Mechanisms that Impact Cancer Risk with Use of Incretin Mimetics (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
This grant aims to investigate how incretin mimetics affect cancer risk, focusing on mechanisms rather than short-term outcomes like weight loss, to attract scientific talent for preclinical and patient studies.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: June 16, 2025 (New) | July 16, 2025 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision) | October 16, 2025 (New) | November 16, 2025 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision) | February 16, 2026 (New) | March 16, 2026 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision) | June 16, 2026 (New) | July 16, 2026 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision) | October 16, 2026 (New) | November 16, 2026 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision)
Funding Amounts: Up to $275,000 direct costs over 2 years; no more than $200,000 in any single year; project period max 2 years.
Summary: Supports exploratory studies on the mechanisms by which incretin mimetics (GLP-1, GIP-1, or dual agents) impact cancer risk, focusing on preclinical and patient-based research rather than short-term outcomes.
Key Information: Clinical trials are not allowed; mechanistic studies must use samples from animals or humans exposed to incretin mimetics and include cancer endpoints or biomarkers.
Description
This NIH funding opportunity, administered by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), seeks applications for exploratory/developmental (R21) research projects investigating the mechanisms by which incretin mimetics—specifically GLP-1, GIP-1, or dual GLP-1/GIP-1 receptor agonists—impact cancer risk. The focus is on understanding the biological pathways and mechanisms, rather than short-term outcomes like weight loss or glycemic control. The program aims to attract researchers with expertise in the dynamic effects of these agents and to encourage both preclinical and patient-based mechanistic studies.
The impetus for this call is the growing clinical use of incretin mimetics for diabetes and obesity, their reported effects on various cancer risks (notably thyroid and prostate), and the need for mechanistic insight into their potential to increase or decrease risk for obesity-related cancers.
