Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 10 024
Apply for PAR 10 024
- The National Institutes of Health in the education health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Development and Application of PET and SPECT Imaging Ligands as Biomarkers for Drug Discovery and for Pathophysiological Studies of CNS Disorders (Phased Innovation Award R21/R33)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.242 Mental Health Research Grants 93.279 Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs 93.866 Aging Research.
- This funding opportunity was created on Nov 2, 2010 and posted on Nov 20, 2009.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jan 7, 2013. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Eligible applicants include: State governments Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification) For profit organizations other than small businesses Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Private institutions of higher education Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.
- Other Eligible Applicants include the following Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government Hispanic serving Institutions Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized) Non domestic (non U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) Regional Organizations Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) U.S. Territory or Possession.
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Opportunity Summary:
The grant opportunity PAR 10 024, titled "Development and Application of PET and SPECT Imaging Ligands as Biomarkers for Drug Discovery and for Pathophysiological Studies of CNS Disorders (Phased Innovation Award R21/R33)," is an NIH discretionary research grant program focused on creating and testing new brain imaging radioligands. In practical terms, it supports projects that design, synthesize, and validate novel PET or SPECT tracers intended for use in the human brain, with the larger goal of producing imaging biomarkers that can speed up drug discovery and deepen understanding of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The emphasis is not just on chemistry or ligand design in isolation, but on showing that a candidate radioligand has a realistic path toward usefulness in humans through feasibility or early evaluation work.
A key feature of this FOA is that it uses the NIH Exploratory/Developmental Phased Innovation Grant mechanism (R21/R33). This phased structure is meant for projects that begin with high-impact, higher-risk developmental work and then transition into a more advanced stage once clear milestones are met. The R21 phase typically supports early proof-of-concept activities such as ligand development, initial in vitro and in vivo characterization, radiolabeling strategy optimization, and preliminary imaging performance evaluation. The R33 phase is intended for the next step, where the most promising candidates move into more robust validation and feasibility work. The announcement explicitly expects applicants to incorporate pilot or clinical feasibility evaluation, which may include preclinical studies (for example, in relevant animal models), model development (such as kinetic modeling, quantification methods, and analysis pipelines), or clinical studies that demonstrate whether the ligand can perform as an imaging biomarker in humans.
Scientifically, the opportunity targets PET and SPECT imaging ligands as tools that can function as biomarkers for two related purposes: enabling drug discovery (for example, assessing target engagement, receptor occupancy, or pharmacodynamics in the living brain) and supporting pathophysiological studies of CNS disorders (for example, mapping changes in receptors, transporters, enzymes, protein aggregates, neuroinflammation markers, or other molecular targets implicated in disease). While the text provided does not list specific targets, the scope is broad as long as the application is centered on developing new radioligands and demonstrating feasibility in the brain with credible translational intent.
This FOA runs in parallel with two related announcements that share the same scientific scope but use different mechanisms. PA 10 023 supports similar work under the standard R21 exploratory/developmental grant mechanism without the phased R21/R33 structure, and PA 08 137 supports the small business pathway via SBIR (R43/R44). In other words, NIH set up multiple entry points so that academic groups, non-small-business for-profit entities, and small businesses could pursue similar imaging-ligand development goals using the mechanism that best fits their situation and readiness.
Administrative details show that the sponsoring agency is the National Institutes of Health, with relevant program connections to mental health research, drug abuse and addiction research, and aging research, reflected in the CFDA numbers 93.242, 93.279, and 93.866. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement, which means applicants are not required to provide non-federal funds as a condition of the award. Funding decisions are explicitly contingent on the availability of funds and on receiving enough high-quality (meritorious) applications, which is standard NIH language indicating that awards are competitive and not guaranteed.
Eligibility is intentionally broad. Eligible applicants include state governments, public and private institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations that are not small businesses, and nonprofit organizations (including those with 501(c)(3) status and certain nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status, as specified). The eligibility list also includes a range of mission-driven or historically underrepresented institutions and entities, such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), and Indian/Native American tribal governments that are not federally recognized. It also allows non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations), regional organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions, signaling NIH interest in strong science regardless of geography when consistent with NIH policy and review standards.
