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NIH Phase 1 Exploratory/Developmental Cooperative Agreement (UG3)

Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN): Biologic-based Drug Discovery and Development for Disorders of the Nervous System

Funds a biologic for a nervous system disorder from lead optimisation to phase I, with NIH-paid manufacturing and tox work — and the applicant keeps the IP.

This is one of the most commercially unusual awards in the whole federal catalogue, and the reason is in its intellectual property terms.

What it funds is biologic-based therapeutic discovery and development for disorders of the nervous system, from lead optimisation through phase I clinical testing. The modalities named are wide: large biologic macromolecules such as proteins, antibodies and pep

Preclinical discovery and development of biologic therapeutics for nervous system disorders — proteins, antibodies, peptides, oligonucleotide and viral gene therapies, cell therapies, and microbial and microbiome therapies — from lead optimisation through phase I, with access to programme-funded consultants and contract research organisations for manufacturing, scaling, pharmacokinetics, toxicology and phase I testing.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Multiple per year
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.18 Aug 2027
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.26 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Cooperative agreement
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: PAR-24-293Source: www.grants.gov