Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 10 023
Apply for PA 10 023
- 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 (R21)" 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 93.273 Alcohol Research Programs 93.279 Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs 93.286 Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health 93.866 Aging Research.
- This funding opportunity was created on Nov 20, 2009 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.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification) Private institutions of higher education Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Public and State controlled institutions of higher education State governments For profit organizations other than small businesses Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than 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 PA 10 023, titled "Development and Application of PET and SPECT Imaging Ligands as Biomarkers for Drug Discovery and for Pathophysiological Studies of CNS Disorders (R21)," is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding announcement aimed at advancing brain imaging tools that can function as practical biomarkers in humans. The central focus is on creating and translating new radioligands (imaging tracers) for positron emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) that can be used in the human brain. The intent is not only to support the chemistry and early development of these ligands, but also to push applicants to include an initial, real-world evaluation of whether the ligand is feasible and informative, using pilot or early clinical testing, preclinical studies that support translation, model development, or clinical studies where appropriate. In other words, the work should move beyond a purely theoretical or bench-only concept and show a credible path toward actual use in humans for understanding central nervous system (CNS) disorders and supporting drug discovery.
The funding mechanism is the NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant (R21), which is generally designed for early-stage, high-impact, and potentially higher-risk projects that need initial support to establish proof of concept and generate key feasibility data. This FOA is described as running in parallel with other NIH announcements that share the same scientific scope but use different award structures. Specifically, PA 10 024 supports similar work using a phased innovation mechanism (R21/R33), which typically funds an initial exploratory phase followed by a larger, milestone-driven second phase if early goals are met. Another parallel opportunity, PA 08 137, targets small businesses through the SBIR program (R43/R44). That structure matters because it signals NIH is trying to stimulate the same general scientific outcomes (new PET/SPECT ligands for CNS applications) across different applicant types and project maturities, from academic and nonprofit groups to commercialization-oriented small businesses.
From a funding standpoint, the award ceiling listed for this opportunity is $200,000, and the program notes that awards depend on the availability of funds as well as the receipt of enough high-quality, competitive applications. No cost sharing or matching is required, which is typical for many NIH research grant programs and reduces the financial barrier for applicants who might not have institutional resources to contribute funds directly.
Eligibility is broad and includes many organization types. Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (including those with 501(c)(3) status and certain nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status), state governments, and for-profit organizations that are not small businesses. The announcement also explicitly includes a range of other eligible entities such as historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, tribally controlled colleges and universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions, certain tribal governments (other than federally recognized), regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, federal agencies, and even non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations). That broad eligibility reflects an interest in pulling innovation from many settings, including international groups that may have specialized radiochemistry or imaging expertise.
Administratively, the opportunity is categorized as a discretionary grant and is associated with health and education-related NIH activity. It is linked to multiple CFDA numbers that reflect the range of NIH institutes and program areas that might support this kind of work, including mental health, alcohol research, drug abuse and addiction research, aging research, and technology innovation to improve human health. The announcement was posted on November 20, 2009, and the application window ultimately closed on January 7, 2013, with the opportunity archived on February 7, 2013, meaning it is no longer open for new applications but remains relevant as a reference for the types of projects NIH sought to fund under this topic area.
In practical terms, a strong project under this FOA would typically propose a new PET or SPECT ligand with a clear biological target relevant to CNS disease mechanisms or treatment development, explain why existing tracers are insufficient, and lay out a development plan that includes synthesis and optimization, evidence supporting target engagement and specificity, and at least an initial feasibility evaluation pathway. Because the FOA emphasizes pilot or clinical feasibility evaluation, competitive proposals would usually include a thoughtful strategy for demonstrating that the ligand can realistically be used for brain imaging in humans, including considerations like brain penetration, binding specificity, signal-to-noise characteristics, and how the imaging readout could serve as a biomarker in drug discovery (for example, measuring receptor occupancy, target density, or disease-related changes in vivo) or in pathophysiological studies of CNS disorders.
For full details, NIH provided the official announcement link (historically at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-10-023.html). The contact listed for access or technical issues was the NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER) webmaster via FBOWebmaster@OD.NIH.GOV.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the PA 10-023 funding opportunity?
PA 10-023 is an NIH funding announcement titled "Development and Application of PET and SPECT Imaging Ligands as Biomarkers for Drug Discovery and for Pathophysiological Studies of CNS Disorders (R21)." It focuses on advancing brain imaging tools that can serve as practical biomarkers in humans by developing and translating new PET or SPECT radioligands for use in the human brain.
What is the main goal of this grant?
The main goal is to support the creation and translation of new PET and SPECT imaging ligands (radiotracers) intended for imaging targets in the human brain, with the expectation that projects move beyond a purely theoretical or bench-only concept and include an initial evaluation of feasibility and informativeness for real-world use.
What kinds of imaging technologies does this FOA cover?
