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NIH Phase 1 Exploratory/Developmental Grant (R61)

Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE): Neurotherapeutic Agent Characterization and In vivo Efficacy Studies

Funds the pharmacology and animal efficacy work that shows a neurological drug candidate is worth developing further.

Between a promising molecule and a development programme sits a specific body of work: does it get where it needs to go, does it stay there, and does it actually do anything in a living animal. This notice funds exactly that and nothing else.

The studies named are pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and in vivo efficacy. The purpose is demonstrating that the proposed therapeutic agent has sufficien

Pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and in vivo efficacy studies demonstrating that a candidate therapeutic agent — small molecule, biologic or biotechnology-derived product — has sufficient biological activity to warrant further development for a neurological or neuromuscular disorder, aimed at meeting the entry criteria of the Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network or another translational programme. Clinical trials are not allowed.

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.20 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-25-225Source: www.grants.gov