Improving diagnosis for patients with rare and undiagnosed conditions
Official title: Diagnosing the Unknown for Care and Advancing Science (DUCAS)
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11056815 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to make it easier for people with rare or unusual health issues to get the right diagnosis by bringing together experts and sharing important information, so patients can have a smoother journey to better health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 19, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $4,240,252 |
| NIH project number | 5U2CNS132415-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056815 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with rare diseases or those who have not yet received a diagnosis for their health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with well-defined and common conditions that are easily diagnosed may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the diagnostic process for patients suffering from rare conditions or uncommon presentations of common diseases. By building on the success of the Undiagnosed Diseases Network, the project will create a robust infrastructure that integrates data sharing, clinical care, and advanced diagnostics. Patients will benefit from a coordinated approach that brings together experts in various fields to streamline the diagnostic journey and improve patient outcomes. The initiative will also focus on generating new insights into the underlying mechanisms of these diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the time it takes for patients to receive accurate diagnoses, leading to timely and appropriate treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous initiatives like the Undiagnosed Diseases Network have shown success in diagnosing complex cases, indicating that this approach has a solid foundation.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kohane, Isaac S. — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Kohane, Isaac S.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.