The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) of the National Institutes of Health made an announcement this fall that has set the HBV community abuzz with excitement. NIDDK will be funding the creation of a cooperative Hepatitis B Clinical Research Network of 10 Clinical Centers in the U.S.

The goal is to promote translational research on chronic hepatitis B, focusing particularly on current HBV drugs and an evaluation of combination therapies. This is just the kind of research initiative that the Hepatitis B Foundation has been asking about for several years!

The total amount to be awarded is approximately $3 million during Fiscal Year 2008 (year 1 of the Network) and up to approximately $7 million per year in years 2 to 7 of the Network. Funding is anticipated for up to 10 clinical centers, and a virology and immunology research lab.

For more information, visit the NIH @ http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DK-07-011.html#SectionI.