Zika Virus (ZIKV) Complications (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) | PA 18 048

Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 18 048

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity titled "Zika Virus (ZIKV) Complications (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" (Funding Opportunity Number PA 18 048) is a discretionary grant program designed to support research focused on Zika virus and the health complications associated with infection. It uses the NIH R21 mechanism, which is generally intended for exploratory and developmental projects that can test new ideas, generate early evidence, or open up novel lines of investigation. The announcement explicitly allows clinical trials but does not require them, meaning applicants can propose either non-clinical studies or clinical research depending on what best fits their scientific aims.

A central goal of the opportunity is to advance understanding of Zika virus-related complications, which can include a wide range of outcomes affecting different populations and organ systems. While the notice itself is brief, the framing makes clear that NIH is looking for research that moves beyond basic detection of Zika to address the downstream consequences of infection, including mechanisms, risk factors, and potentially approaches to prevention, diagnosis, or management of complications. Because the R21 mechanism is often used to support early-stage work, projects might involve hypothesis-generating studies, feasibility assessments, proof-of-concept investigations, or development of preliminary data that could support a later, larger R01-scale project.

This FOA also serves as a replacement for an earlier announcement, PAR-16-106. The earlier program used rolling application due dates to speed review and funding decisions for urgent or time-sensitive Zika-related proposals during the height of the public health emergency. The replacement indicates a shift from the emergency-style, rapid-response structure to a more standard solicitation approach, while still maintaining NIH support for Zika complications research. The notice states that the last submission date for the prior PAR-16-106 opportunity was January 13, 2017, clarifying that applicants should now use this newer FOA instead of the older one.

In terms of who can apply, the eligibility is broad and includes many types of domestic and international organizations. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township, and 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; and Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized governments. It also includes public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities, nonprofit organizations both with and without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education), for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and small businesses. The opportunity further highlights "other eligible applicants" 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 or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations). Taken together, this eligibility language signals an intent to encourage participation across academic, governmental, community, and private-sector settings, including institutions that serve populations that may be disproportionately affected by mosquito-borne disease outbreaks.

Key administrative details include that the program is categorized under the broad government activity area of Health, Income Security and Social Services, and it is associated with multiple CFDA numbers (93.121, 93.173, 93.286, 93.853, 93.855, 93.856, 93.865, 93.867), reflecting NIH’s multi-institute participation and the fact that Zika-related research can intersect with several NIH missions. The posted award ceiling is $200,000, consistent with the R21’s typical role in supporting smaller, early-stage studies rather than large multi-year trials or expansive program projects. The record shows a closing date of January 7, 2020, and a creation date of November 15, 2017, which places the opportunity in the period after the initial surge of emergency Zika funding but while continued research investment remained a priority.

Overall, this grant opportunity is best understood as NIH support for targeted, early-stage research that can clarify and address the complications of Zika virus infection, with flexibility for applicants to propose clinical trials when appropriate and with wide eligibility designed to bring in diverse investigators and institutions, including community-based, minority-serving, tribal, territorial, federal, and international organizations.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health, income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Zika Virus (ZIKV) Complications (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.121, 93.173, 93.286, 93.853, 93.855, 93.856, 93.865, 93.867.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2017-11-15.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-01-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PA 18 048

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