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)
Funds basic research on the harmful acute and delayed effects of ultra-potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl, including combinations, to develop countermeasures.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: November 18, 2025 | November 18, 2026 | November 18, 2027
Funding Amounts: Up to $300,000 direct costs per year; maximum project period of 5 years; NIH intends to support up to 4 awards (total program funding $2M in FY26)
Summary: Supports basic research on mechanisms and mitigation of acute and persistent effects of ultra-potent synthetic (UPS) opioid exposure (e.g., fentanyl, carfentanil, nitazenes, and combinations such as fentanyl and xylazine).
Key Information: Clinical trials are not allowed; focus must be on DHS chemicals of concern; non-domestic organizations are not eligible.
Description
This funding opportunity supports basic research aimed at understanding and mitigating the deleterious effects of acute exposure to ultra-potent synthetic (UPS) opioids, such as fentanyl, carfentanil, nitazenes, and their combinations (e.g., fentanyl and xylazine). The program seeks to address both immediate and persistent/delayed pathophysiological effects following such exposures. The overarching goal is to reveal and validate mechanisms and biological pathways involved in toxicity, and to foster the discovery of new therapeutic targets and intervention strategies.
Research must focus on opioids identified as Department of Homeland Security (DHS) chemicals of concern, and may include mechanistic studies at the molecular, cellular, genetic, or systems level. Projects may also investigate long-term sequelae, such as neurological, cardiovascular, or other organ system effects resulting from acute exposure. The initiative is part of the trans-NIH Chemical Countermeasures Research Program (CCRP) and is led by NIDA, NIAID, and NHLBI.
Clinical trials are not permitted under this opportunity. Applications proposing efficacy studies without mechanistic investigation, studies on pain management or substance use disorder treatment, or those focusing solely on µ-opioid receptor antagonists will not be considered responsive.
