Deadline: 07-Jan-2026

Breakthrough T1D is funding innovative research to develop immune tolerance strategies that improve islet cell therapy for type 1 diabetes (T1D). This call supports central and peripheral tolerance methods that provide graft-specific immune protection without weakening natural immunity. Researchers can apply for up to USD 900,000 over three years to advance clinically translatable tolerance-inducing therapies.

Breakthrough T1D Tolerance Induction Funding Opportunity

Breakthrough T1D is inviting proposals to advance immune tolerance strategies that enable successful islet cell transplantation for people living with type 1 diabetes. The initiative supports research that strengthens graft-specific protection while preserving overall immune function.

What This Funding Call Supports

This opportunity focuses on both central and peripheral tolerance induction mechanisms designed to improve clinical outcomes in islet replacement therapy. The goal is to expand the number of individuals eligible for islet transplantation by overcoming key immunological barriers.

Key Scientific Areas of Interest

Eligible research topics include:

• Co-stimulatory blockade pathways

• Regulatory cell therapy (e.g., Tregs, tolerogenic dendritic cells)

• Thymic organoid co-transplantation

• Antigen-presenting nanoparticles or microparticles

• Biomaterial-based pro-tolerogenic platforms
  These approaches aim to establish stable immune tolerance, reduce graft rejection, and support long-term islet survival.

Research Areas That Are NOT Eligible

The call specifically excludes proposals involving:

• Genetic protection or engineering of islet cells

• Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell co-transplantation

• Antigen-specific therapies focusing on endogenous beta-cell preservation

• Tolerance strategies for xenogeneic (cross-species) islet acceptance

Available Funding

• Award amount: Up to USD 900,000

• Project duration: Up to 3 years

• Mechanisms:

  • Strategic Research Agreement (non-profits; up to 10% indirect costs allowed)

  • Industry Discovery & Development Partnerships (for-profit entities; requires matched funding, no indirect costs allowed)

Who Is Eligible?

Applications are accepted from:

• Domestic or international non-profit institutions

• Universities, medical schools, research institutes

• Government research units

• For-profit organizations participating via the industry mechanism
  Applicants must:

• Hold relevant doctoral-level degrees (PhD, MD, etc.)

• Hold a faculty or equivalent research appointment
  The program encourages participation from diverse scientific backgrounds and underrepresented groups to broaden innovation in T1D research.

Why This Funding Matters

Advancing immune tolerance is a critical challenge in type 1 diabetes therapy. Islet transplantation has transformative potential but remains limited by immune rejection and the need for lifelong immunosuppression. This funding enables scientific breakthroughs that could:

• Improve long-term graft survival

• Reduce dependence on broad immunosuppression

• Expand access to advanced T1D therapies

• Accelerate translation of tolerance-inducing strategies to clinical trials

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare a Letter of Intent (LOI)

   • Length: 2 pages

   • Format: Required template through RMS360

   • Include project rationale, objectives, innovation, and relevance

2. Submit LOI via RMS360 Portal

   • Submission deadline: January 7, 2026

3. Await LOI Decision

   • Applicants notified by January 22, 2026

   • Only approved LOIs may proceed

4. Develop Full Proposal

   • Required documentation:

     • Research plan

     • Budget and justification

     • Biosketches

     • Resource-sharing plans

     • Human subjects documentation (if applicable; must follow NIH/HHS regulations)

   • Full proposal deadline: February 24, 2026

5. Review & Award Process

   • Evaluation criteria: Significance, scientific approach, translational potential, investigator expertise, institutional environment

   • Award notifications: July 2026

   • Earliest project start date: September 2026

Important Timeline

• Informational webinar: December 16, 2025

• LOI deadline: January 7, 2026

• LOI decision: January 22, 2026

• Full proposal: February 24, 2026

• Awards announced: July 2026

• Project start: September 2026

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting research not relevant to at least one approved tolerance mechanism

• Proposing excluded areas (e.g., xenogeneic islet tolerance)

• Requesting disallowed budget components (e.g., indirect costs for industry applicants)

• Failing to include human subject regulatory documents

• Submitting full proposals without LOI approval

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?

To support the development of immune tolerance strategies that improve the safety and long-term success of islet transplantation for type 1 diabetes.

2. Who can apply?

Academic institutions, non-profit organizations, government research units, and eligible industry partners with qualified principal investigators.

3. How much funding is available per project?

Up to USD 900,000 for a maximum duration of three years.

4. Do I need LOI approval to submit a full proposal?

Yes. Only applicants with an approved Letter of Intent may submit a full application.

5. Are human subjects allowed in the research?

Yes, but all studies involving human subjects must follow NIH and HHS guidelines and include required safety documentation.

6. Can for-profit companies apply?

Yes, under the Industry Discovery & Development Partnerships mechanism, which requires cost-sharing and does not allow indirect costs.

7. What types of studies will NOT be considered?

Projects involving genetic islet protection, mesenchymal stem cell co-transplantation, xenogeneic islet tolerance, or therapies targeting endogenous beta-cell preservation.

Conclusion

Breakthrough T1D’s tolerance induction funding initiative provides a major opportunity to advance transformative therapies for type 1 diabetes. By supporting innovative strategies that enable safer, more durable islet transplantation, this program aims to expand treatment options and accelerate progress toward long-term immune tolerance in T1D.

For more information, visit Breakthrough T1D.