Timeline information indicates the FOA was posted on November 20, 2009, with an original closing date of January 7, 2013, and it was archived on February 7, 2013. The complete announcement was hosted through the NIH grants guide (link provided in the source), and NIH offered support contact points through the NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER) webmaster email addresses for access or technical linking issues. Overall, the opportunity was designed for teams that can bring together radiochemistry, imaging science, quantitative modeling, and translational/clinical expertise to take a CNS imaging ligand from concept to credible feasibility evidence, using a milestone-driven phased approach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is PAR 10 024?
PAR 10 024 is an NIH discretionary research grant opportunity titled "Development and Application of PET and SPECT Imaging Ligands as Biomarkers for Drug Discovery and for Pathophysiological Studies of CNS Disorders (Phased Innovation Award R21/R33)." It focuses on developing and testing new PET or SPECT brain imaging radioligands intended to function as imaging biomarkers.
What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?
The main goal is to support projects that design, synthesize, and validate novel PET or SPECT tracers for use in the human brain, with an emphasis on producing imaging biomarkers that can speed up drug discovery and improve understanding of central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
What kinds of imaging agents are supported?
The FOA supports development of new radioligands for PET (positron emission tomography) or SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) intended for brain imaging.
Does the FOA emphasize only chemistry and ligand design?
No. The FOA emphasizes not only chemistry or ligand design, but also demonstrating that a candidate radioligand has a realistic path toward usefulness in humans through feasibility or early evaluation work.
What grant mechanism does PAR 10 024 use?
It uses the NIH Exploratory/Developmental Phased Innovation Award mechanism (R21/R33), which supports a two-phase approach: an early, higher-risk developmental phase (R21) followed by a more advanced phase (R33) if milestones are met.
What is the purpose of the R21 phase in this FOA?
The R21 phase typically supports early proof-of-concept activities such as ligand development, initial in vitro and in vivo characterization, radiolabeling strategy optimization, and preliminary imaging performance evaluation.
What is the purpose of the R33 phase in this FOA?
The R33 phase is intended for more robust validation and feasibility work for the most promising candidates, following successful completion of R21 milestones.
Are milestones important in the phased R21/R33 structure?
Yes. The phased structure is milestone-driven, meaning transition from the R21 phase to the R33 phase is expected to depend on meeting clear milestones.
Does the FOA expect any clinical feasibility evaluation?
Yes. The announcement explicitly expects applicants to incorporate pilot or clinical feasibility evaluation. This can include preclinical studies, model development (such as kinetic modeling and quantification methods), or clinical studies demonstrating whether the ligand can perform as an imaging biomarker in humans.
What types of studies may be included to demonstrate feasibility?
Examples mentioned include preclinical studies (such as work in relevant animal models), model development (kinetic modeling, quantification methods, analysis pipelines), and clinical studies aimed at demonstrating human feasibility as an imaging biomarker.
How can these imaging ligands be used in drug discovery?
The FOA describes using PET/SPECT imaging ligands as biomarkers to enable drug discovery, including assessing target engagement, receptor occupancy, or pharmacodynamics in the living brain.
How can these imaging ligands be used to study CNS disorders?
The FOA describes using imaging ligands to support pathophysiological studies of CNS disorders, such as mapping changes in molecular targets implicated in disease (for example, receptors, transporters, enzymes, protein aggregates, or neuroinflammation markers).
Does the FOA specify which molecular targets must be studied?
No. The information provided indicates the scope is broad and does not list specific targets, as long as the application centers on developing new radioligands and demonstrating brain feasibility with credible translational intent.
Are there related NIH announcements with similar scope?
Yes. Two related announcements are described as having the same scientific scope but different mechanisms: PA 10 023 (standard R21 mechanism without the phased R21/R33 structure) and PA 08 137 (SBIR pathway via R43/R44).
How is PAR 10 024 different from PA 10 023?
Based on the information provided, PAR 10 024 uses the phased R21/R33 structure, while PA 10 023 supports similar work under the standard R21 exploratory/developmental mechanism without the phased transition.
How is PAR 10 024 different from PA 08 137?
Based on the information provided, PA 08 137 supports similar imaging-ligand development goals through the small business SBIR mechanism (R43/R44), while PAR 10 024 is not limited to the SBIR small business pathway.
Who is the sponsoring agency for this FOA?
The sponsoring agency is the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Which program areas are connected to this opportunity?
