EXPIRED
PHARMACOTHERAPY TO TREAT THE COMORBIDITY OF ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS RELEASE DATE: November 18, 2002 PA NUMBER: PAS-03-029 EXPIRATION DATE: This program announcement will expire on November 5, 2005, unless re-issued. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) (http://www.niaaa.nih.gov) National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (http://www.nida.nih.gov) THIS PA CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION o Purpose of the PA o Research Objectives o Mechanism(s) of Support o Funds Available o Eligible Institutions o Individuals Eligible to Become Principal Investigators o Where to Send Inquiries o Submitting an Application o Peer Review Process o Review Criteria o Award Criteria o Required Federal Citations o References PURPOSE The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) are seeking research grant applications on pharmacological treatment for patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and a comorbid substance use disorder (SUD). Substance use disorder may include the abuse/dependence of heroin, prescription narcotics, cocaine, methamphetamine and other stimulants, hallucinogens, sedative hypnotics, marijuana, and other substances of abuse. Alcoholic abuse/dependent patients may have a co-occuring nicotine dependent, but must also meet the criteria for other types of SUD. Research on the specific treatment needs of this population is in early stages, and thus well-designed studies are needed. In particular, it is important to understand how the effects of treating one disorder affects the outcome for the other disorder. The intervention strategy to treat one or both comorbid conditions might depend on the type of comorbidity as well as the subtype of comorbid AUD/SUD patient. In addition, applications can include the utilization of human laboratory paradigms to screen potential medications for subsequent phase 2 and 3 trials as well as to determine the actions of the medications. All applications submitted in response to this program announcement should be conducted in humans. This program announcement has set aside funds for FY 2003. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Background Alcohol abuse and dependence commonly occurs in subjects who suffer from SUD. For example, as many as 90 percent of cocaine addicts have a problem with alcohol in both treatment and community settings (Gorelick, 1992). Patients suffering from both disorders often have poorer treatment outcome and are more likely to drop out of treatment. Unfortunately, effective treatments have yet to be established for the various conditions of comorbid alcohol and drug addiction. In addition to developing effective treatment strategies for each substance of abuse, one may need to take into account the physiological and psychological alternations that can occur from a drug-alcohol interaction. For example, ingestion of alcohol and cocaine can produce a new metabolite, cocaethylene, which can increase craving as well as increased heart rate (McCance et al., 1995). Some progress has been made in treating patients with a concurrent alcohol and cocaine dependence. Carroll et al. (1998) reported that disulfiram combined with outpatient psychotherapy enhanced treatment retention and increased the duration of abstinence from both alcohol and cocaine use. In a preliminary report, Higgins et al. (1993) also found that supervised disulfiram reduced both alcohol and cocaine intake in patients dually diagnosed with cocaine dependence and alcohol abuse/dependence. Interestingly, naltrexone at doses of 50 mg/day has been reported ineffective in treating comorbid alcohol and cocaine use disorders (Hersh et al., 1998). Nevertheless, in a preliminary report by Oslin et al. (1999), alcohol and cocaine dependent patients treated with higher doses of naltrexone (150 mg/day) reduced both their frequency and amount of alcohol and cocaine intake. Studies are underway to test the efficacy of 150 mg of naltrexone daily and also to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of naltrexone and disulfiram in this population. Little research has been conducted on alcoholics with a comorbid opioid addiction. In an early study, Liebson et al. (1973) reported that disulfiram given to alcoholic methadone patients reduced their alcohol intake. However, new studies are needed to test newer medications such as buprenorphine for opioid dependence and naltrexone and acamprosate for alcoholism. In summary, research to evaluate effective combined pharmacological and behavioral treatments for patients diagnosed with AUD and SUD is in very early stages. The purpose of this program announcement is to stimulate state-of-the-art research to evaluate promising pharmacological treatments across a wide population of comorbid AUD and SUD subjects. Specific Areas of Interest A wide variety of research opportunities exist for advancing the treatment of this understudied population. Research topics include, but are not limited to: o Evaluate the efficacy of established and novel pharmacological agents for AUD patients with a comorbid SUD. These patients may also have a collateral psychiatric disorder. Appropriate combination and sequencing of pharmacological and behavioral therapies need to be explored for patients suffering from two or more concurrent disorders. In addition, optimal dosage and duration of treatment needs to be established for each medication. o Determine the optimal integration of