Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN): Biologic-based Drug Discovery and Development for Disorders of the Nervous System (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional)
About
The Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network for Biologics (BPN-Biologics) provides support for biologic-based therapeutic discovery and development, from lead optimization through phase I clinical testing. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) supports preclinical discovery and development of potential therapeutic Biotechnology Products and Biologics including, but not limited to, large biologic macromolecules, (e. g., proteins, antibodies, and peptides), gene-based therapies (i. e., oligonucleotide- and viral-based), cell therapies, and novel emerging therapies (e. g., microbial and microbiome therapies). Applicants will collaborate with NIH-funded consultants and can augment their project with NIH contract research organizations (CROs) that specialize in manufacturing, scaling, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and Phase I clinical testing. BPN-Biologics awardee institutions retain their assignment of IP rights and gain assignment of IP rights from the BPN-Biologics contractors (and thereby control the patent prosecution and licensing negotiations) for biotherapeutic candidates developed in this program.
The Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN): Biologic-based Drug Discovery and Development for Disorders of the Nervous System (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional) is a prestigious NIH-funded grant program designed for researchers and institutions developing innovative biologic-based therapeutics targeting nervous system disorders. This program supports the entire development pipeline from lead optimization through Phase I clinical testing, making it ideal for biotech entrepreneurs, academic researchers, and eligible institutions ready to advance their neurotherapeutic candidates. Eligible applicants include HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions, AANAPISIs, faith-based and community-based organizations, Indian/Native American tribal governments, and other federal agencies. The program funds discovery and development of large biologic macromolecules (proteins, antibodies, peptides), gene-based therapies (oligonucleotide and viral-based), cell therapies, and emerging therapies including microbial and microbiome-based approaches. A unique advantage is that awardee institutions retain intellectual property rights and gain assignment of IP rights from NIH-funded contractors and contract research organizations (CROs), enabling full control of patent prosecution and licensing negotiations. Applicants benefit from collaboration with NIH-funded consultants and access to specialized CROs for manufacturing, scaling, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and clinical testing support.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
August 18, 2027
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Funding Range
Varies by cycle and phase
Deadline
2027-08-18
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual with deadline August 18, 2027
Best For
Research institutions, biotech entrepreneurs, HBCUs, minority-serving institutions, and organizations developing biologic-based therapies for nervous system disorders
Eligibility
Other Eligible Applicants include the following: Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs); Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government; Faith-based or Community-based Organizations; Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Indian/Native American Tribal Govern
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN): Biologic-based Drug Discovery and Development for Disorders of the Nervous System (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional)?
Eligible applicants include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), faith-based and community-based organizations, Indian/Native American tribal governments, eligible federal agencies, and other eligible institutions. For the most current and comprehensive eligibility requirements, visit the official NIH grant announcement page.
How much funding does Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN): Biologic-based Drug Discovery and Development for Disorders of the Nervous System (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional) provide?
Specific funding amounts vary and are not publicly listed in standard ranges. Applicants should consult the official Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) on the NIH grants website for current budget information and phase-specific funding details for UG3 and UH3 mechanisms.
How do I apply for Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN): Biologic-based Drug Discovery and Development for Disorders of the Nervous System (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional)?
Applications are submitted through the NIH grants portal (grants.nih.gov). Review the complete Funding Opportunity Announcement for specific submission requirements, deadlines, and required documentation. The next deadline is August 18, 2027. Contact your institution's grants office or the NIH program officer listed in the FOA for guidance on preparing a competitive application.
What can Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN): Biologic-based Drug Discovery and Development for Disorders of the Nervous System (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional) funding be used for?
Funding supports preclinical discovery and development of biologic-based therapeutic candidates, including large biologic macromolecules (proteins, antibodies, peptides), gene-based therapies (oligonucleotide and viral approaches), cell therapies, and emerging therapies such as microbial and microbiome-based treatments. Projects may also include Phase I clinical testing. Awardees can leverage NIH-funded consultants and contract research organizations (CROs) specializing in manufacturing, scaling, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and clinical testing.
Last updated: July 5, 2026