Toward Translation of Nanotechnology Cancer Interventions (TTNCI; R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | PAR 25 336

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 25 336

The Toward Translation of Nanotechnology Cancer Interventions (TTNCI) funding opportunity (PAR-25-336) is an NIH National Cancer Institute (NCI) R01 grant program focused on moving promising nanotechnology-based cancer tools closer to real-world clinical development. The program is aimed squarely at advanced preclinical research rather than basic discovery, with the intent of generating the kinds of rigorous data and development-readiness milestones that position an experimental nanomedicine for the next step in translation. Clinical trials are not allowed under this R01, so the work supported is expected to remain in the preclinical space while still being strongly oriented toward eventual use in patients.

At the center of the NOFO is the development and maturation of cancer diagnostics and therapeutics that depend on nanoparticles or nano-devices. NCI is looking for interventions where the unique structural design of the particle/device and/or the therapeutic or diagnostic cargo it carries is what creates the potential for a meaningful improvement in cancer treatment effectiveness. In other words, this is not just about using a small material because it is small; it is about leveraging nanoscale engineering to achieve capabilities that standard approaches struggle with, such as better tumor targeting, improved delivery of drugs or imaging agents, controlled release, enhanced therapeutic index, multi-function combinations (for example, therapy plus imaging), or other advantages that stem from the nanotechnology platform itself.

The awards are positioned as a bridge to later-stage NCI translational resources, specifically calling out the expectation that TTNCI-supported projects should reach a stage where they could plausibly continue along a development path toward NCI Experimental Therapeutics (NExT) and other NCI translation-focused programs. Practically, that signals an emphasis on preclinical packages that de-risk the intervention and increase confidence in feasibility, performance, and reproducibility, such as optimization and characterization of the nanoformulation/device, demonstration of function in relevant models, early safety and tolerability work, and other studies that strengthen a case for subsequent translational investment. The overall theme is readiness: moving an intervention from compelling concept and early proof-of-principle toward a more mature, defensible preclinical candidate.

Eligibility is broad and includes many typical NIH-eligible organization types, spanning public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) as well as small businesses, and multiple levels of government applicants (state, county, city/township, special districts, and independent school districts). It also includes Native American tribal governments (federally recognized) and tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments), plus public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities. The NOFO also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant categories such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), along with faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions.

There are important limits related to foreign participation. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations) are not eligible to apply, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply. However, foreign components are allowed as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, meaning a U.S.-based applicant can include certain foreign elements within the project under NIH rules, even though a foreign organization cannot serve as the applicant organization.

Administratively, this is a discretionary grant program under NIH, categorized in the Education and Health funding activity area, with CFDA number 93.395. The opportunity was created on 2024-12-16, and the listed original closing date is 2027-11-15. While the provided source data does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards, the emphasis of the announcement is less on a fixed budget cap and more on supporting well-justified, advanced preclinical efforts that measurably advance nanotechnology cancer interventions toward later translational pathways within NCI.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Toward Translation of Nanotechnology Cancer Interventions (TTNCI; R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.395.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-12-16.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2027-11-15.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PAR 25 336

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