pharmacological agents with behavioral therapies. o Determine if outcome of pharmacological treatment of AUD patients suffering from comorbidity is different than that of non-comorbid patients. Is there a gender difference? o Establish if the treatment of AUD or SUD improves or affects the outcome for the other disorder. o Determine if treatment for AUD and SUD should be conducted simultaneously or sequentially. o Determine if the chronology of onset of the comorbid condition (e.g., primary versus secondary AUD) can influence treatment outcome and alter treatment strategy. o Evaluate pharmacological treatments for comorbidity in special populations including minorities, the elderly, adolescents, and those in the criminal justice system. o Develop techniques to enhance treatment compliance. Compliance strategies may vary with the comorbid condition. o Identify factors influencing clinical efficacy of medications using human laboratory behavioral pharmacology paradigms. Prior to beginning phase 2 clinical trials potential medications can be screened in the laboratory to determine the following: 1) the medication's impact to reduce craving and/or to diminish the negative symptoms of addiction; 2) likelihood of adverse events, especially in the presence of alcohol; 3) pharmacokinetics for medication combinations; and 4) optimal dosing regimens. Studies are sought which develop and expand use of these human laboratory paradigms. o Identify possible interactions of medications to treat AUD and SUD as well as interactions with alcohol . Pharmacokinetic studies might also be appropriate. For example, Ciraulo et al. (1982) demonstrated that at a given dose of imipramine, patients who were both alcoholic and depressed attained lower blood levels of the medication than nonalcoholic depressed subjects. MECHANISM(S) OF SUPPORT This PA will use the NIH research project grant (R01) small grant (R03) and Exploratory/developmental grant (R21) award mechanism. As an applicant, you will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed project. The total project period for a research project grant (R01) application submitted in response to this Program Announcement may not exceed 5 years. Under the Small Grant mechanism (R03) applicants may request either $25,000 or $50,000 in direct costs per year for up to two years. These awards are not renewable; however, a no-cost extension of up to one year may be granted to the grantee institution prior to expiration of the project period. The R03 mechanism is intended for newer, less experienced investigators, for investigators at institutions without well-developed research traditions and resources, or for experienced investigators wishing to change research directions or test new methods or techniques. Before completion of the R03, investigators are encouraged to seek continuing support for research through a research project grant (R01). The NIAAA Small Grant Program is described in detail in PA-99-098 (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-99-098.html), and the NIDA Small Grant Program is described in detail in PA-02-170, at (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-02-170.html). Under the Exploratory/developmental Grant mechanism (R21) applicants may request up to $100,000/year in direct costs for up to 3 years. The Exploratory/development Grant program is intended to encourage exploratory research projects with sound methodology and strong rationales in underdeveloped research areas. The NIAAA Exploratory/developmental Grant Program is described in detail in PA- 99-131 (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-99-131.html), and the NIDA Exploratory/developmental Grant Program is described in detail in PA-02-171 (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-02-171.html) This PA uses just-in-time concepts. It also uses the modular as well as the non-modular budgeting formats (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm). Specifically, if you are submitting an application with direct costs in each year of $250,000 or less, use the modular format. Otherwise follow the instructions for non-modular research grant applications. FUNDS AVAILABLE The NIAAA intends to commit approximately $2,000,000 in FY 2003 to fund 6 to 10 new and/or competitive continuation grants in response to this PA. Because the nature and scope of the research proposed may vary, it is anticipated that the size of each award will also vary. Although the financial plans of NIAAA provide support for this program, awards pursuant to this PA are contingent upon the availability of funds and the receipt of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS You may submit (an) application(s) if your institution has any of the following characteristics: o For-profit or non-profit organizations o Public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, and laboratories o Units of State and local governments o Eligible agencies of the Federal government o Domestic or foreign o Faith-based or community-based organizations INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE TO BECOME PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS Any individual with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research is invited to work with their institution to develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH programs. WHERE TO SEND INQUIRIES We encourage your inquiries concerning this PA and welcome the opportunity answer questions from potential applicants. Inquiries