Promoting a Basic Understanding of Chemical Threats to Skin (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) together with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications aimed at elucidating the pathological mechanisms underlying skin injury caused by toxic chemicals identified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as high-consequence public health threats. This initiative will emphasize the understanding of commonalities in the fundamental mechanisms of skin injuries caused by vesicants such as sulfur mustard, Lewisite, nitrogen mustard, phosgene oxime, arsenicals, and other toxic chemicals. Responsive applications will investigate the molecular and cellular pathology of at least two chemicals, belonging to different toxidromes (contact PO for more information). It is hoped that the knowledge gained will ultimately lead to the discovery and characterization of potential shared therapeutic targets in injuries caused by different chemicals, and the development of broad-spectrum medical countermeasures (MCM). This effort is part of a NIH-wide initiative to develop MCM to treat patients in mass casualty events after acute exposure to toxic chemicals as part of the Chemical Countermeasure Research Program (CCRP). Chemical Countermeasures Research Program | NIAID: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Applications are not being solicited currently. Notice is provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. This NOFO will utilize the R01 activity code. Investigators with expertise and insights into this cutaneous wound healing area are encouraged to consider applying for this new NOFO. In addition, team science approaches will be encouraged.