Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN): Small Molecule Drug Discovery and Development of Disorders of the Nervous System (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional)
Support for small molecule drug discovery and development in neurology, including disease-specific assays; applicants collaborate with consultants and CROs.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: January 27, 2025 | April 18, 2025 (AIDS) | July 15, 2025 | January 15, 2026 | July 15, 2026
Funding Amounts: No budget limit; up to 1 year for UG3 (preparatory) phase, up to 4 years for UH3 (implementation) phase (max 5 years total); actual award size based on project needs.
Summary: Supports small molecule drug discovery and development for nervous system disorders, enabling academic and industry researchers to advance candidates toward clinical testing with NIH and CRO collaboration.
Key Information: Applicants retain IP rights; both clinical trial and non-clinical trial projects are eligible; foreign organizations may apply.
Description
This opportunity supports neuroscience investigators in advancing small molecule drug discovery and development projects for nervous system disorders. The program provides funding for disease- or target-specific research activities conducted in the applicant's laboratory, while also offering access to NIH-funded consultants and contract research organizations (CROs) specializing in medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, formulation, GMP synthesis, and Phase I clinical testing. Projects may enter at either the Discovery stage (hit-to-lead/lead optimization) or the Development stage (IND-enabling studies and Phase I clinical trials). Awardees retain intellectual property rights for drug candidates developed through this program.
