associated with application submission. The Early-Career PI will be identified as the Partnering PI. Both PIs should contribute significantly to the development of the proposed research project, including the Project Narrative, Statement of Work (SOW), and other required components. If recommended for funding, each PI will be named to an individual award within the recipient organization. For individual submission requirements for the Initiating and Partnering PI, refer to Section II.D.2, Content and Form of the Application Submission.