Potential Effects of Metformin on Aging and Age-Related Conditions: Small-Scale Clinical Studies and Secondary Analysis of Controlled Clinical Studies (R01) | PA 17 073

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - NIH PA-17-073: Metformin and Aging (R01)

What is the focus of NIH funding opportunity PA-17-073?

PA-17-073 supports NIH R01 research projects that investigate whether metformin, a common diabetes medication, has clinically meaningful effects on aging and age-related conditions beyond its established role as an antihyperglycemic drug.

What is the overall goal of this FOA?

The goal is to produce human evidence clarifying metformin's potential to delay harmful age-related changes, preserve function, and possibly extend healthy lifespan, while strengthening the scientific rationale for larger future trials.

Why is metformin being studied in the context of aging?

The program is based on observations from prior clinical studies in different patient groups suggesting metformin may influence biological pathways relevant to aging. This FOA encourages more targeted translational research in humans to test that possibility directly.

What types of projects does this FOA emphasize?

The FOA highlights two main project categories: (1) small-scale clinical and physiologic studies in humans to probe metformin effects on aging-relevant outcomes, and (2) secondary analyses of existing controlled clinical intervention studies using previously collected datasets and/or stored biospecimens.

What are examples of outcomes or endpoints this FOA is interested in?

The FOA points to aging-relevant outcomes such as functional measures, metabolic markers, inflammatory markers, and other physiologic endpoints that can reveal how metformin affects systems that deteriorate with age.

Does the FOA support small clinical studies, or only large clinical trials?

It explicitly encourages small-scale clinical and physiologic studies in humans. The emphasis is on generating interpretable signals and mechanistic insight that can inform larger future trials, not necessarily launching large, expensive intervention studies immediately.

What does "secondary analysis" mean in this FOA?

Secondary analysis refers to analyzing existing controlled clinical intervention studies, including work that uses already-collected datasets and/or stored biospecimens. The intent is to maximize the value of completed or ongoing trials by asking new aging-focused questions without starting a new trial from scratch.

Are studies required to be conducted in humans?

The FOA centers on translational research in humans, including human clinical and physiologic studies and analyses of human controlled clinical intervention study resources.

What is the FOA looking for beyond simple associations?

The FOA prioritizes projects that connect metformin exposure to interpretable human biological signals and clinically relevant aging outcomes. It aims for mechanistic and physiologic insight, not just observational associations.

Is identifying who benefits from metformin a key part of this funding opportunity?

Yes. A central theme is identifying which populations, subgroups, or phenotypes are most likely to benefit from metformin in the context of aging biology.

What kinds of subgroups or characteristics might applicants examine to identify responders?

The FOA suggests differentiating effects by factors such as baseline metabolic status, comorbidities, frailty, age ranges, or other characteristics that influence risk and responsiveness.

How important is mechanistic insight in funded projects?

Mechanistic insight in humans is a key objective. Investigators are encouraged to measure physiologic and cellular effects that explain how metformin could act on aging-related pathways and to use findings to point toward novel molecular targets for future interventions.

What NIH grant mechanism is used for this opportunity?

This opportunity uses the NIH R01 research project grant mechanism.

How is this opportunity categorized in terms of federal assistance?

It is described as a discretionary grant under education and health-related federal assistance.

What CFDA numbers are associated with this FOA?

The CFDA numbers listed for this opportunity are 93.393 and 93.866.

Does the provided information state an award ceiling or the expected number of awards?

No. The provided source text notes that it does not specify an award ceiling or an expected number of awards, and it describes the FOA as a standard NIH research grant competition.

What types of organizations are eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes many domestic organization types: state, county, city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses.

Are there additional eligible applicant categories explicitly mentioned?

Yes. The FOA explicitly calls out additional eligible categories including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs); Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs); faith-based or community-based organizations; eligible federal agencies; regional organizations; U.S. territories or possessions; and non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations).

Are foreign (non-U.S.) organizations eligible under this FOA?

Yes. The provided information states that non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations) are included among the eligible applicant categories.

What is the closing date mentioned in the provided information?

The source information lists an original closing date of January 24, 2018.

What is the creation date mentioned for this FOA?

The source information lists a creation date of December 9, 2016.

In practical terms, what kind of evidence is this FOA trying to generate?

It aims to generate actionable human evidence that clarifies whether metformin can influence aging-related biology and outcomes, identifies who may benefit most, and provides mechanistic signals that can support the design and justification of larger future trials.

Does this FOA encourage reuse of existing study resources?

Yes. A major emphasis is on secondary analyses of existing controlled clinical intervention studies, including use of previously collected datasets and stored biospecimens, to efficiently address aging-focused questions.