Exploratory Clinical Trial Grants in Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
This grant supports short-term exploratory clinical trials to improve prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of arthritis, musculoskeletal, or skin diseases through early-stage research.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: $300,000–$600,000 per award; up to 4 awards anticipated
Summary: Supports short-term exploratory clinical trials to improve prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of arthritis, musculoskeletal, or skin diseases.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; dates and details may change upon official release.
Description
This grant opportunity, administered by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) at the NIH, is designed to support exploratory clinical trials that advance prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of rheumatic, musculoskeletal, or skin diseases. The program specifically encourages short-term, interventional studies—ranging from proof-of-concept and first-in-human to Phase I and Phase II trials—that meet the NIH definition of a clinical trial and are feasible within the outlined time and budget constraints.
High-priority areas include:
- Early-stage clinical trials (e.g., first-in-human, dose-finding, safety, efficacy) involving drugs, biologics, devices, behavioral interventions, or physical therapy.
- Trials generating data to support future, larger clinical trials focused on establishing safety, efficacy, or effectiveness.
- Studies targeting rare diseases with limited participant pools.
- Trials assessing the predictive value of potential biomarkers.
The ultimate goal is to translate promising laboratory, preclinical, and early human research into clinical practice to improve patient outcomes.
