Clinical Trial Implementation Cooperative Agreement
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers conducting investigator-initiated clinical trials in arthritis, musculoskeletal, and skin disease research. Institutions conducting NIH-eligible research can apply, including universities, medical centers, and research organizations. The trial must be hypothesis-driven with potential for high clinical impact. Applicants should have completed trial design, protocol, and data analysis plan before applying.
Key dates
- Jun 10, 2026 Applications open
- Jul 2, 2027 Application deadline in 385 days
- Apr 3, 2028 Award announced
- Apr 3, 2028 Project start
Program description
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for the Clinical Trial Cooperative Agreement Program within the mission areas of the institute. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) solicits cooperative agreement applications for implementation of investigator-initiated, single or multi-site, interventional clinical trials (all trial phases). Investigators who have completed all necessary preparation (e.g., the trial design, protocol synopsis, data analysis plan, etc.) through other means may apply for a NIAMS Cooperative Agreement Clinical Trial. The first phase is designed to allow the investigators to prepare the final aspects needed to start the trial, (e.g., establishing the single IRB (sIRB), contracts and reliance agreements with sites, hiring of staff, etc.). Transition to the second phase to begin the trial is dependent upon completion of the phase 1 milestones proposed by the investigator and approved by NIAMS. Phase 1 projects that meet their milestones will be administratively considered by NIAMS and prioritized for transition to the second phase. NIAMS expects trials to be hypothesis-driven and have the potential for high clinical impact within the research mission of NIAMS.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) application form
- Project Narrative/Research Plan
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biosketch of key personnel
- Current and Pending Support documentation
- Letters of Institutional Support (for multi-site trials)
- IRB/Ethics approval plan
Program contact
- 👤 National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- 📧 NIAMS_NOFOs@mail.nih.gov
- 📞 Please contact via e-mail.
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.846 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$63,962,483
-
$60,038,896
-
$34,166,872
-
$27,648,731
-
$27,051,746
-
$21,654,386
-
$20,288,994
-
$20,225,012
-
$16,326,540
-
$15,274,546
Top States by Funding
- CA 13 awards $123.5M
- MA 15 awards $123.0M
- NY 12 awards $106.8M
- NC 4 awards $102.5M
- PA 11 awards $101.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.846). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2018 | $476,478,975 | |
| 2019 | $490,084,446 | |
| 2020 | $505,547,334 | |
| 2021 | $509,241,630 | |
| 2022 | $499,786,367 | |
| 2023 | $548,439,000 | |
| 2024 est. | $545,593,000 | |
| 2025 est. | $541,712,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Research institutions, universities, and medical centers conducting NIH-eligible clinical trials. Investigators should have completed trial preparation work like protocol development.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is July 2, 2027. This is a fixed deadline with no rolling option.
What types of trials are supported?
All phases of investigator-initiated clinical trials in NIAMS mission areas are eligible. Single and multi-site interventional trials are both supported.
How competitive is this grant?
NIAMS prioritizes hypothesis-driven trials with high clinical impact potential. Strong preliminary data and realistic milestones improve competitiveness.
What is the funding range?
Awards start at $250,000. Phase 1 focuses on trial preparation; Phase 2 supports trial implementation.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Ensure your trial design and protocol are complete before applying. NIAMS expects substantial preparation work already done.
- Define clear, measurable Phase 1 milestones. Meeting these milestones determines transition to Phase 2 funding.
- Demonstrate high clinical impact potential within NIAMS research mission areas. Align your trial with institute priorities.
- Include realistic budget and timeline for Phase 1 preparation activities like IRB approval and site contracts.
- Address how your multi-site trial will manage coordination and data quality across sites.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without completed protocol and data analysis plan—NIAMS expects this prep work done. Proposing vague Phase 1 milestones that lack clear success criteria. Failing to demonstrate clinical significance or alignment with NIAMS mission in arthritis, musculoskeletal, or skin diseases.
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