Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE): Neurotherapeutic Agent Characterization and In vivo Efficacy Studies (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Funding support available to study and prove effectiveness of potential neurotherapeutic agents for neurological disorders towards further development.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: June 18, 2025 | October 20, 2025 | February 18, 2026 | June 18, 2026 | October 20, 2026 | February 18, 2027 | June 18, 2027 | October 20, 2027 (New, Renewal, Resubmission, Revision)
Funding Amounts: Up to $499,000 direct costs per year; total direct costs for the 3-year project period may not exceed $750,000.
Summary: Supports pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and in vivo efficacy studies of neurotherapeutic agents to advance them toward further development for neurological or neuromuscular disorders.
Key Information: Clinical trials are not allowed; R61/R33 phased award mechanism; clear, quantitative milestones required for transition between phases.
Description
This funding opportunity supports translational research to characterize and evaluate the in vivo efficacy of potential neurotherapeutic agents—such as small molecules, biologics, or biotechnology-derived products—for neurological or neuromuscular disorders within the mission of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). The goal is to generate robust preclinical data (pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and efficacy) to justify further development of these agents, potentially enabling entry into later-stage translational programs like the NIH Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network.
The grant uses the R61/R33 phased innovation mechanism:
- R61 phase: Focuses on preparatory activities, including agent characterization and pharmacokinetic studies.
- R33 phase: Supports pharmacodynamic and in vivo efficacy studies, contingent on successful completion of R61 milestones.
Optimization of agents (e.g., medicinal chemistry or iterative design) and clinical trials are not supported under this opportunity.
