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NIH Phase 1 Exploratory/Developmental Grant (R61)

NCCIH Natural Product Early Phase Clinical Trial Phased Innovation Award

Funds three years of pharmacokinetics and target-engagement work on a botanical, probiotic or supplement, then three more if the milestones are met.

OpenNational Institutes of HealthUnited States

Natural products fail in trials for a reason that has nothing to do with whether they work: nobody established what dose reaches the target, or whether it engages the target at all. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health funds that groundwork before anyone asks about clinical benefit.

The products in scope are botanicals, probiotics, and things sold as dietary supplements. N…

Early-phase clinical trials of natural products — botanicals, probiotics, dietary supplements and standardised nutritional regimens — with a first phase of milestone-driven pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and target-engagement measurement in humans, and a second phase replicating target engagement and testing its association with clinical outcomes. Trials must be designed so positive and negative results are equally informative.

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.13 Nov 2026
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.$350K

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: PAR-25-269Source: www.grants.gov