National Institutes of Health

Description

The National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS) seeks to advance its mission by establishing a new initiative called Selective Precision Targeting (SPoT) to determine a mechanism for precise and on-target therapeutic drug delivery to specific hard-to-reach locations within the human body using microphysiological systems (MPS). Targeted drug-delivery systems, including engineered nanoparticles, extracellular vesicles or focused ultrasound, are methods for delivering medications to a specific area of the body (organ, tissue, or cell) to increase the concentration of the drug in that area. Hard-to-reach locations in the body include the blood–brain barrier, central nervous system, placenta, retina, or a tumor.More specifically, the initiative goals are to:Optimize specific targeting of nanoparticle therapeutics to the target organ/cell of interestAssess biodistribution and off-target effects using a multi-organ microphysiological systemProvide evidence of functional cargo activityDetermine optimal route of administrationGrant authorities that allow the National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS) to forecast this opportunity are as follows: 42 U.S. Code § 287a - Cures Acceleration Network.

Who can apply

• State governments
• County governments
• Independent school districts
• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
• Public housing authorities / Indian housing authorities
• Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized)
• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
• Private institutions of higher education
• For-profit organizations other than small businesses
• Small businesses

Contact

passley.hargrove@nih.gov