Toward Translation of Nanotechnology Cancer Interventions (TTNCI) (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | PAR 22 071

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 22 071

Toward Translation of Nanotechnology Cancer Interventions (TTNCI) (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is a National Institutes of Health funding opportunity (NCI/NIH; CFDA 93.394) aimed at pushing promising nanotechnology-based cancer tools beyond early discovery and into robust, advanced preclinical development. The core purpose is to support translational preclinical research that matures experimental nanomedicines, including nanoparticle and nanodevice platforms, when there is clear evidence that the intervention could improve cancer care because of the way the nano-structure is engineered and/or because of the therapeutic or diagnostic payload it carries and delivers. In practical terms, the program is looking for projects that move a nanotechnology cancer diagnostic or therapeutic closer to a development-ready state, with the kind of data package and technical readiness that would position it to transition into NCI translational pipelines such as the NCI Experimental Therapeutics (NExT) program or related NCI development programs.

This FOA uses the R01 grant mechanism and explicitly does not allow clinical trials, which signals that the expected work is preclinical rather than human-subject interventional research. The emphasis is on the stage of development where concepts should already be more than speculative: applicants are generally expected to have a credible lead candidate or platform, plus a plan to address key translational gaps that commonly block progress (for example, reproducible fabrication and characterization, performance in relevant models, safety or tolerability profiling appropriate for preclinical work, biodistribution and targeting behavior, dose and schedule exploration, proof-of-concept efficacy, and other studies that build confidence in moving toward an IND-enabling or programmatic handoff stage). The program description centers on “maturing” these interventions, meaning the work should reduce technical and biological uncertainty and produce decision-quality evidence about feasibility, potential benefit, and readiness for the next translational step.

The interventions of interest are nanotechnology-based cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, broadly conceived, as long as the nanoparticle or nanodevice design is integral to the claimed advantage. That includes approaches where the nano-scale architecture improves delivery, targeting, stability, controlled release, imaging contrast, multimodal functionality, or combinatorial therapeutic action compared with conventional formulations. A key idea running through the FOA is that the improved performance should be tied to the nanotechnology itself, whether through structural features (size, surface chemistry, shape, material composition, functionalization, device design) and/or through the specific cargo being carried (drug, biologic, nucleic acid, imaging agent, radiosensitizer, or other diagnostic/therapeutic payload). The translational intent also implies attention to how the intervention could realistically be advanced through development, including considerations that often matter later such as manufacturability, scalability, and quality control, even if the award remains preclinical.

Eligibility is broad across U.S.-based organizations and includes many types of government, academic, nonprofit, and commercial entities. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized tribal governments; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (when not institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and small businesses. The FOA also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions. At the same time, it draws clear boundaries for non-U.S. involvement: non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and foreign institutions are not eligible to apply as the applicant organization, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply. However, foreign components, as defined under the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed, meaning a U.S.-based applicant can include certain well-justified foreign collaborations or elements within NIH policy limits.

Administratively, the opportunity is listed as PAR-22-071, categorized as discretionary funding, and uses the grant funding instrument. The activity category is listed under education and health, reflecting NIH’s broader classification system. The original closing date provided is 2024-11-17. The source data lists an award ceiling of 475,000 (as provided in the record), which should be interpreted in the context of NIH budget rules and the specific FOA instructions applicants must follow for allowable costs and requested budgets. The opportunity was created on 2021-11-23, indicating it has been available for multiple cycles and may have standard NIH due dates or reissues, so applicants typically need to confirm the current submission windows, budget guidance, and any FOA updates in the full announcement on NIH systems.

Overall, TTNCI is designed for teams who already have a compelling nanotechnology cancer intervention and now need support for the rigorous, translational preclinical work that de-risks the approach and makes it realistic for downstream NCI development pathways. The program is essentially a bridge between innovative nano-enabled cancer concepts and later-stage translational programs, with the clear expectation that funded projects will generate strong, development-oriented evidence rather than exploratory early discovery or human clinical testing.

• 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): 93.394.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2021-11-23.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-11-17. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $475,000.00 in funding.
• 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.

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