Medications Development for the Treatment of Cannabis-Related Disorders (R21)

Purpose: This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) solicits Exploratory/Developmental (R21) grant applications from applicant organizations that propose to conduct preclinical and clinical research directed towards the identification, evaluation and development of safe and effective medications for the treatment of Cannabis Related Disorders (CRDs) and their medical and psychiatric consequences. They include the Cannabis Use Disorders (CUDs) such cannabis abuse and dependence, the Cannabis Induced Disorders (CIDs) such as intoxication, psychosis, and anxiety, as well as the comorbidity of these disorders with other medical and psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression). Cannabis use includes marijuana, hashish, and other tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) containing substances. NIDA is encouraging research in this area because there is a high prevalence of marijuana use in the general population accompanied with an increasing misperception that its use poses low health risk, there is limited research in this area, and there are no effective pharmacological treatments available for these disorders. Mechanism of Support. This FOA will utilize the NIH Exploratory/Developmental (R21) award mechanism and runs in parallel with an FOA of identical scientific scope, PA-07-365, that solicits applications under the R01 mechanism. Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards. Awards issued under this FOA are contingent upon the availability of funds and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. Budget and Project Period: The total project period for an application submitted in response to this funding opportunity may not exceed two years. Direct costs are limited to $275,000 over an R21 two-year period, with no more than $200,000 in direct costs allowed in any single year. The R21 is not renewable. Eligible Organizations: Public/State Controlled Institution of Higher Education; Private Institution of Higher Education; Nonprofit with 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institution of Higher Education); Nonprofit without 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institution of Higher Education); Small Business; For-Profit Organization (Other than Small Business); State Government; U.S. Territory or Possession; Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Federally Recognized); Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Other than Federally Recognized); Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organization; Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entity (Foreign Organization); Hispanic-serving Institution; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs); Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Regional Organizations; Other(s): Eligible agencies of the Federal government; Faith-based or community based organizations. Eligible Project Directors/Principal Investigators (PDs/PIs): Individuals with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research are invited to work with their institution to develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH support. Application and Submission Information: Applicants may submit more than one application, provided each application is scientifically distinct. Application Materials. See Section IV.1 for application materials. Renewals and Resubmissions. Competing renewal (formerly competing continuation ) applications will not be accepted for the R21 mechanism. Up to two resubmissions (formerly revisions/amendments ) of a previously reviewed R21 grant application may be submitted.