The purpose of this Notice is to announce to potential applicants to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) an interest in research on the impact of COVID-19 as related to diseases and conditions within the NIAMS mission.

The outbreak of COVID-19 caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 has spread worldwide leading to large numbers of infections and deaths. A wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and outcomes, ranging from asymptomatic disease to multiorgan failure, has become a hallmark of the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients with many underlying diseases and conditions are at increased risk of acquiring and having adverse outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, persistent symptoms (post-acute sequelae), including fatigue, muscle pain, weakness or wasting, joint pain, skin rash, arthritis, and biobehavioral changes, are being reported among COVID-19 survivors, even among individuals who initially experience a mild acute illness. As of this writing, three vaccines that are used as a preventive measure against the disease are being distributed in the United States, and several other vaccines and various treatments are in different stages of preclinical and clinical development. While there is no obvious indication of adverse events or impacts of the use of these vaccines in individuals with underlying rheumatic, skin, and or musculoskeletal diseases/conditions, research studies should be carried out to determine if these individuals will be affected differently by COVID-19 vaccines and treatments as compared to those without such conditions. In line with overall NIH efforts, NIAMS would like to promote basic, translational, pre-clinical and clinical observational research focused on COVID-19 infection and its intersection with rheumatic, musculoskeletal, and skin diseases and conditions.

This notice applies to due dates on or after February 5, 2022 and subsequent receipt dates through January 7, 2023. 

NOT-AR-22-012