Pilot Projects Investigating Understudied Proteins Associated with Rare Diseases (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Funding available for pilot projects researching rare diseases linked to understudied proteins, focusing on generating preliminary data and tools.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: May 17, 2025 (LOI for June 16, 2025) | June 16, 2025 (New) | July 16, 2025 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision) | Sept 16, 2025 (LOI for Oct 16, 2025) | Oct 16, 2025 (New) | Nov 16, 2025 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision) | Additional cycles through Nov 16, 2027
Funding Amounts: Up to $100,000 in direct costs for a 1-year project; non-renewable; no cost sharing required.
Summary: Supports pilot projects generating preliminary data or tools to study eligible understudied proteins associated with rare diseases; clinical trials are not allowed.
Key Information: Project must focus on one or more eligible proteins (see list); must address a rare disease (≤200,000 U.S. prevalence); clinical trials are not permitted.
Description
This opportunity provides funding for pilot projects that aim to elucidate the role of understudied proteins in rare diseases. The program is designed to jumpstart research by supporting the generation of preliminary data and/or research tools focused on eligible proteins that are members of druggable protein families with a known association to rare diseases. The intent is to catalyze new research directions and provide a foundation for future grant applications or drug discovery projects.
Projects may include, but are not limited to:
- Pilot or feasibility studies
- Development of research methodologies or assays
- Creation of human cell or animal models
- Isolation, purification, and initial characterization of proteins
- Development of reagents (e.g., antibodies, peptide fragments)
- Data mining and experimental validation of protein function
- Structure determination (e.g., x-ray crystallography, cryo-EM)
Clinical trials are not permitted under this funding opportunity.
