Innovation in Molecular Imaging Probes--Response to Request for Applications (RFA)
Level - GradMolecular imaging has the potential to monitor both normal and abnormal biochemical and physiological parameters in individual patients. A major road-block to clinical applications of molecular imaging is the poor sensitivity, specificity, and spatial localization of current imaging probes or contrast agents. The purpose of this RFA is to encourage the development of new probes that will achieve one or two orders of magnitude (i.e., a factor of 10 to 100) improvement in the ability to detect and image specific molecular events in vivo, and also have potential for clinical applications. This announcement is specifically intended to encourage pilot and feasibility studies that explore novel and untested “high-risk” approaches to achieve this goal, rather than incremental technology improvements. Novel probes for any of the imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear emission tomography (PET, SPECT), or optical fluorescence imaging (especially near-infrared fluorescence imaging) will be appropriate. Further information can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RM-04-021.html . Due to your expertise in biomedical engineering and your team working abilities, you have been asked to develop an innovative proposal for presentation and submission on Friday, October 29 at 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm in Emory Hospital Annex Room N360. You need to follow the guidelines as closely as possible, but you don’t need to submit a budget at this time.