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NCATS Preclinical Proof of Concept Studies for Rare Diseases

NCATS Preclinical Proof of Concept Studies for Rare Diseases

Funds U.S. researchers and companies conducting preclinical efficacy studies to advance therapeutic candidates for rare diseases toward IND applications.

OpenNational Center for Advancing Translational SciencesUnited States

NCATS Preclinical Proof of Concept Studies for Rare Diseases is an R21 exploratory grant administered by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) under the NIH. The program operates under FOA RFA-TR-25-002 (reissue of RFA-TR-24-023). Awards cover up to $275,000 in direct costs over a two-year project period, with no more than $200,000 in any single year. NCATS intends to co…

Rare diseases (affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S.); small molecules, biologics, and biotechnology-derived products; preclinical efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics; drug repurposing and repositioning. Rare cancers are excluded (directed to NCI).

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.2 Jun 2027
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.42 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.24 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.$1.2M

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Last verified: 22 Jul 2026Source: grants.nih.gov