Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for Improving Uptake and Use of the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring for HIV Prevention (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) intends to promote a new initiative by publishing a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to solicit applications for research on the dapivirine vaginal ring for HIV prevention, including research to: advance understanding of multilevel facilitators and barriers to use of the dapivirine vaginal ring; develop interventions to support uptake and correct and persistent use of the vaginal ring; and test implementation strategies for optimal delivery of the vaginal ring.This Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects.The FOA is expected to be published in Winter 2022with an expected application due date in Summer 2022.This FOA will utilize the R21 activity code, and companion FOAs will utilize the R01 (see NOT-MH-22-020) and the R34 (see NOT-MH-22-022) activity codes. Details of the planned FOA are provided below.