may fall into two areas: scientific/research and financial or grants management issues: o Direct your questions about scientific/research issues to: Charlene E. LeFauve, Ph.D. Division of Clinical and Prevention Research National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism 6000 Executive Boulvard, Suite 505 MSC 7003 Bethesda, MD 20892-7003 For express mail use: Rockville, MD 20852) Telephone: (301) 402-9401 Fax: (301) 443-8774 Email:[email protected] Ivan D. Montoya, M.D., M.P.H. Medications Research Grants Branch Division of Treatment Research and Development National Institute on Drug Abuse 6001 Executive Blvd. Bethesda, MD 20892-9551 Phone: (301) 443-8639 Fax: (301) 443-2599 e-mail: [email protected] o Direct your questions about financial or grants management matters to: Judy Fox Grants Management Branch National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism 6000 Executive Boulvard, Suite 505 MSC 7003 Bethesda, MD 20892-7003 (For express mail use: Rockville,MD 20852) Telephone: (301) 443-2434 Email:[email protected] Gary Fleming, J.D., M.A. Grants Management Branch National Institute on Drug Abuse 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 3131 MSC 9541 Bethesda, Maryland 20892-9541 Telephone: 301-443-6710 E-mail: [email protected] SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION Applications must be prepared using the PHS 398 research grant application instructions and forms (rev. 5/2001). The PHS 398 is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html in an interactive format. For further assistance contact GrantsInfo, Telephone (301) 435-0714, Email: [email protected]. APPLICATION RECEIPT DATES: Applications submitted in response to this program announcement will be accepted at the standard application deadlines, which are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/dates.htm. Application deadlines are also indicated in the PHS 398 application kit. SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR MODULAR GRANT APPLICATIONS: Applications requesting up to $250,000 per year in direct costs must be submitted in a modular grant format. The modular grant format simplifies the preparation of the budget in these applications by limiting the level of budgetary detail. Applicants request direct costs in $25,000 modules. Section C of the research grant application instructions for the PHS 398 (rev. 5/2001) at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html includes step- by-step guidance for preparing modular grants. Additional information on modular grants is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm. SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATIONS REQUESTING $500,000 OR MORE PER YEAR: Applications requesting $500,000 or more in direct costs for any year must include a cover letter identifying the NIAAA staff member who has agreed to accept assignment of the application. Applicants requesting more than $500,000 must carry out the following steps: 1) Contact the IC program staff at least 6 weeks before submitting the application, i.e., as you are developing plans for the study; 2) Obtain agreement from the IC staff that the IC will accept your application for consideration for award; and, 3) Identify, in a cover letter sent with the application, the staff member and IC who agreed to accept assignment of the application. This policy applies to all investigator-initiated new (type 1), competing continuation (type 2), competing supplement, or any amended or revised version of these grant application types. Additional information on this policy is available in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, October 19, 2001 at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-004.html. SENDING AN APPLICATION TO THE NIH: Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the checklist, and five signed photocopies in one package to: Center for Scientific Review National Institutes of Health 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 1040, MSC 7710 Bethesda, MD 20892-7710 Bethesda, MD 20817 (for express/courier service) APPLICATION PROCESSING: Applications must be received by or mailed before the receipt dates described at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm. The CSR will not accept any application in response to this PA that is essentially the same as one currently pending initial review unless the applicant withdraws the pending application. The CSR will not accept any application that is essentially the same as one already reviewed. This does not preclude the submission of a substantial revision of an application already reviewed, but such application must include an Introduction addressing the previous critique. PEER REVIEW PROCESS Applications submitted for this PA will be assigned on the basis of established PHS referral guidelines. An appropriate scientific review group convened in accordance with the standard NIH peer review procedures (http://www.csr.nih.gov/refrev.htm) will evaluate applications for scientific and technical merit. As part of the initial merit review, all applications will: o Receive a written critique o Undergo a selection process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit, generally the top half of applications under review, will be discussed and assigned a priority score o Receive a second level review by the appropriate national advisory council or board REVIEW CRITERIA The goals of NIH-supported research are to advance our understanding of biological systems, improve