Standard RFA (rolling applications):
All UIC faculty are eligible
Standard RFA (rolling applications): All UIC faculty are eligible Heading link
The goal of UICentre, as a part of the CCTS, is to add value to translational projects that provide opportunities in small molecule drug discovery. Projects are focused on finding new hits, usually based upon robust assay development, high throughput screening (HTS), and/or hit-to-lead optimization. Target validation using synthetic chemical probes along with drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic (DMPK) studies can also be part of UICentre drug discovery projects.
Faculty seeking UICentre support for their drug discovery-related projects are asked to submit a letter of intent (LOI) to drugdiscovery@uic.edu.
The LOI must be submitted as a single pdf consisting of two parts (A and B):
- Application Narrative (two pages max, 0.5 inch margin, 10 pt) which includes the following
- Names, affiliations, e-mails of PI and Co-Is (roles specified)
- Clinician collaborators that may be involved at present or in the future if identified
- Title of Invention Disclosure, if any, and name of OTM technology manager
- Brief description of the biological target/pathway
- Description of the bioassay that validates the biological target in a relevant model
- Molecular structures of any small molecule hits identified to date
- Description of the planned animal model to establish proof of concept, including IACUC protocol number (if available).
- Novelty in target/indication/assay (advantage over competition)
- A precise and significant milestone that would mark success for the funded project
- A brief description of how the accomplishment of this milestone would position the PI/team to achieve a larger translational goal (supported by funding).
- Budget Justification
- NIH Biosketches of the PI and any named Co-Is.
Upon receipt of the LOI, the UICentre will contact the PI to provide feedback. If the initial reception is positive, the PI may be asked to present to a panel of reviewers, before a funding decision is made.