Mechanistic Exploration of Therapeutic Targets and Treatable Traits to Improve CNS Outcomes in People with HIV

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, intends to issue a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for research aimed at identifying modifiable targets and mechanisms to alleviate central nervous system (CNS) complications in people living with HIV. This upcoming funding opportunity is forecasted under opportunity number FOR-MH-26-165 and is designed to support cutting-edge research that leverages patient-derived data and innovative model platforms to better understand and treat CNS outcomes in HIV populations. The primary objective of this initiative is to foster research that builds upon advances in systems biology to uncover modifiable mechanisms driving CNS dysfunction. The program encourages both clinical studies and work in pre-clinical model systems to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets. The ultimate aim is to develop effective, mechanism-based interventions that address the complex and multifactorial nature of CNS complications in people with HIV. This is particularly critical given the heterogeneous presentation of CNS issues in this population. Eligible applicants for this funding opportunity include a wide range of entities such as state and county governments, public housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations and governments, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations including small businesses, independent school districts, and institutions of higher education (both public and private). There are no cost sharing or matching requirements for this grant. Applications for this grant will not be solicited until the official NOFO is published. The forecasted estimated posting date is September 11, 2025, with applications due by November 11, 2025. Selected projects are expected to start on July 1, 2026. The funding will use the R01 activity code, which supports health-related research and development based on the mission of the NIH. Approximately six awards are anticipated, with an estimated total program funding of $3 million. Interested applicants should begin preparing now by developing collaborative, interdisciplinary research teams with expertise in systems biology, translational neurobiology, pre-clinical modeling, and clinical trial methodologies. The grant contact for this opportunity is Vasudev R. Rao, MBBS, MS, from the NIMH. He can be reached at vasudev.rao@nih.gov or by phone at 301-825-3259.