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NIH Exploratory/Developmental Grants Phase II (R33)

Early Stage Testing of Pharmacologic or Neuromodulatory Device-based Interventions for the Treatment of Mental Disorders (R33)

Funds early-stage testing of a novel-mechanism drug or a device for mental disorders, designed to show a dose-dependent effect on the target.

The institute requires an experimental therapeutics approach for developing and testing treatments, and this notice is where that requirement bites hardest. Studies must both evaluate the clinical effect of an intervention and generate information about the mechanisms underlying the disorder or the response to treatment.

Two kinds of intervention qualify: pharmacologic ones with a novel mechanism

Early-stage testing of pharmacologic interventions with novel mechanisms of action and device-based interventions for mental disorders, using protocol designs that adequately test the presumed mechanism of action and show whether target modulation yields a dose-dependent neurophysiological, clinical or behavioural effect, under the institute's experimental therapeutics approach. A clinical trial is required.

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.15 Oct 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.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-25-183Source: www.grants.gov