The FOA is associated with NIH program connections reflected in CFDA numbers tied to mental health research, drug abuse and addiction research, and aging research: 93.242, 93.279, and 93.866.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. The information provided states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement, meaning applicants are not required to provide non-federal funds as a condition of the award.
Are awards guaranteed if an application is submitted?
No. Funding decisions are described as contingent on the availability of funds and the receipt of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. Awards are competitive and not guaranteed.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes state governments; public and private institutions of higher education; for-profit organizations that are not small businesses; and nonprofit organizations (including 501(c)(3) nonprofits and certain nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status, as specified in the eligibility list).
Are historically underrepresented or mission-driven institutions included in eligibility?
Yes. The eligibility list includes institutions and entities such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), and Indian/Native American tribal governments that are not federally recognized.
Can non-U.S. organizations apply?
Yes. The eligibility list includes non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations), as well as regional organizations and U.S. territories or possessions.
When was this FOA posted and when did it close?
The FOA was posted on November 20, 2009. The original closing date was January 7, 2013, and it was archived on February 7, 2013.
Where was the full announcement hosted?
The complete announcement was hosted through the NIH grants guide (as noted in the provided information).
Who was listed as a support contact for access or technical linking issues?
The information provided indicates NIH offered support contact points through NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER) webmaster email addresses for access or technical linking issues.
What kinds of expertise or team capabilities fit this opportunity?
The opportunity is described as being suited to teams that can combine radiochemistry, imaging science, quantitative modeling, and translational/clinical expertise to take a CNS imaging ligand from concept to credible feasibility evidence using a milestone-driven phased approach.
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Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PAR 10 024) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Development and Application of PET and SPECT Imaging Ligands as Biomarkers for Drug Discovery and for Pathophysiological Studies of CNS Disorders (R21) Apply for PA 10 023 Funding Number: PA 10 023 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Epigenetic Approaches in Cancer Epidemiology (R01) Apply for PA 10 031 Funding Number: PA 10 031 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Epigenetic Approaches in Cancer Epidemiology (R21) Apply for PA 10 032 Funding Number: PA 10 032 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Transdisciplinary Research in Energetics and Cancer (U54) Apply for RFA CA 10 006 Funding Number: RFA CA 10 006 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Prioritizing Molecular Targets for Cancer Prevention with Nutritional Combinations (R01) Apply for PA 10 035 Funding Number: PA 10 035 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R01) Apply for PAR 10 038 Funding Number: PAR 10 038 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R21) Apply for PAR 10 040 Funding Number: PAR 10 040 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R03) Apply for PAR 10 039 Funding Number: PAR 10 039 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Critical Illness and Injury in Aging (R03) Apply for PA 10 043 Funding Number: PA 10 043 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Critical Illness and Injury in Aging (R01) Apply for PA 10 042 Funding Number: PA 10 042 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Critical Illness and Injury in Aging (R21) Apply for PA 10 044 Funding Number: PA 10 044 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Cancer Immunotherapy Trials Network (U01) Apply for RFA CA 10 007 Funding Number: RFA CA 10 007 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research on Integrity in Collaborative Research (R21) Apply for RFA RR 10 001 Funding Number: RFA RR 10 001 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Coordination Center for Transdisciplinary Research in Energetics and Cancer (Limited Competition U01) Apply for RFA CA 10 501 Funding Number: RFA CA 10 501 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Support Opportunity for Addiction Research (SOAR) for New Investigators (R03) Apply for RFA DA 10 015 Funding Number: RFA DA 10 015 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Development of Multifunctional Drug and Gene Delivery Systems (R01) Apply for PAR 10 048 Funding Number: PAR 10 048 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Cognitive Remediation Approaches to Improve Drug Abuse Treatment Outcomes (R01) Apply for RFA DA 10 006 Funding Number: RFA DA 10 006 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Cognitive Remediation Approaches to Improve Drug Abuse Treatment Outcomes (R21) Apply for RFA DA 10 007 Funding Number: RFA DA 10 007 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Academic Career Award (Parent K07) Apply for PA 10 058 Funding Number: PA 10 058 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Pre Application for the 2010 NIDA Avant Garde Award Program for HIV/AIDS Research (X02) Apply for PAR 10 068 Funding Number: PAR 10 068 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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