NIH Signals New Interest in CFIDS Research

Attracting new researchers to the study of chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS) is a high priority for the Association and its members and donors. Recognizing that a specialized research announcement called a “Request for Applications” issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a key strategy to achieve this goal, the Association has vigorously campaigned with top NIH officials for the release of an RFA with set aside funds.

At an NIH-sponsored workshop on neuroimmune mechanisms in June 2003, NIH Deputy Director Dr. Vivian Pinn announced the NIH’s intention to issue an RFA for CFS. For the next two years, the Association called for NIH to make good on its commitment. Advocates who participated in the Association’s May 12, 2005 Lobby Day informed lawmakers about the extended delay and its effect on the decline in CFS research. In response, several members of Congress voiced their concerns directly to NIH.

On July 14, 2005, the NIH issued a Request for Applications (RFA) titled “Neuroimmune Mechanisms and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.” The announcement states that approximately $4,000,000 has been designated for successful applications and indicates that 6 to 10 new studies will be funded. We are pleased with this announcement and extend thanks to everyone who helped secure this important research initiative and the set-aside funds attached to it.

Priorities for the RFA follow recommendations developed during the June 2003 workshop, “Neuroimmune Mechanisms and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Will Understanding Central Mechanisms Enhance the Search for Causes, Consequences, and Treatment of CFS?” The priorities identified in the RFA are those projects that:

1. Examine mediators influencing communication among the interacting parts of the nervous and immune systems, as well as those that postulate central control mechanisms for these interactions;
2. Use new tools to explore different aspects of the disease process;
3. Elucidate the developmental aspects of this disease; and
4. Develop predictive biomarkers.

The Association is working to broadly distribute this news, focusing particular attention on the scientific community in an effort to stimulate new interest in CFS research by senior investigators and young scientists working in a wide range of disciplines and institutions. We encourage others to share this announcement on research-related listservs and websites to stimulate the largest number of quality applications by the August 19, 2005 deadline.

Read more about public policy activities at http://www.cfids.org/advocacy/default.asp. Then get involved! Please make a tax-deductible donation to help us maintain the momentum of our efforts in public policy.