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Medications Research Grants Branch (MRGB)

What We Do:

The MRGB plans and supports extramural research grants to test medications for the treatment of drug abuse and dependence disorders in several key areas: controlled compound assessment clinical pharmacology studies, controlled clinical trials for new treatment agents or new indications for marketed medications and clinical studies of the pharmacological effects and interactions among experimental addiction medications and medications for associated medical conditions and psychotherapeutic agents. The Branch also supports experimental pharmacotherapy studies to enhance the efficacy of approved marketed medications, and experimental pharmacotherapy studies of psychotropic or other medications used in the treatment of mental disorders in drug dependent individuals including drug-induced or drug-related mental disorders. MRGB staff members provide technical assistance to grantees, contractors, and applicants. The MRGB provides guidance is given to investigators and manages the administrative aspects of DPMCDA's research and development contract portfolio.

Staff Biographies and Research Interests:

  • Jamie Biswas, Ph.D., - Chief
    301-443-8096
    Manages the overall activities of the Branch. Coordinates activities involved in the planning and supporting of extramural research grants to test medications for the treatment of drug abuse and dependence disorders, including controlled clinical trials for new treatment agents or new indications for marketed medications. Contact for the MRGB Immunotherapy Program. DPMCDA representative for the NIDA Research Training Committee. Previous experience includes research in academia, and pilot plant chemistry and drug development in industry. Joined NIDA in 1991.
  • Kristopher Bough, Ph.D., - Health Science Administrator
    301-443-9800
    Program Official for clinical-trial grants evaluating GABAergic or novel treatment agents for cocaine or nicotine dependence. DPMCDA contact for SBIR/STTR contracts/grants and translational research grants. Branch contact for ClinicalTrials.gov protocol registration system. Member of several scientific workgroups. Past experiences include work as primary reviewer at the FDA (2005-2008) and neuropharmacological research in academia (1999-2005). Joined NIDA in 2008.
  • Aidan Hampson, Ph.D., - Health Science Administrator
    301-443-8039
    Program Official and Scientific Officer for clinical trial grants evaluating new therapies for Opiate, Methamphetamine and Cannabis use disorders. Interested in improving tools available to clinical trial researchers. Previously was Scientific Review Officer for SBIR/STTR awards. Prior to that spent eight years in industrial preclinical drug development, six years as an academic cannabinoid researcher and four years in pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism and distribution. Joined NIDA in 2011.

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