Underactive Bladder and Detrusor Activity in Aging (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) | PA 18 571

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the title and funding opportunity number for this NIH grant?

The funding opportunity is titled "Underactive Bladder and Detrusor Activity in Aging (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)" and the Funding Opportunity Number is PA-18-571.

What is the overall purpose of this funding opportunity?

This opportunity supports small, early-stage pilot and feasibility studies focused on underactive bladder (UAB) and detrusor underactivity (DU), especially as these conditions develop or worsen with aging. The goal is to generate foundational evidence and practical insights that can advance the field, such as clarifying biological mechanisms, improving diagnosis, and testing early intervention approaches that could later be scaled into larger studies and clinical use.

What grant mechanism does this opportunity use, and what does that imply about project scope?

This FOA uses the NIH R03 mechanism. R03 awards are intended for tightly scoped projects that answer targeted questions, establish proof-of-concept, or generate preliminary data strong enough to justify a later, larger application.

Is a clinical trial required under this FOA?

No. Clinical trials are optional. Applicants may propose clinical trial work if appropriate, but they are not required to include a clinical trial.

What is the maximum award amount mentioned for this opportunity?

The award ceiling listed is $50,000, which aligns with the intent to fund smaller-scale projects designed to be completed efficiently and to build feasibility, methods, or preliminary datasets.

What topic area does this opportunity focus on?

The focus is on underactive bladder (UAB) and detrusor underactivity (DU) in the context of aging, including how these conditions emerge, progress, and affect outcomes in older adults.

What are the main scientific research directions highlighted in the FOA?

The FOA highlights four broad research directions: (1) biology, causes, and pathophysiology of DU and UAB; (2) translation of basic/clinical findings toward clinical practice and decision-making; (3) diagnosis, prevention, management, and clinical outcomes of UAB in older adults; and (4) epidemiology and risk factor research related to DU/UAB with advancing age.

What types of studies are encouraged under the biology and pathophysiology direction?

Projects may investigate biological mechanisms and causes of DU/UAB using animal models and/or studies in older adult populations. Examples of highlighted areas include age-related changes in detrusor muscle function, neural control of bladder emptying, sensory signaling, ischemic or inflammatory contributions, hormonal influences, and other mechanisms that may explain declining bladder contractility and ineffective voiding with age.

What does "translation" mean in the context of this FOA?

Translation refers to projects that move knowledge from basic and clinical research toward clinical practice and real-world decision-making. This can include developing clinically usable tools, improving how clinicians interpret existing measures, or creating evidence-based approaches that help patients and providers choose management strategies more effectively than trial-and-error.

What kinds of projects are encouraged for diagnosis, prevention, and management in older adults?

The FOA encourages studies aimed at improving recognition of UAB/DU in clinical settings, evaluating screening or diagnostic strategies, exploring preventive approaches for at-risk older patients, and testing management pathways that could reduce complications and improve meaningful outcomes for older adults.

What patient-centered outcomes and complications are noted as relevant in this FOA?

The FOA notes that UAB and DU can be associated with urinary retention, recurrent infections, overflow incontinence, and reduced quality of life. It expresses interest in research that identifies interventions improving outcomes that matter to patients, including symptom burden, independence, functional status, and safety.

What kinds of epidemiology and risk factor studies are invited?

The FOA invites studies to better define how common DU/UAB is with advancing age, who is most at risk, and what medical, behavioral, neurological, or medication-related factors contribute to development or progression. This work can help establish clearer clinical definitions, identify high-risk groups, and inform prevention or early intervention strategies.

What is the program category and assistance listing information provided?

The opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding, uses a grant funding instrument in the health area, and lists CFDA 93.866.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. Eligible applicants include: state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (outside higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; and other entities.

Are specific institution types and community organizations explicitly included as eligible?

Yes. The FOA explicitly notes additional eligible groups such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based and community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and non-U.S. (foreign) organizations.

Does the FOA emphasize research in older adult populations?

Yes. While some studies may use animal models, the FOA repeatedly emphasizes aging and older adults, including research on how DU/UAB develops or worsens with age and how to improve diagnosis, prevention, management, and outcomes in older adults.

What characteristics would a competitive project typically demonstrate (based on the FOA description)?

Based on the FOA description, a competitive project would typically: clearly explain why the question is important for aging populations; show the approach is feasible within a small R03 scope; and describe how results will enable next-step studies or near-term improvements in clinical reasoning and care related to DU/UAB.

What are the key dates provided in the source information?

The FOA creation date is 2018-01-11, and the original closing date shown is 2021-05-07.

Is this opportunity intended for large, multi-year studies?

The description emphasizes that this is an R03 with a $50,000 ceiling and is intended for compact, well-justified pilot and feasibility projects that generate foundational evidence, methods, or preliminary datasets rather than large, expansive studies.

What kinds of near-term impacts is NIH looking for from R03 projects under this FOA?

NIH is looking for projects that sharpen understanding of DU/UAB in aging and produce evidence that can improve diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment decision-making for older adults, while also enabling future, larger studies when appropriate.