Mechanistic Research on CAM Natural Products (R01) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the "Mechanistic Research on CAM Natural Products (R01)" opportunity?

It is an NIH research grant announcement (RFA-AT-11-001) supporting in-depth, mechanistic studies of promising complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) natural products. The focus is on moving beyond basic observations of effects to explain how a natural product works and how its activity and safety can be measured.

Which NIH organizations are leading or partnering on this funding opportunity?

The announcement is led by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM, now known as NCCIH) in partnership with the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS).

What is the main goal of the funding opportunity?

The main goal is to generate stronger basic and translational evidence about CAM natural products by identifying what components are active, what biological targets those components affect, and what measurable markers (such as biomarkers) can indicate benefit, no effect, or potential harm. This foundational work is positioned as essential for designing informative clinical efficacy studies.

What kinds of studies are considered responsive to this FOA?

Projects are expected to go beyond simply demonstrating that a natural product has an effect. Responsive applications should explain mechanisms at a molecular, cellular, or systems level, including identifying active components, clarifying molecular/cellular targets, and defining markers that track biological activity and safety.

Does the FOA require applicants to identify the active components of a natural product?

Yes. The FOA highlights the importance of identifying active components (for example, specific chemical constituents or fractions) as part of understanding how a natural product works.

Does the opportunity emphasize biological targets and mechanisms of action?

Yes. A central expectation is to clarify the molecular and cellular targets of active constituents and to explain mechanism(s) of action rather than stopping at observed outcomes.

What does the FOA say about biomarkers or other markers?

The FOA emphasizes defining measurable signals (biomarkers or other markers) that can indicate beneficial effects, lack of effect, or potential harm, and that can be used to track biological activity and safety.

Are methodological or analytical studies allowed under this announcement?

Yes. In addition to classic mechanism-of-action work, the FOA explicitly welcomes methodological research that improves how natural product constituents are isolated and characterized, and how they are measured and confirmed within the original natural matrix (the complex mixture as it occurs in the plant, extract, or product).

Why does the FOA focus on measurement within the original natural matrix?

The FOA reflects common challenges in natural products research, including complex chemistry and variation in composition by source or processing. Robust analytical methods are often needed so biological results can be interpreted with confidence.

What is the award mechanism for this opportunity?

The award mechanism is the NIH Research Project Grant (R01), which generally supports well-developed research plans conducted by an investigator or a team over multiple years.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is stated for applicants.

How much funding did NIH estimate for this initiative overall?

The NIH indicated an estimated total contribution of about $8.1 million for the initiative (subject to availability of funds and application quality).

What funding and award numbers were anticipated for the first year?

For the first year, the total amount expected to be awarded was approximately $1.625 million in total costs, with an estimated 2 to 4 awards.

What funding and award numbers were anticipated for years two and three?

For years two and three, the total amount expected to be awarded was about $3.25 million per year in total costs, with an estimated 5 to 7 awards each year.

Are awards guaranteed if an application is submitted?

No. As with most NIH opportunities, awards depend on the availability of funds and the quality and merit of the applications received.

What types of organizations are eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of organizations across public, private, nonprofit, and academic sectors. Examples listed include state, county, city or township governments; tribal governments and tribal organizations; public and private institutions of higher education; independent school districts; special district governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (with a caveat noted in the announcement); and for-profit organizations (including small businesses).

Are specific institution types (such as HBCUs or Hispanic-serving institutions) included in eligibility?

Yes. The FOA notes eligibility for HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, tribally controlled colleges and universities (TCCUs), and other mission-driven or designated institutions and organizations.

Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?

Yes. The FOA includes faith-based and community-based organizations among eligible applicant types.

Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible to apply?

Yes. The FOA allows U.S. territories or possessions as eligible applicants.

Are foreign (non-U.S.) organizations eligible?

Yes. The FOA allows non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations), expanding eligibility to international groups with relevant expertise.

When was this funding opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on August 23, 2010.

What were the closing and archive dates listed for this opportunity?

The information provided lists an original closing date of November 1, 2012, a later listed closing date of March 1, 2013, and an archive date of April 1, 2013.

What general funding category does this opportunity fall under?

It is categorized under health-related funding activities.

Which CFDA numbers are associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA 93.213 (complementary and integrative health research) and multiple cancer research categories (93.393 through 93.396), indicating potential relevance across general health and oncology-related domains depending on the project aims.

Where does NIH direct applicants for official details and the full RFA text?

NIH provided an additional information link to the official RFA text for full details.

Who is listed for technical assistance related to access or linking issues?

Technical assistance contacts are routed through the NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER) webmaster for access or linking issues.