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NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant

Mechanisms that Impact Cancer Risk with Use of Incretin Mimetics (R21)

Funds smaller, higher-risk work on how GLP-1 and related drugs change cancer risk. No clinical trial in this version.

This is the exploratory companion to NIH's larger notice on the same question: how incretin mimetics — GLP-1 agonists, GIP-1 agents and dual GLP-1/GIP-1 drugs — affect cancer risk.

The evidence so far points both ways, with these drugs apparently raising the risk of some obesity-related cancers and lowering the risk of others, and the mechanisms are unexplained.

NIH's second goal is stated along

Exploratory preclinical and patient-based studies of the mechanisms by which incretin mimetics affect cancer risk, at the scale and risk level of NIH's developmental grant. No clinical trial.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Multiple per year
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.7 Jan 2027
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.26 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: PAR-25-070Source: www.grants.gov