Catalyze: Product Definition for Small Molecules, Biologics and Combination Products - Target Identification and Validation, and Preliminary Product/Lead Series Identification (R61/R33 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)
NHLBI Catalyze funds early research to find and validate drug therapies for heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders, preparing them for further development.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: January 11, 2025 (Open/Earliest) | February 11, 2025 | June 18, 2025 | October 21, 2025 | February 11, 2026 | June 18, 2026 | October 21, 2026 | February 11, 2027 | June 17, 2027 | October 21, 2027 | December 23, 2027 (Final/Closing)
Funding Amounts: Up to $400,000 direct costs/year for each phase (R61 and R33); max 3 years total (no more than 2 years in either phase); cost matching required for R33 phase.
Summary: Supports early-stage translational research to identify and characterize therapeutic candidates (small molecules, biologics, combination products) for heart, lung, blood, and sleep (HLBS) disorders.
Key Information: Clinical trials are not allowed; R33 phase requires non-federal cost matching and an Accelerator Partner for commercialization guidance.
Description
This NIH funding opportunity, administered by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and joined by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), aims to accelerate the translation of basic science discoveries into viable therapeutic candidates for HLBS (heart, lung, blood, and sleep) diseases and disorders. The initiative provides phased support (R61/R33) for projects focused on the identification, validation, and preliminary development of small molecules, biologics, and combination products. The program is designed to advance projects to the point where they can enter preclinical development or attract further investment.
The R61 phase supports activities such as target identification, validation, and initial compound screening, while the R33 phase supports lead optimization and preclinical candidate identification. The program emphasizes robust project management, milestone-driven progress, and the involvement of commercialization experts (Accelerator Partners) in the later phase.
