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NIH Phase 1 Exploratory/Developmental Grant (R61)

Catalyze: Product Definition for Small Molecules, Biologics and Combination Products - Target Identification and Validation, and Preliminary Product/Lead Series Identification

Funds identifying and validating a disease target, then finding a preliminary drug, biologic or combination-product lead against it.

OpenNational Institutes of HealthUnited States

Before anyone can develop a therapy, something has to be identified as worth going after in the first place — a target whose biology actually explains the disease. This notice funds that identification step and the one right after it, as a single award.

It sits inside NHLBI's Catalyze Program, which exists to move basic discoveries toward diagnostic and therapeutic candidates ready for human test…

Phased target identification and validation (R61) followed by preliminary product or lead-series identification (R33) for small molecule, biologic and combination-product candidates against heart, lung, blood or sleep disease, under NHLBI's Catalyze Program.

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.23 Dec 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: RFA-HL-26-017Source: www.grants.gov