Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE): Neurotherapeutic Agent Characterization and In vivo Efficacy Studies (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
About
Reissue PAR-21-122. This NOFO provides funding to conduct pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and in vivo efficacy studies to demonstrate that proposed therapeutic agent(s) have sufficient biological activity to warrant further development to treat neurological or neuromuscular disorders that fall under the NINDS mission. Therapeutic agents include small molecules, biologics or biotechnology-derived products. This FOA is part of a suite of Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE) to advance projects to the point where they can meet the entry criteria for the Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network or other translational programs.
The Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE) program, specifically the Neurotherapeutic Agent Characterization and In vivo Efficacy Studies track, is designed for researchers and organizations developing promising neurological and neuromuscular treatments. This grant funds critical early-stage research to demonstrate that therapeutic agents—including small molecules, biologics, and biotechnology-derived products—have sufficient biological activity to justify further development. Applicants conduct pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and in vivo efficacy studies to advance projects toward entry into the Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network or similar translational programs. The program is open to a diverse range of eligible applicants, including HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal governments, faith-based organizations, and federal agencies. Researchers and organizations working on treatments for NINDS mission-relevant neurological and neuromuscular disorders should apply to bridge the gap between basic discovery and clinical development, positioning their innovations for subsequent funding and commercialization.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
October 20, 2027
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Funding Range
Varies by cycle
Deadline
2027-10-20
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual
Best For
Research institutions, HBCUs, minority-serving institutions, and organizations developing neurotherapeutic agents for NINDS mission-relevant 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 Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE): Neurotherapeutic Agent Characterization and In vivo Efficacy Studies (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?
Eligible applicants include 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), and Indian/Native American Tribal Governments. For a complete and current list of eligible applicant types, visit the official NIH/NINDS website.
How much funding does Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE): Neurotherapeutic Agent Characterization and In vivo Efficacy Studies (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) provide?
Specific funding amounts vary by funding cycle and application phase. Check the official NIH/NINDS Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for current budget details and submission guidelines.
How do I apply for Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE): Neurotherapeutic Agent Characterization and In vivo Efficacy Studies (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?
Applications are submitted through the official NIH grant submission system. Visit the NIH/NINDS website for the current NOFO (Reissue PAR-21-122), detailed instructions, required forms, and submission deadlines. The program uses a phased approach (R61/R33) but does not allow clinical trials. Contact your institution's grants office for support with the application process.
What can Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE): Neurotherapeutic Agent Characterization and In vivo Efficacy Studies (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) funding be used for?
Funding supports pharmacodynamic studies, pharmacokinetic studies, and in vivo efficacy studies to characterize neurotherapeutic agents and demonstrate their biological activity. This includes research on small molecules, biologics, and biotechnology-derived products for neurological and neuromuscular disorders within the NINDS mission. Clinical trials are not allowed under this funding mechanism.
Last updated: July 5, 2026