Translational Tools for Clinical Studies of CAM Interventions (R01)

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Purpose. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) issued by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) encourages investigator(s)-initiated applications that propose to develop, enhance, and validate translational tools to facilitate rigorous study of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches that are in wide use by the public. Recent data from the National Health Interview Survey [http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis.htm] establish that Americans are utilizing CAM approaches to promote health and well-being, to treat or prevent disease, and for symptom relief. CAM approaches being widely used include massage and manipulative therapies, meditation, yoga, non-vitamin/non-mineral natural products, and acupuncture with chronic pain, back pain and musculoskeletal pain being the most commonly cited reasons for their use. This FOA focuses on encouraging the development of improved research methodology to study safety, efficacy, and clinical effectiveness of mind-body interventions (such as meditation), manual therapies, and/or yoga therapy. Investigations of other CAM interventions (including natural products and dietary supplements) are not allowed for this FOA. Mechanism of Support. This FOA will utilize the NIH Research Project Grant (R01) grant mechanism. Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards. NCCAM intends to commit up to $6 million per year (total costs) to support approximately 8 grants. The total amount awarded and the number of awards will depend upon the quality, duration, and costs of the projects that are proposed. Awards issued under this FOA are contingent upon the availability of funds and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.

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