Rising Demand for Research into Sexually Transmitted Infections

by Fatoyinbo, Willette B.

Every day, physicians diagnose over 1 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) around the globe, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Researchers suggest a combination of STIs have the potential to cause a public health crisis. If untreated, STI symptoms trigger more physical complications in patients of all ages – even newborns.

Research is needed to address the ongoing spread of STIs through several entry points, such as innovative diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. Research focus areas in need of attention include, but are not limited to faster, low-cost diagnostics, drug-drug interactions, toxicities and side effects – while keeping ahead of spreading antimicrobial resistance. Most importantly, researchers stress that cooperation among the biomedical community, within the public and private sectors, is essential for halting the spread of STIs.

Please review and share the following active funding opportunities with faculty with an interest in STIs and/or public health:

  1. NIAID Clinical Trial Planning Grant (R34) – next application due January 13, 2020 (expires May 14, 2022);
  2. SBIR/STTR Commercialization Readiness Pilot Program Technical Assistance and Late Stage Development (SB1, R44) – next application due January 5, 2020 (expires April 6, 2022); and
  3. International Research Ethics Education and Curriculum Development Award (R25) – next application due June 4, 2020 (expires June 5, 2021).