The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is inviting applications for a Specialized Center-Cooperative Agreement (U54) aimed at establishing a Dynamic and Adaptable Infrastructure for Drug Development and Outreach to enhance the research community's efforts in repurposing and repositioning medications for Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). The initiative seeks to support academic and biotech researchers by providing comprehensive drug development services, including regulatory guidance, intellectual property consultations, and technical support, while excluding clinical trials. This funding opportunity is critical for accelerating the drug development pipeline for SUDs, with NIH committing $2.5 million for one award in FY 2026, and applications are due by January 28, 2026. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact NIH Grants Information at grantsinfo@nih.gov or visit the opportunity's webpage at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-26-020.html.

RFA-DA-26-020.html

The Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), is seeking applications for a Specialized Center-Cooperative Agreement (U54) to establish a Dynamic and Adaptable Infrastructure for Drug Development and Outreach. This center will accelerate drug development for Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) by repurposing and repositioning existing medications. The initiative aims to support academic and biotech investigators by providing expert guidance, shared resources, and tailored support across all stages of product development, excluding clinical trials. The center will comprise five core components: Administrative, Translational Support, Patient Engagement, User Project Sourcing and Assessment, and Freedom to Operate (FTO), Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy, and Market Access. NIDA intends to commit $2.5 million to fund one award in FY 2026 for a maximum project period of five years.

https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-26-020.html

This Notice of Funding Opportunity seeks applications to establish and operate a dynamic and adaptable drug development infrastructure to support the research community. The aim is to strengthen and expand the substance use disorder (SUD) drug development pipeline by accelerating the evaluation and validation of repurposed and repositioned drugs. The Center and its team of subject matter experts will provide comprehensive drug development services to academic and biotech researchers at all stages of product development. By supporting various projects that address different SUD indications, the Center will contribute to reducing the burden of SUDs on individuals and communities. The services offered will include assistance in creating Target Product Profiles, Freedom-to-Operate analysis, intellectual property consultations, regulatory guidance, and technical pipeline support. Additionally, the Center will engage in outreach efforts to connect with the research community, solicit proposals, and implement processes to evaluate, select, and advance the projects focused on repurposing and repositioning medications for SUD treatment.

See Section VII. Agency Contacts within the full opportunity announcement for all other inquires.

NIH Grants Information&lt;br/&gt;grantsinfo@nih.gov

Dynamic and Adaptable Infrastructure for Drug Development and Outreach to Aid the Research Community in Advancing Medication Repurposing and Repositioning Efforts for Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) (U54 - Clinical Trials Not Allowed)

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