the control of disease, and enhance health. In the written comments, reviewers will be asked to discuss the following aspects of your application in order to judge the likelihood that the proposed research will have a substantial impact on the pursuit of these goals: o Significance o Approach o Innovation o Investigator o Environment The scientific review group will address and consider each of these criteria in assigning your application's overall score, weighting them as appropriate for each application. Your application does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific impact and thus deserve a high priority score. For example, you may propose to carry out important work that by its nature is not innovative but is essential to move a field forward. (1) SIGNIFICANCE: Does your study address an important problem? If the aims of your application are achieved, how do they advance scientific knowledge? What will be the effect of these studies on the concepts or methods that drive this field? (2) APPROACH: Are the conceptual framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well integrated, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Do you acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics? (3) INNOVATION: Does your project employ novel concepts, approaches or methods? Are the aims original and innovative? Does your project challenge existing paradigms or develop new methodologies or technologies? (4) INVESTIGATOR: Are you appropriately trained and well suited to carry out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to your experience level as the principal investigator and to that of other researchers (if any)? (5) ENVIRONMENT: Does the scientific environment in which your work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Do the proposed experiments take advantage of unique features of the scientific environment or employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support? ADDITIONAL REVIEW CRITERIA: In addition to the above criteria, your application will also be reviewed with respect to the following: PROTECTIONS: The adequacy of the proposed protection for humans, animals, or the environment, to the extent they may be adversely affected by the project proposed in the application. INCLUSION: The adequacy of plans to include subjects from both genders, all racial and ethnic groups (and subgroups), and children as appropriate for the scientific goals of the research. Plans for the recruitment and retention of subjects will also be evaluated. (See Inclusion Criteria included in the section on Federal Citations, below) BUDGET: The reasonableness of the proposed budget and the requested period of support in relation to the proposed research. AWARD CRITERIA Applications submitted in response to a PA will compete for available funds with all other recommended applications. The following will be considered in making funding decisions: o Scientific merit of the proposed project as determined by peer review o Availability of funds o Relevance to program priorities REQUIRED FEDERAL CITATIONS MONITORING PLAN AND DATA SAFETY AND MONITORING BOARD: Research components involving Phase I and II clinical trials must include provisions for assessment of patient eligibility and status, rigorous data management, quality assurance, and auditing procedures. In addition, it is NIH policy that all clinical trials require data and safety monitoring, with the method and degree of monitoring being commensurate with the risks (NIH Policy for Data Safety and Monitoring, NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, June 12, 1998: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-084.html). INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN CLINICAL RESEARCH: It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups and their sub- populations must be included in all NIH-supported clinical research projects unless a clear and compelling justification is provided indicating that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the subjects or the purpose of the research. This policy results from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law 103-43). All investigators proposing clinical research should read the AMENDMENT "NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research - Amended, October, 2001," published in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts on October 9, 2001 (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-001.html); a complete copy of the updated Guidelines are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/women_min/guidelines_amended_10_2001.htm. The amended policy incorporates: the use of an NIH definition of clinical research; updated racial and ethnic categories in compliance with the new OMB standards; clarification of language governing NIH-defined Phase III clinical trials consistent with the new PHS Form 398; and updated roles and responsibilities of NIH staff and the extramural community. The policy continues to require for all NIH- defined Phase III clinical trials that: a) all applications or proposals and/or protocols must provide a description of plans to conduct analyses, as appropriate, to address differences by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic groups, including subgroups if applicable; and b) investigators must report annual accrual and progress in conducting analyses, as appropriate, by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic group differences. INCLUSION OF CHILDREN