RFGA2026-006 - Ibogaine Clinical Research

The Arizona Department of Health Services, through its Arizona Biomedical Research Centre (ABRC), invites applications under RFGA2026-006 for Ibogaine Clinical Research. This funding opportunity seeks to support certified clinical studies evaluating ibogaine’s potential therapeutic uses in treating neurological diseases. The program is designed to accelerate translational and clinical research that enhances the health and wellness of Arizonans. It emphasizes scientific rigor, collaboration, and adherence to federal and state-level clinical research regulations. ABRC aims to leverage Arizona’s research capacity and foster multi-institutional and multidisciplinary collaborations, including partnerships among academic, nonprofit, and private sector entities engaged in neuroscience and public health research. The grant encourages projects that demonstrate innovation, strong scientific foundations, and alignment with federal standards for clinical trials involving Schedule I substances. Funded projects must maintain compliance with 21 CFR Part 312 for Investigational New Drug (IND) submissions and secure necessary authorizations from the FDA, DEA, and Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). Investigations must not commence before FDA clearance and must comply with all applicable research conduct and human subjects’ protection standards. Projects are expected to evaluate therapeutic effects over a twelve-week period and include a one-year follow-up to assess long-term outcomes and recurrence. Eligibility is limited to Arizona-based institutions with a proven track record in neurological disease research and treatment. The lead applicant must maintain a neurosurgery program with appropriate facilities, qualified personnel, and demonstrated research capability. The Principal Investigator must hold an independent research position eligible for NIH R01 funding and reside in Arizona. Consortia and collaborations across universities, research hospitals, and nonprofit organizations are encouraged. Current ABRC grantees are also eligible provided they meet these criteria. Approximately five million dollars in total program funding are available for one or more awards, depending on proposal merit and available appropriations. Each award may span up to five years. Indirect costs are capped at ten percent of total direct costs per year. Allowable expenses include direct research costs, research assistant compensation, and manuscript preparation fees not exceeding $9,000. All project budgets must be itemized in both detailed and summary formats consistent across attachments and eCivis entries. Applications open on October 3, 2025, and close on November 19, 2025. A virtual pre-application meeting is scheduled for October 15, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. local Arizona time via Google Meet. Applicants must follow submission procedures through the Arizona Department of Health Services procurement portal and ensure full compliance with required documentation. The primary point of contact for this funding opportunity is Brittany Manuel, Senior Procurement Specialist, reachable at brittany.manuel@azdhs.gov or 480-521-2703. Award announcements will follow completion of the review process contingent on funding availability.

Ensure DEA and FDA authorizations are secured prior to initiation; maintain consistency in budget totals; emphasize multidisciplinary collaboration and regulatory compliance.