CCRP Initiative: Chemical Threat Agent-induced Pulmonary and Ocular Pathophysiological Mechanisms (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through its participating organizations—the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), the National Eye Institute (NEI), and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)—is offering funding under the Chemical Countermeasures Research Program (CCRP) to support research into chemical threat agent-induced pulmonary and ocular pathophysiological mechanisms. The CCRP was initiated in 2006 by NIAID to advance medical countermeasures for mitigating health consequences from exposure to toxic chemicals during public health emergencies. This opportunity is reissued from RFA-ES-21-006 and aligns with the CCRP's objective to uncover fundamental toxicity mechanisms and identify molecular or genetic targets for potential intervention. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to promote basic research on the adverse effects of high-risk chemical exposures on lung and eye physiology. Projects must explore acute or chronic pathophysiological effects of exposure to chemicals of concern (CoCs) as identified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Responsive research can utilize a variety of models including animal studies, human or animal tissue explants, in vitro systems, and in silico approaches. Applications focusing on comorbid factors such as age, sex, pregnancy, and pre-existing conditions are particularly encouraged. This grant supports R01 projects that do not involve clinical trials. It invites studies specifically targeting the pulmonary effects of chemicals that induce conditions such as pulmonary edema and fibrosis, and ocular toxicants that affect corneal integrity and visual function. Projects must meet stringent experimental design standards, including the use of multiple toxicants, time points, and both sexes. Non-compliant projects, such as those studying chemicals not on the DHS list or only one toxicant, are considered non-responsive and will not be reviewed. Applicants must adhere to NIH application guidelines and submit through ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional S2S systems. Letters of intent are encouraged 30 days before the application due date. All submissions must include biosafety letters and may need additional certifications if working with restricted chemical agents. Applications must be complete and comply with specified instructions to be accepted and reviewed. The due dates for new applications are September 24, 2024, 2025, and 2026, with funding decisions and awards expected the following July. Applications will be reviewed based on criteria such as scientific significance, investigator qualifications, innovation, approach, and research environment. Additional considerations include the protection of human and animal subjects, data management plans, and biosafety protocols. Funding decisions will also take into account programmatic priorities and availability of funds. Up to five awards totaling $3 million are expected for FY2025, with maximum individual awards of $300,000 per year for up to three years. A portion of the budget should support participation in the Annual CounterACT Network Research Symposium. Contacts for scientific, peer review, and financial inquiries are provided, with specific individuals assigned per participating NIH institute. Applicants must ensure compliance with federal award requirements, including data sharing, registration, and performance reporting. The initiative is subject to NIH and HHS policies and procedures, including those related to nondiscrimination and system integrity.