The NIH defines a clinical trial as a research study in which one or more human subjects are prospectively assigned to one or more interventions (which may include placebo or other control) to evaluate the effects of those interventions on health-related biomedical or behavioral outcomes. Clinical trials range from small, first-in-human, tolerability or exploratory studies, to larger trials of efficacy or effectiveness. The NIAMS clinical trials program is designed to support the spectrum of such studies with funding mechanisms tailored to different levels of complexity and risk.

Exploratory Clinical Trial Grants (R21)

The Exploratory Clinical Trials Grants Program is designed for creative, short-term interventional studies to obtain the experimental data needed to launch future clinical trials. More

Clinical Observational (CO) Studies in Musculoskeletal, Rheumatic, and Skin Diseases (R01)

Applicants are encouraged to propose studies that address significant obstacles or questions in the design of a clinical trial, such as determining appropriate outcome measures, or identifying when patients are most likely to respond to an intervention. More

NIAMS Clinical Trial Planning Grants (R34)

The R34 planning grants will give investigators the time and funds necessary to complete detailed clinical trial planning to meet NIAMS and NIH standards and regulatory requirements. More

NIAMS Clinical Trial Implementation Cooperative Agreement (U01)

Investigators who are R34 awardees (or previous U34 awardees) or who have completed all necessary pre-trial planning and preparation through other means may apply for a NIAMS U01. More

Related Resources

FAQs for Investigators Conducting NIAMS-Funded Clinical Research Studies
RePORTER
Studies Seeking Patients
ClinicalTrials.gov
Glossary