Functional Target Validation for Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Dementias
Can you apply?
This grant is for research organizations seeking to validate therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD). Eligible applicants include universities, research institutes, and biotech companies with strong neuroscience research capabilities. Projects must propose comprehensive functional validation of newly identified candidate targets using both in vitro and in vivo disease models. The grant uses a phased mechanism (R61/R33) with milestone-based progression from technical feasibility to multi-lab validation studies.
Key dates
- Mar 11, 2026 Applications open
- Nov 6, 2026 Application deadline in 158 days
- Jun 14, 2027 Award announced
- Jul 1, 2027 Project start
This grant is for research organizations seeking to validate therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD). Eligible applicants include universities, research institutes, and biotech companies with strong neuroscience research capabilities. Projects must propose comprehensive functional validation of newly identified candidate targets using both in vitro and in vivo disease models. The grant uses a phased mechanism (R61/R33) with milestone-based progression from technical feasibility to multi-lab validation studies.
Program description
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is interested in supporting ambitious research projects that propose comprehensive functional validation of newly identified therapeutic target candidates for Alzheimer’s Disease–Related Dementias (ADRD). A major barrier to the development of effective treatments for ADRD, as well as other complex central nervous system disorders, is the lack of well-validated targets that are clearly linked to disease mechanisms. Successful translation of basic discoveries into the clinic depends on the rigor of target validation and confidence in a causal relationship between modulation of a target and its functional physiological consequences relevant to treating or preventing disease. This initiative aims to de-risk subsequent translational research and accelerate the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
NINDS believes that this initiative would be most appropriately supported by a phased award mechanism (for example, R61/R33). In the initial phase, support would be provided for the development of customized technologies, models, and protocols to modulate the expression or activity of candidate targets and to assess their physiological consequences in relevant in vitro and in vivo disease models. Upon successful achievement of predefined, milestone-based technical feasibility and proof-of-concept criteria, projects would transition to the second phase focused on measuring and cross-validating the effects of target modulation across multiple experimental modalities and collaborating laboratories, in accordance with NIH rigor and reproducibility guidelines.
Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop responsive projects and establish appropriate cross-disciplinary collaborations.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Details
This grant is for research organizations seeking to validate therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD). Eligible applicants include universities, research institutes, and biotech companies with strong neuroscience research capabilities. Projects must propose comprehensive functional validation of newly identified candidate targets using both in vitro and in vivo disease models. The grant uses a phased mechanism (R61/R33) with milestone-based progression from technical feasibility to multi-lab validation studies.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&D)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (key personnel)
- Facilities and Resources
- