DoW Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Trial Award
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and institutions conducting clinical trials on multiple sclerosis treatments. Eligible applicants typically include academic medical centers, research institutions, and organizations with the capacity to conduct rigorous clinical trials. The grant supports two funding levels: proof-of-principle trials (Phase 0, pilot, first-in-human) and larger Phase 1-2 trials evaluating safety or efficacy. Applicants must address at least one FY26 MSRP focus area and provide preliminary data relevant to their proposed MS clinical trial.
Program description
Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Multiple Sclerosis Research Program (MSRP) Clinical Trial Award (CTA) supports the rapid implementation of clinical trials with the potential to have a significant impact on the treatment or management of multiple sclerosis. All applications must address at least one of the FY26 MSRP CTA focus areas. Clinical trials may evaluate promising new products, pharmacologic agents (drugs or biologics), devices, clinical guidance and/or emerging approaches and technologies.
Distinctive Features: The FY26 CTA offers two funding levels. The following are generalized descriptions of the scope of research appropriate for each funding level:
• Funding Level 1 (CTA-FL1) supports small-scale, proof-of-principle clinical trials (e.g., pilot, first-in-human, phase 0) to demonstrate feasibility or inform the design of more advanced trials, or other clinical trials that are appropriate for this funding level. Preliminary data relevant to the proposed clinical trial are required.
• Funding Level 2 (CTA-FL2) supports larger-scale clinical trials at phase 1 or phase 2 that seek to show preliminary evidence of safety or efficacy (i.e., benefit of clinical or paraclinical outcomes) in relevant patient populations. Clear description and justification should be provided, which could include, but is not limited to, the intervention type, trial duration, sample size, outcome measures, assessment tools and frequency of assessment. Preliminary data relevant to the proposed clinical trial in MS populations are required.
For the purposes of this funding opportunity, Regulatory Agency refers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any relevant international regulatory agency unless otherwise noted.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (federal application form)
- Project Narrative/Clinical Trial Protocol
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Preliminary Data and Supporting Documents
- Institutional Certification
- Letters of Support/Commitment
- Regulatory Documentation (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 JoAnn Martin Grantor
- 📧 help@eBRAP.org
- 📞 301-619-2594
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 12.420 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$2,265,729,366
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$800,631,761
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$74,531,880
-
$67,205,571
-
$53,718,832
-
$34,191,124
-
$24,907,742
-
$21,394,379
-
$19,100,256
-
$19,002,641
Top States by Funding
- MD 10 awards $3,150.1M
- NC 11 awards $132.3M
- FL 8 awards $99.8M
- CA 11 awards $99.3M
- MA 7 awards $75.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 12.420). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,483,968,520 | |
| 2025 | $1,201,153,417 |
FAQ
What types of clinical trials are eligible?
Phase 0, pilot, first-in-human, and Phase 1-2 trials evaluating drugs, biologics, devices, or clinical guidance for MS treatment or management. Preliminary data supporting your trial design is required.
Are there two different funding levels?
Yes. Funding Level 1 supports small-scale, proof-of-principle trials. Funding Level 2 supports larger Phase 1-2 trials with justification of design, sample size, and outcome measures.
What is the funding timeline?
The deadline is August 13, 2026. Total funding pool is $4 million, though individual award amounts are not specified in the announcement.
Do I need preliminary data?
Yes. All applications must include preliminary data relevant to the proposed clinical trial in MS populations.
Is cost-sharing required?
No. Cost-sharing is not a requirement for this grant.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Choose your funding level carefully. FL1 is for pilot and feasibility work; FL2 is for established Phase 1-2 trials with clear safety/efficacy endpoints.
- Provide robust preliminary data that directly supports your trial design and sample size calculations.
- Clearly map your proposed trial to at least one FY26 MSRP focus area stated in the announcement.
- Address regulatory pathways and FDA considerations upfront if your intervention requires regulatory review.
- Include detailed assessment protocols, outcome measures, and justification for trial duration and sample size.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting a trial without sufficient preliminary data supporting feasibility or design. Failing to clearly address at least one FY26 MSRP focus area. Proposing a trial design that does not match the stated scope for your chosen funding level.
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