Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN): Small Molecule Drug Discovery and Development for Disorders of the Nervous System (U44 Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking applications from small businesses for the Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN) to support small molecule drug discovery and development projects for disorders of the nervous system. The BPN will provide funding and resources to help advance these projects into the clinic. Applicants will collaborate with NIH-funded consultants and contract research organizations to optimize promising hit compounds and advance development candidates through Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling toxicology studies and Phase I clinical testing. • The BPN will support projects that enter at the Discovery stage or the Development stage. • Applicants will receive funding for all activities conducted in their own laboratories. • The BPN will provide access to contract research organizations specializing in medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, formulations development, and chemical synthesis. • The program will support projects focused on disorders of the nervous system, including mental health, neurodegenerative diseases, and other conditions. • The NIH will retain assignment of IP rights and gain assignment of IP rights from BPN contractors for drug candidates developed in this program.