Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN): Biologic-based Drug Discovery and Development for Disorders of the Nervous System (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for academic medical centers, research institutions, biotech companies, and other organizations seeking to develop biologic-based therapies for disorders of the nervous system through a structured, multi-phase discovery and development pathway. The program supports translational research moving promising basic science toward clinical testing, with optional clinical trial components. Applicants must demonstrate scientific innovation, institutional capacity, and a clear development timeline. Both nonprofit and for-profit organizations with appropriate research infrastructure and expertise in neurobiology and therapeutic development are eligible. The program emphasizes collaborative approaches and expects applicants to show feasibility of advancing candidates toward human studies within the funded period.
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Program description
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.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- NIH Form SF-424 (R&R) and Project Narrative (Research Strategy)
- Specific Aims page summarizing the overall goals and measurable outcomes
- Background and Significance section establishing the scientific rationale
- Innovation section highlighting novel approaches or targets
- Preliminary Data demonstrating feasibility and proof-of-concept
- Detailed methods and development plan with timelines and milestones
- Budget and Budget Justification (typically 2-3 years for UG3)
- Biographical Sketches of key personnel
- Institutional support letters and resource availability documentation
- Letters of collaboration or commitment from partners if applicable
- Manufacturing/CMC and Regulatory Strategy sections (if advancing beyond discovery)
- Data Management and Sharing Plan
- Protection of Human Subjects documentation (if clinical trial component is included)
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.121 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$443,702,768
-
$32,310,944
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$31,252,186
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$29,535,192
-
$23,987,187
-
$23,513,241
-
$18,362,716
-
$16,829,492
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$15,991,067
-
$14,460,130
Top States by Funding
- WA 2 awards $451.6M
- CA 14 awards $145.2M
- MI 4 awards $75.8M
- PA 4 awards $68.3M
- MA 5 awards $39.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.121). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $319,987,302 | |
| 2025 | $332,151,837 | |
| 2026 est. | $337,316,521 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Research institutions, universities, medical centers, biotech companies, and other organizations with appropriate research infrastructure and expertise in drug discovery for neurological conditions. Both nonprofit and for-profit entities may apply, though nonprofit organizations (including 501(c)(3)s) and academic institutions are common applicants.
What is the typical funding range and project duration?
This is a phased program (UG3/UH3) where UG3 funds early-stage discovery and validation, typically for 2 years. If successful, UH3 may fund advanced development and optional clinical trial preparation for an additional period. Total project duration varies based on scientific progress and clinical readiness.
What types of research activities does this grant support?
The program supports target identification, hit-to-lead optimization, lead compound selection, preclinical safety/efficacy testing, manufacturing development, and preparation for IND (Investigational New Drug) applications. Clinical trial activities may be included if the therapeutic candidate is sufficiently advanced.
How competitive is this grant?
This is a highly competitive NIH program targeting novel biological therapies for serious nervous system disorders. Applicants need strong preliminary data, innovative approaches, and clear evidence of translational potential. Success rates are typically in the 15-25% range for similar NIH mechanisms.
What is the application timeline?
Applications typically open in October and have deadlines in August of the following year. Review cycles take 4-6 months, so funding decisions may occur 6-9 months after the deadline.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize preliminary data and proof-of-concept for your biologic therapeutic candidate. NIH reviewers expect early evidence that your target/compound shows promise before investing in development costs.
- Detail your translational roadmap clearly, including specific milestones, go/no-go decision points, and realistic timelines for advancing from current stage to IND-ready status or clinical readiness.
- Address regulatory strategy upfront. Explain how you will navigate FDA guidance, GLP toxicology, manufacturing scale-up, and other regulatory requirements needed for human trials.
- Showcase institutional support and interdisciplinary team capacity. Include drug development scientists, neuroscientists, pharmacologists, chemists/biologists, CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, Controls) experts, and clinical advisors if applicable.
- If pursuing the clinical trial option, provide a thoughtful clinical development plan showing that your candidate addresses an unmet medical need and that the target population and trial design are feasible within the funded period.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often fail because they lack sufficient preliminary data demonstrating target validation or biologic candidate efficacy—reviewers need concrete evidence, not just conceptual promise. Additionally, unrealistic development timelines or inadequate attention to manufacturing, regulatory strategy, and CMC issues suggest the applicant has not fully considered the path to clinical development. Finally, insufficient institutional commitment, weak team composition (missing key expertise in drug development), or unclear decision-making criteria for advancing (or stopping) the project undermine competitiveness.
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