Bridging Interventional Development Gaps (BrIDGs) makes available, on a competitive basis, certain critical resources needed for the development of new therapeutic agents. Investigators do not receive grant funds through this program. Instead, successful applicants receive access to NIH contractors who conduct preclinical studies at no cost to the investigator. In general, synthesis, formulation, pharmacokinetic, and toxicology services in support of investigator-held Investigational New Drug (IND) applications to the Food and Drug Administration are available. Within the fiscal year, three projects were completed. These projects involved therapies for Diabetic Retinopathy, Parkinson?s Disease and Radioisotope Contamination. The retinopathy project was discontinued due to milestone failure. An IND was filed for the Parkinson?s therapy and the first clinical trial is expected to begin in Fall 2012. NIAID is responsible for supporting additional studies related to radioisotope contamination product. An IND is not expected until late FY13 or FY14. In FY 2012, five new BrIDGs projects were approved for potential therapies for rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic disorder, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and pancreatic cancer. Other ongoing projects support the development of potential therapies for Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva, Anemia of Inflammation, Epilepsy, Pancreatic Cancer, Niemann-Pick C Disease, Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase Deficiency, Alzheimer?s Disease, Hyperinsulinism, Chronic Dry Eye, Osteoarthritis, Hypoparathyroidism, and Atherosclerosis. In spring 2012, BrIDGs solicited new applications for the first time under NCATS. 44 applications were received and awards will be made in FY13. Products are being developed for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Metabolic Disorder, Multiple Sclerosis, Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva, Anemia of Inflammation, Epilepsy, Pancreatic Cancer, Niemann-Pick C Disease, Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase Deficiency, Alzheimer?s Disease, Hyperinsulinism, Chronic Dry Eye, Osteoarthritis, Hypoparathyroidism, and Atherosclerosis.
