NIH RFA · NIMH · R21, R33
RFA-MH-27-125: Mechanistic Evaluation of Therapeutic Targets derived from Treatable Traits to Improve CNS Outcomes in People with HIV (R21/R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Reviewed by Dr. Meng ZhaoLast reviewed October 16, 2026Data refreshed October 16, 2026Editorial standards
The purpose of this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) is to identify modifiable mechanisms and therapeutic targets to address central nervous system (CNS) complications associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The initiative supports a phased research approach beginning with the identification of patient phenotypes characterized by convergent pathophysiological features, followed by the discovery and experimental validation of molecular mechanisms using innovative in-vitro and in-vivo models. The goal of this NOFO is to advance therapeutic target, and intervention discovery to address the multifactorial and heterogeneous nature of HIV-associated CNS dysfunction.
- NOFO number
- RFA-MH-27-125
- Type
- RFA
- Activity code
- R21R33
- Primary institute
- NIMH · National Institute of Mental Health
- Clinical trials
- Not Allowed
- Posted
- Sep 30, 2026
- Opens
- Oct 9, 2026
- Expires
- Oct 29, 2027
RFA-MH-27-125 due dates
2 application due dates remain before the NOFO expires. Dates marked * are NIH standard due dates. Check the related notices below for changes NIH made after posting.
| New | Renewal / Resubmission / Revision (as allowed) | AIDS - New/Renewal/Resubmission/Revision, as allowed | Scientific Merit Review | Advisory Council Review | Earliest Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 09, 2026 | November 09, 2026 | Not Applicable | March 2027 | May 2027 | July 2027 |
| October 28, 2027 | October 28, 2027 | Not Applicable | March 2028 | May 2028 | July 2028 |
Funded projects
NIH RePORTER lists no awards under RFA-MH-27-125 in FY2022–FY2026, and it is a new NOFO rather than a reissue. Awards usually appear a few months after the first review cycle.
Participating institutes
3 NIH institutes and offices take applications under RFA-MH-27-125. Contact the program officer at the institute that fits your research before applying.
- NIMH · National Institute of Mental Health
- NIDA · National Institute on Drug Abuse
- NINDS · National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Related notices
NIH lists no related notices for RFA-MH-27-125 yet.
Award terms
- Application types allowed
- New Resubmission The OER Glossary and the How to Apply Application Guide provide details on these application types. Only those application types listed here are allowed for this NOFO.
- Award budget
- In the R21 phase, direct costs for the entire two-year period may not exceed 275,000, with no more than 200,000 in direct costs in any year. In the R33 phase, the direct costs may not exceed 650,000 per year.
- Project period
- The R21 may not exceed 2 years of support, while the R33 phase may not exceed 3 years of support. The total project period may not exceed 5 years. NIH grants policies as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement will apply to the applications submitted and awards made from this NOFO.
- Funds available and number of awards
- NIMH intends to commit a total of 2.5M in FY27 and FY28 to fund up to 2–3 awards. NINDS intends to commit a total of 1M in fiscal years 2027 and 2028 to fund 1 award. NIDA intends to commit a total of 1M in fiscal years 2027 and 2028 to fund up to 1–2 awards. Funding is contingent on NIH appropriations and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.
Summarized from the NOFO text; the full NOFO governs eligibility, budget, and review.
Other open NOFOs for R21, R33
- PAR-25-282Mood and Psychosis Symptoms during the Menopause Transition (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)NIMH · next due Oct 16, 2026
- PAR-25-291Utilizing Invasive Recording and Stimulating Opportunities in Humans to Advance Neural Circuitry Understanding of Mental Health Disorders (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)NIMH · next due Oct 16, 2026
- PAR-25-286Neuromodulation/Neurostimulation Device Development for Mental Health Applications (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)NIMH · next due Oct 16, 2026
- PAR-25-181Development of Psychosocial Therapeutic and Preventive Interventions for Mental Disorders (R33 Clinical Trial Required)NIMH · next due Feb 17, 2027
- PAR-25-182Development of Psychosocial Therapeutic and Preventive Interventions for Mental Disorders (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Required)NIMH · next due Feb 17, 2027
- PAR-25-183Early Stage Testing of Pharmacologic or Neuromodulatory Device-based Interventions for the Treatment of Mental Disorders (R33- Clinical Trial Required)NIMH · next due Feb 17, 2027
About this page
GotGrant gathers the NOFO, its participation and change notices, and its NOSIs from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, and counts funded projects from NIH RePORTER by the opportunity number each award was made under. Data refreshed October 16, 2026; the NIH Guide is the authoritative source. See our data methodology.