This opportunity specifically covers radioligands for positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), with an emphasis on applications in the human brain.
What types of studies or project activities are expected under PA 10-023?
The FOA supports chemistry and early development of new ligands, but it also emphasizes early, practical evaluation. That can include pilot or early clinical testing, preclinical studies that support translation to humans, model development, or clinical studies where appropriate, as long as there is a credible path toward human use.
Does the FOA require human testing?
The announcement emphasizes an initial real-world evaluation of feasibility and informativeness, including pilot or early clinical testing where appropriate. It also allows for preclinical studies and model development that support translation, but the overall intent is to show a credible pathway toward use in humans.
What scientific area does this funding opportunity target?
It targets central nervous system (CNS) disorders and supports imaging biomarker development for drug discovery and for pathophysiological studies in the brain.
What is a radioligand in the context of this FOA?
In this context, a radioligand is an imaging tracer developed for PET or SPECT that binds to a biological target in the brain. The tracer is intended to produce a measurable imaging signal that can function as a biomarker in humans.
What is the NIH R21 mechanism and why is it used here?
This FOA uses the NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant (R21) mechanism, which is designed for early-stage, potentially high-impact projects that may be higher risk and need initial support to establish proof of concept and generate feasibility data.
How much funding is available per award?
The listed award ceiling for this opportunity is $200,000. Awards are also dependent on the availability of funds and the receipt of sufficiently high-quality, competitive applications.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. The opportunity states that no cost sharing or matching is required.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad. Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (including 501(c)(3) and certain nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status), state governments, and for-profit organizations that are not small businesses.
Are minority-serving institutions included in eligibility?
Yes. The announcement explicitly includes historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, tribally controlled colleges and universities (TCCUs), and Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions.
Can tribal entities apply?
Yes. The eligibility description includes certain tribal governments (other than federally recognized), as well as tribally controlled colleges and universities (TCCUs).
Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible?
Yes. The announcement includes U.S. territories or possessions among eligible applicant types.
Are federal agencies eligible to apply?
Yes. Federal agencies are listed among the eligible entities.
Can foreign (non-U.S.) organizations apply?
Yes. The announcement explicitly includes non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations) as eligible applicants.
Are small businesses eligible under this specific opportunity?
This FOA includes for-profit organizations that are not small businesses. The announcement also notes a parallel opportunity for small businesses under the SBIR program (PA 08-137; R43/R44) that targets similar scientific goals using a small-business-specific mechanism.
What other NIH announcements are closely related to PA 10-023?
The FOA is described as running in parallel with other NIH announcements that share the same scientific scope but use different award structures, including PA 10-024 (a phased innovation mechanism using R21/R33) and PA 08-137 (SBIR R43/R44 for small businesses).
What does it mean that PA 10-024 is a phased R21/R33 mechanism?
Based on the information provided, PA 10-024 supports similar work but uses a phased structure: an initial exploratory phase followed by a larger, milestone-driven second phase if early goals are met.
What does it mean that PA 10-023 is a discretionary grant?
The opportunity is categorized as a discretionary grant, indicating it is a competitively awarded program rather than an entitlement-type award, and funding depends on available funds and application competitiveness.
Which general NIH activity areas are associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is associated with health and education-related NIH activity and is linked to multiple CFDA numbers spanning areas such as mental health, alcohol research, drug abuse and addiction research, aging research, and technology innovation to improve human health.
Is this funding opportunity still open?
No. The announcement was posted on November 20, 2009, the application window closed on January 7, 2013, and it was archived on February 7, 2013. It is no longer open for new applications.
Where was the official announcement posted?
NIH provided an official announcement link (historically at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-10-023.html).
Who should be contacted for access or technical issues related to the announcement?
The contact listed for access or technical issues was the NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER) webmaster at FBOWebmaster@OD.NIH.GOV.
What would a strong project proposal typically include under this FOA?
A strong proposal would typically identify a new PET or SPECT ligand with a clear biological target relevant to CNS disease mechanisms or treatment development, explain why existing tracers are insufficient, and present a development plan that covers synthesis and optimization, evidence supporting target engagement and specificity, and an initial feasibility evaluation pathway geared toward realistic human brain imaging use.
What kinds of feasibility factors are highlighted for human brain imaging?
The FOA highlights practical considerations such as brain penetration, binding specificity, signal-to-noise characteristics, and whether the imaging readout can function as a biomarker for drug discovery or for pathophysiological studies in vivo.
How might the imaging readout be used as a biomarker in drug discovery?
Examples described include using imaging to measure receptor occupancy, target density, or disease-related changes in vivo, supporting drug discovery and evaluation in CNS disorders.
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
| 2010 NIDA Avant Garde Award Program for HIV/AIDS Research (DP1) Apply for RFA DA 10 012 Funding Number: RFA DA 10 012 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
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