Promoting a Basic Understanding of Chemical Threats to Skin (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), in collaboration with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), is preparing to issue a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) under the identifier FOR-AR-26-010. This initiative is part of a broader NIH-wide Chemical Countermeasures Research Program (CCRP), aimed at developing medical countermeasures to treat patients exposed to toxic chemicals in mass casualty events. The forthcoming funding opportunity, titled "Promoting a Basic Understanding of Chemical Threats to Skin (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)," is categorized as discretionary funding and will utilize the R01 activity code. It is designed to encourage scientific research that enhances fundamental knowledge regarding skin injuries caused by toxic chemicals designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as posing significant public health risks. The main objective of the grant is to support research that elucidates the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for skin damage resulting from chemical exposures. Priority will be given to studies investigating multiple chemicals from distinct toxidromes, including vesicants such as sulfur mustard, nitrogen mustard, Lewisite, phosgene oxime, arsenicals, and others. Applicants are expected to explore the commonalities in the injury pathways induced by these agents, with the goal of identifying potential therapeutic targets that can inform the development of broad-spectrum medical countermeasures. Team-based science and collaborative proposals are encouraged, particularly from researchers with demonstrated expertise in cutaneous wound healing. The grant anticipates awarding approximately five grants, supported through a total estimated funding pool of $2.5 million. Specific award ceilings and floors are not yet disclosed, and the opportunity does not require cost-sharing or matching funds. As a forecasted opportunity, applications are not currently being accepted; however, the estimated post date is February 5, 2026, with the application deadline set for June 5, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by July 5, 2027, with projects commencing on the same date. These timelines provide prospective applicants with ample time to organize research teams and develop competitive applications. Eligibility for the opportunity is broad, encompassing public and private institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (federally and non-federally recognized), nonprofits (excluding institutions of higher education), small businesses, for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), county and state governments, public housing authorities, and independent school districts. This inclusive eligibility structure is consistent with NIH’s emphasis on supporting a diverse range of research institutions and collaborative efforts. The NOFO does not allow clinical trials, emphasizing instead preclinical or basic science investigations. As such, prospective applicants should focus their proposals on laboratory-based, mechanistic research. The grant is suited for investigators seeking to contribute to the national preparedness infrastructure by advancing the scientific understanding of chemical-induced dermatological injuries. Potential applicants are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Peter J Koch at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases for more information. He can be contacted by phone at 240-987-8325 or via email at Peter.Koch@NIH.gov. This advance notice is intended to allow adequate time for the assembly of research teams and the development of robust, scientifically meritorious applications.