Chemical Countermeasures Research Program (CCRP) Initiative: Basic Research on The Deleterious Effects of Acute Exposure to Ultra-Potent Synthetic (UPS) Opioids (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | RFA DA 26 034

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA DA 26 034

The Chemical Countermeasures Research Program (CCRP) Initiative NOFO titled "Basic Research on The Deleterious Effects of Acute Exposure to Ultra-Potent Synthetic (UPS) Opioids (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" (Funding Opportunity Number RFA-DA-26-034) is a discretionary NIH grant opportunity focused on foundational, non-clinical-trial research that clarifies what happens in the body after short-term, high-risk exposure to ultra-potent synthetic opioids. The program is centered on UPS opioids such as fentanyl, carfentanil, and nitazenes, and it also explicitly calls out research on combinations that are increasingly relevant in real-world intoxications, including fentanyl mixed with xylazine. The overall aim is to strengthen the scientific base needed to reduce harm by understanding mechanisms of injury and identifying ways to mitigate both immediate toxicity and longer-lasting health consequences that can follow an acute exposure event.

The scientific scope emphasizes two connected areas: first, the acute, deleterious effects of UPS opioids and mixtures, and second, persistent and/or delayed pathophysiological effects that may appear or continue after the initial exposure has passed. In practical terms, this means the NOFO is looking for basic research that can explain how these substances disrupt critical biological systems (for example, the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, the central nervous system, and other organ systems implicated in overdose and post-overdose complications), and how those disruptions might evolve over time. The inclusion of persistent or delayed effects highlights interest beyond the immediate overdose window, encouraging studies that investigate lingering injury, recovery trajectories, or secondary complications that can remain after an acute intoxication episode, especially in the context of high potency agents and emerging adulterant combinations.

The funding mechanism is an R01, and the NOFO clearly states "Clinical Trial Not Allowed," meaning the work should not involve NIH-defined clinical trials. Applicants should interpret this as a basic research opportunity rather than a vehicle for testing interventions in human participants under clinical trial frameworks. The activity categories listed for the opportunity are Education and Health, and the CFDA numbers associated with the listing are 93.279 and 93.855. The award ceiling is listed as $300,000, indicating the maximum award amount expected under this opportunity as presented in the source data. The original closing date is 2027-11-18, and the opportunity record was created on 2024-11-20.

Eligibility is broad across government, education, nonprofit, and private-sector research performers within allowable boundaries. Eligible applicants include state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, and independent school districts, as well as public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education. Tribal participation is supported through eligibility for Native American tribal governments (federally recognized) and Native American tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments, along with categories such as Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs). The NOFO also includes nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (in both cases, other than institutions of higher education), as well as public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities. On the private side, for-profit organizations other than small businesses and small businesses are included, and the listing also indicates "Others" as an eligible class, which typically signals additional organizational types that fit NIH policy and the NOFO instructions.

The NOFO explicitly notes additional eligible applicant types that NIH is emphasizing, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible agencies of the federal government, regional organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions. At the same time, the opportunity includes clear restrictions related to foreign involvement: non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations) are not eligible to apply, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible. In other words, the applicant organization and the organizational components proposed to conduct the work must be U.S.-based in accordance with the NOFO restrictions.

Administratively, the agency listed is the National Institutes of Health, and the instrument type is a grant. The program title and description indicate the CCRP framing, which is oriented toward chemical countermeasure science, with this particular initiative targeting the rapidly evolving overdose landscape driven by ultra-potent synthetic opioids and their mixtures. The intended impact is to generate rigorous basic evidence that can guide future countermeasure development and public health preparedness by revealing how these substances cause damage in the acute phase and what biological or physiological problems may persist or emerge later following exposure.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Chemical Countermeasures Research Program (CCRP) Initiative: Basic Research on The Deleterious Effects of Acute Exposure to Ultra-Potent Synthetic (UPS) Opioids (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.279, 93.855.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-11-20.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2027-11-18.
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $300,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

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