NIH RFA-DK-27-121: Optimizing Pediatric Anti-Obesity Medication Protocols
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has released a significant funding opportunity, RFA-DK-27-121, to evaluate anti-obesity medication (AOM) treatment strategies for youth. As metabolic health challenges in children escalate, research must determine the long-term outcomes of pharmacological interventions on physical and psychological development (Marcus et al., 2020). The initiative aims to maximize therapeutic benefits while mitigating risks associated with long-term medication use in young populations.
Scope
This program supports multi-site clinical trials to develop and test intervention strategies. Key focus areas include:
- Identifying optimal developmental stages for initiating AOM therapy.
- Determining the most effective dosage, frequency, and treatment duration.
- Evaluating the impact of adjunct lifestyle, nutritional, and behavioral therapies.
- Establishing predictors of treatment response or non-response in adolescents.
Eligibility
Eligible organizations include higher education institutions, clinical centers, hospitals, non-profit organizations, and for-profit small businesses. Applicants must demonstrate the scientific expertise and infrastructure necessary to manage complex clinical trials involving youth with obesity.
Partnership
Selected clinical centers will operate as part of a collaborative consortium. Organizations must commit to a unified framework, collaborating with a Research Coordinating Center to develop common protocols, standardized biospecimen collection procedures, and integrated data analysis plans.
Deadline: October 9, 2026
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