Notice of Intent to Publish a Request for Applications for the Design, Synthesis, and Preclinical Testing of Potential Treatment Agents for Drug Addiction

Notice Number: NOT-DA-06-025

Key Dates
Release Date: September 13, 2006

Issued by
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), (http://www.nida.nih.gov)

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) plans to issue a Request for Applications (RFA), in the fall of 2006, to stimulate research for the design, synthesis, and preclinical testing of potential treatment agents for cocaine, methamphetamine or cannabinoid addiction.  In the past decade, advances in the molecular biology and brain imaging have led to new understanding of the molecular and neuronal mechanisms of drug addiction.  This knowledge base provides potential for new approaches in the design of novel classes of compounds targeting specific receptor subtypes, transporters, intracellular organelles, and pathways that modulate the neurotransmitter systems involved in addiction processes as potential treatment agents.  Past research indicated that approaches focused on dopamine transporter systems have not generated effective treatment for addiction or prevention of relapse.  This RFA encourages a paradigm change to shift focus toward the design of new classes of compounds based on newly identified molecular targets such as compounds interacting with corticotropins, cannabinoid, biogenic amines, GABA, and glutamate systems.  Other novel approaches or molecular targets with scientific rationale will also be of interest.

In addition to the design and synthesis of novel classes of compounds, the potential applicants are also encouraged to conduct in vitro/in vivo screening and preliminary pharmacological evaluations to facilitate the identification and selection of potential lead treatment agents for drug addiction.  It is expected that research supported under this RFA will ultimately advance candidate compounds for clinical evaluation. 

Inquiry

Dr. Ming L. Shih
National Institute on Drug Abuse
6001 Executive Boulevard, MSC 9555
Bethesda, MD 20892
Phone:  301-443-8422
Fax:  301-443-2599
E-mail: mshih@mail.nih.gov


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