The Lawrence and Isabel Barnett Drug Development Program
The Lawrence and Isabel Barnett Drug Development Program funds preclinical research to advance promising ALS therapeutics toward clinical trials, with a focus on rigorous efficacy and IND-enabling studies.
Funder: ALS Association
Due Dates: October 6, 2026 (Letters of Intent) | December 8, 2026 (Full Proposals, by invitation only)
Funding Amounts: Up to $500,000 total over two years (inclusive of direct and indirect costs; indirects capped at 10%)
Summary: Supports preclinical assessment of novel or repurposed ALS therapeutics to advance drug candidates toward clinical trials.
Description
The Lawrence and Isabel Barnett Drug Development Program, administered by the ALS Association, aims to accelerate the development of new and improved therapies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by funding preclinical studies of promising drug candidates. The program supports both novel and repurposed therapeutics that demonstrate strong biological rationale and a clear development plan, with the goal of advancing candidates to clinical readiness within two to three years. Projects must include rigorous in vivo efficacy testing, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies, and other IND-enabling activities. Both academic and industry investigators worldwide are eligible, provided the applicant organization controls the intellectual property under development.
