Atom | Chemical Countermeasures Research Program (CCRP) Initiative: Basic Research on The Deleterious Effects of Acute Exposure to Ultra-Potent Synthetic (UPS) Opioids (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Funder: National Institutes of Health

Due Dates: November 18, 2025 (New) | November 18, 2026 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision) | November 18, 2027 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision)

Funding Amounts: Up to $300,000 direct costs per year, for up to 5 years; NIH anticipates up to 4 awards, subject to appropriations.

Summary: Supports basic research to understand and mitigate the acute and delayed harmful effects of ultra-potent synthetic opioids (e.g., fentanyl, carfentanil, nitazenes) and their combinations.

Key Information: Clinical trials are not allowed; applications must focus on DHS-designated opioids and not on pain management or SUD treatment.

Description

This NIH funding opportunity supports basic research on the mechanisms and biological pathways underlying the acute and persistent effects of ultra-potent synthetic (UPS) opioids, such as fentanyl, carfentanil, nitazenes, and their combinations (e.g., fentanyl and xylazine). The goal is to advance understanding of the toxicology, pathophysiology, and potential countermeasures for acute exposure to these agents, which are considered high-consequence chemicals of concern due to their potency, rapid onset, and public health impact.

Research should address both immediate and delayed health effects following acute exposure, including neurorespiratory depression, organ injury, and persistent or non-lethal sequelae. The program aims to facilitate the discovery of new therapeutic targets and mitigation strategies that are effective and scalable for use in mass casualty or emergency scenarios.

Due Dates

Letter of Intent: 30 days prior to application due date (optional but encouraged)
Application Deadlines:
- New applications: November 18, 2025
- Renewal/Resubmission/Revision: November 18, 2026 and November 18, 2027
All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

Funding Amount

Budget: Up to $300,000 direct costs per year
Project Period: Up to 5 years
Anticipated Number of Awards: Up to 4 awards (totaling $2M in FY 2026; future years subject to appropriations)
Funding Instrument: Grant (R01 mechanism)
Clinical Trials: Not allowed

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:

Public and private institutions of higher education
Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status)
For-profit organizations (including small businesses)
State, county, city, township, and special district governments
Independent school districts
Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
Native American tribal governments and organizations (federally recognized and other)
Faith-based and community-based organizations
Regional organizations
U.S. federal agencies and U.S. territories/possessions

Restrictions:

Non-U.S. (foreign) organizations and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply.
Foreign components, as defined by NIH policy, are allowed within U.S. applications.

Application Process

Submission: Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov, NIH ASSIST, or an institutional system-to-system solution.
Required Registrations: SAM, eRA Commons, Grants.gov, and (if applicable) NCAGE code.
Letter of Intent: Email to NIDALetterofIntent@mail.nih.gov with project title, PI(s), key personnel, institutions, and funding opportunity number.
Application Guide: Follow the NIH How to Apply - Application Guide and the specific instructions in the full NOFO.
Page Limits: As described in the NIH Application Guide.
Data Management: All applications must include a Data Management and Sharing Plan.

Additional Information

Scope: Applications must focus on at least one opioid designated as a Department of Homeland Security Chemical of Concern (e.g., fentanyl, carfentanil, nitazenes). Combinations with other agents (e.g., xylazine) are allowed.
Not Responsive: Applications focused on pain management, substance use disorder treatment, behavioral interventions, or solely on µ-opioid receptor antagonists are not responsive.
Research Focus: Mechanistic studies (molecular, cellular, genetic, circuitry, structural), multi-omics, and translational models are encouraged.
Special Considerations: Review NIDA Special Considerations for additional requirements.

External Links

Contact Information

Area	Contact	Email / Phone
Scientific/Research (NIDA)	Kiran Vemuri, Ph.D.	kiran.vemuri@nih.gov / 301-435-4446
Scientific/Research (NIAID)	Dave Yeung, Ph.D.	dy70v@nih.gov / 301-796-7237
Peer Review (NIDA)	NIDA Review	NIDAPeerReview@nih.gov
Grants Management (NIDA)	Chief Grants Management Officer	nidagmbemail@nida.nih.gov
Grants Management (NIAID)	Tamia Carter	tamia.powell@nih.gov / 240-669-2982
General Grants Info	NIH Grants Info	GrantsInfo@nih.gov / 301-480-7075
Application Support	eRA Service Desk	eRA Help / 301-402-7469 or 866-504-9552