At a glance
This grant supports development and validation of animal models and ex vivo model systems, with matched controls when needed, for neurological or neuromuscular diseases, including new endpoints or readouts that better reflect human disease. It uses a two-phase R61/R33 award: the R61 covers initial development, optimization, and internal validation, and the R33 covers scaling, external validation, and independent replication. Eligible applicants include a wide range of U.S. and non-U.S. organizations, including nonprofits, universities, for-profit organizations, small businesses, governments, and foreign organizations. Direct costs cannot exceed $499,000 in any one year and $750,000 total over three years, and no cost sharing is required. Clinical trials are not allowed, and small business applicants are encouraged to use SBIR or STTR opportunities.
What it funds
Official description from grants.gov
This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) encourages the development and validation of animal models and human/animal tissue ex vivo systems that recapitulate the phenotypic and physiologic characteristics of a defined neurological or neuromuscular disorder. The goal of this FOA is to promote a significant improvement in the translational relevance of animal models or ex vivo systems that will be utilized to facilitate future development of neurotherapeutics. Ideally, models proposed for this FOA would have the potential to provide feasible and meaningful assessments of efficacy following therapeutic intervention that would be applicable in both preclinical and clinical settings. This FOA is part of a suite of Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE) Program focused on enabling the exploratory and early stages of drug discovery.
Who can apply
- City or township governments
- County governments
- For-profit organizations other than small businesses
- Independent school districts
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized)
- Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
- Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
- Others
- Private institutions of higher education
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Public housing authorities / Indian housing authorities
- Small businesses
- Special district governments
- State governments