AS PARTICIPANTS IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS: The NIH maintains a policy that children (i.e., individuals under the age of 21) must be included in all human subjects research, conducted or supported by the NIH, unless there are scientific and ethical reasons not to include them. This policy applies to all initial (Type 1) applications submitted for receipt dates after October 1, 1998. All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the "NIH Policy and Guidelines" on the inclusion of children as participants in research involving human subjects that is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/children/children.htm. REQUIRED EDUCATION ON THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECT PARTICIPANTS: NIH policy requires education on the protection of human subject participants for all investigators submitting NIH proposals for research involving human subjects. You will find this policy announcement in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts Announcement, dated June 5, 2000, at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-039.html. PUBLIC ACCESS TO RESEARCH DATA THROUGH THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-110 has been revised to provide public access to research data through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) under some circumstances. Data that are (1) first produced in a project that is supported in whole or in part with Federal funds and (2) cited publicly and officially by a Federal agency in support of an action that has the force and effect of law (i.e., a regulation) may be accessed through FOIA. It is important for applicants to understand the basic scope of this amendment. NIH has provided guidance at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/a110/a110_guidance_dec1999.htm. Applicants may wish to place data collected under this PA in a public archive, which can provide protections for the data and manage the distribution for an indefinite period of time. If so, the application should include a description of the archiving plan in the study design and include information about this in the budget justification section of the application. In addition, applicants should think about how to structure informed consent statements and other human subjects procedures given the potential for wider use of data collected under this award. URLs IN NIH GRANT APPLICATIONS OR APPENDICES: All applications and proposals for NIH funding must be self-contained within specified page limitations. Unless otherwise specified in a NIH solicitation, Internet addresses (URLs) should not be used to provide information necessary to the review because reviewers are under no obligation to view the Internet sites. Furthermore, we caution reviewers that their anonymity may be compromised when they directly access an Internet site. HEALTHY PEOPLE 2010: The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2010," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This PA is related to one or more of the priority areas. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2010" at http://www.health.gov/healthypeople. AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS: This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.273 (NIAAA) and 93.279 (NIDA), and is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review. Awards are made under authorization of Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and administered under NIH grants policies described at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92. The PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke- free workplace and discourage the use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care, or early childhood development services are provided to children. This is consistent with the PHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of the American people. http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-02-015.html. REFERENCES Carroll, K.M., Nich, C., Ball, S.A., McCance, E., and Rounsavile, B.J. (1998). Treatment of cocaine and alcohol dependence with psychotherapy and disulfiram. Addiction 93(5):713-728. Ciraulo, D.A., Alderson, L.M., Chapron, D.J., Jaffe, J.H., Subbarao, B., and Kramer, P.A. (1982). Imipramine disposition of alcoholics. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology 2:2-7. Gorelick, D.A. (1992). Alcohol and cocaine: Clinical and pharmacological interactions. Recent Developments in Alcoholism 11:37- 56. Hersh, D., Van Kirk, J.R., and Kranzler, H.R. (1998). Naltrexone treatment of comorbid alcohol and cocaine use disorders. Psychopharmacology 139: 44-52. Higgins, S.T., Budney, A.J., Bickel, W.K., Hughes, J.R., and Foerg, F. (1993). Disulfiram therapy in patients abusing cocaine and alcohol. American Journal of Psychiatry 150(4):675-676. Liebson, I., Bigelow, G., and Flamer, R. (1973). Alcoholism among methadone patients: A specific treatment method. American Journal of Psychiatry 130(4):483-485. McCance, E.F., Price, L.H., Kosten, T.R., and Jatlow, P.I. (1995). Cocaethylene: Pharmacology, physiology and behavioral effects in humans. The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 274:215-223. Oslin, D.W., Pettinati, H.M., Volpicelli, J.R., Wolf, A.L., Kampman, K.M., and O'Brien, C.P. (1999). The effects of naltrexone on alcohol and cocaine use in dually addicted patients. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment 16(2):163-167.
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