Establishing a Center for the Advancement of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Pharmacotherapeutics through Training and Preclinical Support

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a key component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the National Institutes of Health, is issuing a forecasted funding opportunity for the creation of a Center for the Advancement of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Pharmacotherapeutics. This initiative is aimed at addressing a critical gap in the translational research pipeline by equipping researchers with the knowledge and resources needed to transform promising therapeutic concepts into viable products. Recognizing the urgency and complexity of substance use disorders, the Center will play a central role in educating researchers and providing targeted support to advance preclinical development. The proposed Center will serve as both a training hub and a technical support facility. Its core mission includes delivering structured product development education tailored to SUD researchers, facilitating outreach and engagement efforts to attract high-quality proposals, and providing critical infrastructure for conducting early-stage experiments. By integrating these elements, the initiative aims to accelerate the development of new pharmacotherapeutic interventions that address unmet needs in addiction treatment. This effort builds upon NIDA's historical investments in early translational research, which revealed a strong demand among addiction scientists for more robust support in formal product development processes. While the opportunity is currently at the forecast stage, the agency encourages potential applicants to begin preparing for submission. The formal application process will open on February 10, 2026, and close on March 10, 2026, with awards expected by December 1, 2026. Given the complexity and strategic importance of the Center, applicants are expected to demonstrate institutional capabilities and scientific expertise in drug discovery and development. Proposals should detail the proposed curriculum, describe plans for engaging the research community, and outline the types of technical and financial support that will be offered to advance selected concepts. The funding mechanism for this opportunity is a cooperative agreement, indicating that NIDA will play an active role in managing and supporting the awarded Center. A total of $3 million in funding is anticipated for this initiative, with a single award to be issued. Matching funds are not required for this opportunity. Although specific award ceilings and floors are not stated, applicants should prepare detailed budgets that align with the scope and expected scale of the Center's operations. Due to the collaborative nature of this agreement, applicants can anticipate close interaction with NIDA program staff throughout the project lifecycle. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, encompassing U.S.-based entities such as state, local, and tribal governments, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits, small businesses, and for-profit organizations. Foreign institutions and faith-based or community-based organizations are also eligible to apply. NIDA has provided this early notification to ensure that interested parties have adequate time to form collaborations, design responsive applications, and prepare robust proposals. This pre-solicitation notice is supported by statutory authorities under Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act and relevant federal regulations. Inquiries regarding the opportunity can be directed to Dr. Tam Nguyen at tam.nguyen@nih.gov or by phone at (301) 451-1203. Applicants are advised to monitor Grants.gov for the formal posting of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and to begin preparatory work as soon as possible. Given the potential impact of the Center on advancing SUD pharmacotherapies, the initiative represents a strategic investment in improving public health outcomes through scientific innovation and capacity building.