Deadline: 04-Dec-2025

Breakthrough T1D is requesting applications to develop next-generation continuous C-peptide monitoring (CCPM) technologies for people with Type 1 diabetes. This funding supports early-stage development, preclinical testing, and initial clinical evaluation of sensors capable of detecting physiological C-peptide at extremely low concentrations. Awards of up to USD 900,000 over three years are available for academic and industry researchers.

Breakthrough T1D Funding Call: Continuous C-Peptide Monitoring Technologies

Breakthrough T1D has launched a major funding opportunity to accelerate the development of continuous C-peptide monitoring (CCPM) platforms. The initiative aims to enable real-time or high-frequency tracking of C-peptide, a critical biomarker of beta-cell function in individuals with Type 1 diabetes.

What This RFA Targets

The call focuses on sensor technologies capable of detecting C-peptide levels in the picomolar range with high sensitivity, specificity, stability, and suitability for real-world, longitudinal use. Continuous monitoring is prioritized, but high-frequency or at-home testing tools will be considered if they significantly improve existing methods.

Eligible Research Areas

Proposals may include:

• Development of biosensors for C-peptide detection in biological fluids

• Sensor validation through in vitro, ex vivo, or early clinical studies

• Demonstration of accurate detection under physiological conditions

• Preclinical testing in animal models

• Integration of biosensors into wearable, at-home, or user-friendly devices

• High-fidelity data capture compatible with diabetes monitoring systems

• Feasibility studies to assess performance, accuracy, and long-term stability
  Accepted sensing strategies may include optical, enzymatic, aptamer-based, antibody-based, or alternative biochemical transduction approaches.

Funding Details

• Maximum request: USD 900,000

• Duration: Up to 3 years

• Flexibility: Projects requiring more time/budget may be considered with strong justification

• Smaller budgets: Encouraged when aligned with narrower project scopes
  Budget appropriateness relative to project aims is a key review criterion.

Who Is Eligible?

The opportunity is open to:

• Academic institutions

• Non-profit research organizations

• Government research units

• For-profit companies (with matching funds)
  Applicants must:

• Hold doctoral-level qualifications

• Possess faculty or equivalent research appointments
  Both domestic and international applicants are welcome.

Why C-Peptide Monitoring Matters

C-peptide is one of the most important biomarkers for evaluating:

• Beta-cell function

• Disease progression in Type 1 diabetes

• Responses to immunotherapies and disease-modifying treatments
  Current measurement methods are infrequent and invasive. CCPM technologies could transform diabetes research and care by enabling:

• High-resolution data collection

• Better tracking of therapeutic impact

• Personalised disease monitoring

• Improved clinical decision-making

Priority Features for CCPM Technologies

Proposals must align with performance expectations such as:

• Picomolar-level sensitivity

• High selectivity in complex biological environments

• Long-term stability for continuous monitoring

• Minimally invasive or user-friendly sensing systems

• Compatibility with continuous glucose monitoring ecosystems

• Clear usability in real-world environments

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare a Letter of Intent (LOI)

   • Use required RMS360 template

   • Include goals, milestones, scientific rationale, and relevance

2. Submit LOI via RMS360

   • Deadline: December 4, 2025

3. Await LOI Notification

   • Decisions released: January 8, 2026

   • Only approved LOIs may submit full proposals

4. Prepare Full Proposal

   • Submit using Breakthrough T1D templates

   • Include:

     • Research plan

     • Budget and justification

     • Milestones and go/no-go decision points

     • Biosketches

     • Regulatory and safety documents (if human or animal subjects involved)

5. Submit Full Application

   • Deadline: February 12, 2026

6. Review and Selection

   • Criteria include:

     • Significance

     • Relevance to CCPM goals

     • Innovation and approach

     • Feasibility and environment

     • Plan for clinical translation

7. Award Notification and Start

   • Decisions: July 2026

   • Earliest project start: September 2026

Funding Mechanisms

• Strategic Research Agreement (SRA)

  • For non-profit institutions

  • Limited indirect costs allowed

• Industry Discovery & Development Partnerships (IDDP)

  • For for-profit applicants

  • Requires matching contributions

  • No indirect costs allowed

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to demonstrate detection at physiological (picomolar) concentrations

• Proposing technologies not suitable for continuous or high-frequency monitoring

• Providing unclear milestones or poorly defined go/no-go criteria

• Requesting budgets misaligned with project scope

• Submitting full proposals without LOI approval

• Omitting required human subjects or animal research documentation

FAQ (5–7 Questions)

1. What is the main goal of this RFA?

To fund technologies that enable continuous or high-frequency C-peptide monitoring for improved diabetes research and care.

2. What types of sensing technologies are allowed?

Any platform capable of physiologically relevant C-peptide detection, including optical, enzymatic, aptamer-based, antibody-based, or other biosensor strategies.

3. Are at-home or high-frequency testing systems eligible?

Yes, if they substantially improve current methods and align with physiological detection requirements.

4. Is an LOI required?

Yes, an LOI must be approved before submitting a full proposal.

5. Can for-profit companies apply?

Yes, through the Industry Discovery & Development Partnerships mechanism, which requires matching funding.

6. What is the maximum amount of funding available?

Up to USD 900,000 for up to three years.

7. Are human subject studies allowed?

Yes, but proposals must include detailed regulatory and safety documentation.

Conclusion

This Breakthrough T1D funding initiative aims to accelerate the creation of next-generation C-peptide monitoring technologies that can transform diabetes research and clinical management. By supporting innovative sensor platforms and translational development, the program seeks to advance precise, real-time insights into beta-cell function and help drive breakthroughs in Type 1 diabetes therapies.

For more information, visit Breakthrough T1D.