[National Institutes of Health (NIH)](https://www.nih.gov/)

February 17, 2026 (estimated, forecasted)

Total program funding: $1,500,000 | Expected number of awards: 5 | Cooperative Agreement

Supports research on precise and targeted therapeutic drug delivery to hard-to-reach locations in the human body using microphysiological systems.

This is a forecasted opportunity; dates and details may change.

--- ## Description The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), part of the NIH, is launching the Selective Precision Targeting (SPoT) initiative to develop mechanisms for precise, on-target therapeutic drug delivery to specific, hard-to-reach sites in the human body using microphysiological systems (MPS). The program seeks to advance drug-delivery systems—such as engineered nanoparticles, extracellular vesicles, or focused ultrasound—that can deliver medications directly to organs, tissues, or cells to maximize local drug concentration and minimize off-target effects. Target locations of interest include the blood–brain barrier, central nervous system, placenta, retina, and tumors. The initiative’s main goals are: - Optimizing nanoparticle therapeutic targeting to specific organs or cells - Assessing biodistribution and off-target effects with multi-organ MPS platforms - Providing evidence of functional activity of delivered cargo - Determining optimal routes of drug administration --- ## Due Dates - Estimated application due date: February 17, 2026 _All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates._ --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total program funding: $1,500,000 - Expected number of awards: 5 - Funding instrument: Cooperative Agreement - No cost sharing or matching required --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - State governments - County governments - Independent school districts - Public and State controlled institutions of higher education - Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) - Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities - Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) - Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education) - Private institutions of higher education - For-profit organizations (other than small businesses) - Small businesses --- ## Application Process - This opportunity is currently in the forecasted stage; the official application package is not yet available. - Monitor the [grants.gov opportunity page](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359852) for updates, including the official announcement, application instructions, and deadlines. - Prepare to address the initiative’s goals in your proposal, focusing on targeted drug delivery using microphysiological systems. --- ## Additional Information - Funding is through a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement by NIH program staff. - The initiative is authorized under 42 U.S. Code § 287a (Cures Acceleration Network). - Projects should emphasize translational science approaches and demonstrate clear potential for clinical impact. --- ## External Links - [NIH (Funder Homepage)](https://www.nih.gov/) - [Official Grants.gov Opportunity Page](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359852) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Affiliation | |----------------------------|-----------------------------------------|---------------|----------------------------------------------| | Passley Hargrove-Grimes, Ph.D. | [passley.hargrove@nih.gov](mailto:passley.hargrove@nih.gov) | 240-485-4149 | National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) |

Selective Precision Targeting (SPoT)

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