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Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE): Therapeutic Agent Characterization and Preclinical Efficacy Studies

Funds pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and efficacy testing that shows a therapeutic agent has enough biological activity to justify further development.

Between cyclesNational Institutes of HealthGlobal

A therapeutic idea that looks good on paper still has to prove it does something real inside a living system before anyone invests in taking it further.

This half of the IGNITE pair funds exactly that proof: pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and efficacy studies on a therapeutic agent — a small molecule or a biologic — to show it has enough biological activity to warrant further development. That

Pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and efficacy studies demonstrating sufficient biological activity in a small-molecule or biologic therapeutic agent to warrant further development, for disorders within participating institutes' missions or for non-opioid analgesics with little or no addiction liability under the NIH HEAL initiative, using validated in vivo models or New Approach Methodologies.

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.30 Sept 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.

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: PAR-26-057Source: www.grants.gov