Dear Dr. Bhattacharya and Dr. Lorsch:
We write regarding NOT-OD-26-098, which consolidates the career development (K) award portfolio and prohibits the use of K award funds to support the conduct of any clinical trial, including feasibility and ancillary studies, effective for due dates on or after October 12, 2027; we submit this letter in response to the companion request for information as well (NOT-OD-26-095). While we understand the goal of simplifying the K portfolio, we have significant concern about eliminating independent clinical trials from K awards. This pathway has served clinician-scientists well and should not be closed before an alternative has demonstrated comparable outcomes.
