CTSI Update: Announcements
The BMC/BU COVID-19 Biorepository
is Accepting Requests for Samples
A biorepository has been established to gather biospecimens from both ambulatory and inpatient COVID-19 patients at BMC. A centralized COVID-19 Biorepository Scientific Review Committee (SRC) will review sample requests from BU/BMC researchers.

Respiratory Viruses: A Focus of COVID-19 ARC
The BU CTSI/IBRO/Evans Center IBR are pleased to announce the establishment of a new Affinity Research Collaborative (ARC) , a multi-disciplinary researcher team of Boston University (BUMC, CRC), aims to dissect how this virus invades the lung epithelium, replicates inside cells, and is recognized and counteracted by the host immune defense.

New Funding Opportunities

Funding Opportunity Announcement for Community Interventions to Address the Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic for Health Disparity and Vulnerable Populations (R01- Clinical Trial Optional)

National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities ( NIMHD )


Availability of Common Data Elements for Research Related to the Public Health Emergency caused by COVID-19


Announcement for Digital healthcare interventions to address the secondary health effects related to social, behavioral, and economic impact of COVID-19

National Institute of Mental Health ( NIMH )

Pfizer provides up to $240,000 in support of fellowship programs for cardiologists focused on clinical practice, research, and education, with the aim of furthering the understanding of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis.  

ACCF grants up to $100,000 in support of cardiovascular quality improvement in cardiovascular care and patient outcomes.
News Highlights
Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines (ACTIV)
Stay up to date on research efforts of the Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines partnership.

First Molecular Profiles of Severe COVID-19 Infections
It would help if a simple blood test could predict early on which patients are most likely to progress to severe and life-threatening illness—and which are more likely to recover without much need for medical intervention.

Study Identifies Potential Approach to Treat Severe Respiratory Distress in Patients with COVID-19
Early data from a clinical study suggest that blocking the Bruton tyrosine kinase protein provided clinical benefit to a small group of patients with severe COVID-19

Upcoming Event
The Road to Immunity During COVID-19 — Developing and Distributing a Vaccine
June 10, 5-6:30 p.m. EDT


This webinar will include the basics of vaccine development, how developing a vaccine for COVID-19 differs from "traditional" vaccine development, and what actions can be taken now and in the coming months to ensure our supply chain is ready to manufacture millions of doses of a vaccine

Boston University Clinical & Translational Science Institute
Accelerating Discoveries Towards Better Health 
b u.edu/ctsi | ncats.nih.gov