# Congenital and Perinatal Infections Rare Diseases Clinical Research Consortium (RDCRC)

> **NIH NIH U54** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · 2020 · $1,383,894

## Abstract

The overall goal of the Congenital and Perinatal Infections Consortium (CPIC) is to establish infrastructure and
institutional cooperation – focusing on rare congenital and perinatal viral infections – to advance understanding
of these diseases, improve clinical trial readiness, test therapies, advance patient care, and ultimately reduce
disease burden. These infections include congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease, neonatal herpes simplex
virus (HSV) infection, and neonatal viral sepsis caused by enteroviruses (EVs) and the related human
parechoviruses (HPeVs).
Led by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and supported by an experienced and
highly efficient study team, the 28 study sites that will comprise the CPIC have cooperated closely for decades
as the Collaborative Antiviral Study Group (CASG) to investigate the natural history and treatment of rare
congenital and perinatal infectious diseases. These longstanding relationships, as well as partnerships with
community and industry stakeholders, will facilitate the success of our research efforts and our mentored
career enhancement activities. As with all successful research programs, answers to critical questions always
lead to identification of the next important questions that will further advance the field. These questions are the
basis of the CPIC research portfolio that will advance the care of children with rare neonatal viral infections and
provide experiential mentored research opportunities as we train the future generation of rare diseases
researchers.
Aims of the CPIC are: 1) to build upon clinical research advances achieved by the CASG to further advance
the diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of HSV, CMV, and EV in the neonatal population; 2) to leverage
longstanding relationships across the 28 CPIC study sites and with stakeholders to conduct clinical research
projects with the highest of fidelity to all research standards; 3) to advance rare diseases research by sharing
standardized data through close partnership with the Data Management and Coordinating Center and by
utilizing cloud computing capacities and Common Data Elements; 4) to develop and utilize pilot and feasibility
funding to leverage existing institutional resources and maximize its impact on the advancement of the science
related to rare infectious diseases impacting neonates; and 5) to support mentored research and career
enhancement opportunities for clinical fellows and junior faculty to facilitate the development of early-stage
investigators in rare diseases research. Our Consortium will bring value to the Rare Diseases Clinical
Research Network by promoting unique understanding of these diseases, and by providing both a time-tested
research model and advanced pharmacometric expertise.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10001427
- **Project number:** 5U54AI150225-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- **Principal Investigator:** David W. Kimberlin
- **Activity code:** U54 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $1,383,894
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-01 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10001427

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10001427, Congenital and Perinatal Infections Rare Diseases Clinical Research Consortium (RDCRC) (5U54AI150225-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10001427. Licensed CC0.

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