The funding opportunity “Toward Translation of Nanotechnology Cancer Interventions (TTNCI)” supports advanced pre-clinical research focused on translating nanotechnology-based interventions for cancer into more developed clinical applications. Under this R01 grant (FOA number PAR-22-071), the National Cancer Institute (NCI) seeks projects that apply nanoparticle formulations or nano-devices to address significant cancer clinical objectives, with the potential to enhance treatment or diagnostic effectiveness. This funding is designed to foster projects that can transition toward the NCI Experimental Therapeutics (NExT) program or similar translational initiatives, helping interventions progress toward clinical application.

TTNCI emphasizes innovative applications of nanotechnology for cancer treatment and diagnostics, especially in combination therapy, immunotherapy, and imaging/diagnostics. Eligible projects should focus on improving the clinical viability of cancer diagnostics or therapies through unique features of nanotechnology, such as tailored drug delivery or imaging precision. Projects are expected to achieve advances in translating these technologies to stages suitable for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), positioning them for further development within NCI programs.

Funding for TTNCI provides up to $475,000 in direct costs annually, with a maximum project period of four years. This grant program is open to higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, government agencies, and specific tribal entities, among others. Foreign institutions are ineligible, though foreign components of U.S. organizations may participate. Each institution may submit multiple applications, provided that each proposal is scientifically unique. Applications that do not propose clinical trials but include pre-clinical studies in animal models or in vitro human studies are appropriate for this funding.

Applications are due on semi-annual dates: May 17 and November 17, through November 2024. Proposals must clearly demonstrate clinical relevance and translational potential, including measurable milestones that track progress over each project year. Proposals should include specific aims, a robust research strategy with rigorous preliminary data, and a discussion of the translational trajectory for the proposed technology.

The NCI expects applicants to work closely with the NCI Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) for confirmatory testing and characterization of their nanotechnologies. Investigators are also encouraged to consider the Cancer Nanotechnology Laboratory data portal (caNanoLab) for data sharing, as well as NCI-supported resources such as animal models and preclinical research facilities.

Applications are reviewed on scientific and technical merit, with considerations including project significance, innovation, and translational viability. Review criteria include the intervention’s potential clinical impact, the PI’s qualifications, and institutional resources. For further inquiries, applicants may contact the NCI’s designated program officials. Upon award, recipients must comply with NIH’s data sharing policies, annual reporting requirements, and other relevant NIH grant policies.