Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study Biospecimen Access (X01)

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) invites applications for the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study Biospecimen Access (X01) program, which provides access to biospecimens such as urine, plasma, serum, and genomic DNA, collected as part of the PATH Study. The PATH Study is a longitudinal cohort that monitors tobacco use behaviors, attitudes, and health outcomes in a diverse U.S. population. It was established to inform tobacco regulation efforts under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. Researchers can apply to use these biospecimens to investigate tobacco-related scientific questions, especially in areas that align with tobacco regulatory science. Applicants should focus on studies that expand understanding of tobacco use, including addiction, cessation, relapse, and health outcomes. Proposals are especially encouraged that use biospecimens in combination with the PATH Study’s extensive questionnaire and biomarker data. All applications should detail how the biospecimens will contribute to advancing tobacco control and public health policy. Given the limited biospecimens, researchers must contact the PATH Study team at least five months before the application deadline to confirm availability and receive confirmation on the number and types of biospecimens required for their project. This X01 mechanism does not provide funding, but rather access to PATH Study resources. Projects can be exploratory or pilot studies, with a project period of up to five years. Investigators are encouraged to submit robust and well-justified proposals that include detailed plans for biospecimen use, laboratory analysis, and data integration. Applicants must submit their applications via NIH’s electronic systems (e.g., ASSIST or Grants.gov), ensuring compliance with the NIH Application Guide. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, non-profits, for-profit organizations, and local and tribal governments. However, foreign institutions and non-U.S. entities are not eligible. The application process requires multiple registrations, including SAM.gov and eRA Commons. There are no associated costs for this award as it focuses solely on resource access, not monetary grants. The review process for X01 applications will assess the scientific merit, feasibility, and potential impact on tobacco control efforts. Factors like biospecimen validation, statistical robustness, and relevance to the PATH Study’s objectives will be key in the evaluation. Successful applicants will gain access to the requested biospecimens, with regular reporting to the PATH Study team required throughout the project duration.