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NIH Phase 1 Exploratory/Developmental Grant (R61)

Development of Biomarkers or Composite Biomarkers for Neurological and Neuromuscular Disorders

Funds the discovery and first evaluation of biomarkers for neurological and neuromuscular disorders, ending with candidates ready for formal validation.

OpenNational Institutes of HealthUnited States

Neurological drug trials fail expensively because there is often no reliable way to tell whether the drug is doing anything. A usable biomarker changes that, and this notice funds getting one to the starting line.

The work is discovery and early evaluation of strong candidate biomarkers and biomarker signatures for neurological and neuromuscular disorders. Signatures matter as much as single mark…

Discovery and early biological, analytical and clinical evaluation of candidate biomarkers and biomarker signatures for neurological and neuromuscular disorders, including animal studies but requiring preliminary human evaluation with carefully standardised human samples or datasets, delivering candidates ready for definitive analytical and clinical validation. Clinical trials are optional.

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.7 Jan 2028
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.Grant
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-25-024Source: www.grants.gov