Expansion of NIH research on polycystic kidney disease

Subpart 3 of part C of title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 285c et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 434B. Expansion of NIH research on polycystic kidney disease (a) Research focus The Director of the Institute shall expand and intensify research activities regarding polycystic kidney disease (in this section referred to as PKD), including— (1) basic research to understand the genetic and molecular mechanisms of PKD; (2) translational research to identify biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets; and (3) clinical research to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new and existing treatments. (b) Collaboration In implementing the requirements of subsection (a), the Director of the Institute shall— (1) collaborate with other Federal agencies, academic institutions, and private sector stakeholders to accelerate the development of treatments and cures; and (2) support training programs to cultivate a workforce of researchers and clinicians specializing in PKD. (c) Priority In implementing the requirements of subsection (a), the Director of the Institute shall prioritize research proposals that demonstrate a clear potential to advance understanding and treatment of PKD. 434C. Development of comprehensive PKD roadmap (a) In general The Director of NIH shall establish a working group to develop a comprehensive roadmap for polycystic kidney disease (in this section referred to as PKD) research and innovation. (b) Membership The Director of NIH shall appoint the members of the working group, who shall be— (1) experts in nephrology, human genetics, or molecular and cellular biology with expertise in the mechanistic pathways of PKD; (2) representatives of PKD patient advocacy organizations; or (3) such other stakeholders as the Director determines appropriate. (c) Responsibilities In developing the comprehensive roadmap referred to in subsection (a), the working group shall— (1) identify research gaps and priorities; (2) recommend strategies to enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors; (3) propose timelines and benchmarks for achieving key milestones in PKD innovation; and (4) develop a plan for integrating new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and precision medicine, into PKD research and care. (d) Report Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this section, the working group shall submit to Congress a report detailing the findings and recommendations of the working group, including the comprehensive roadmap referred to in subsection (a)..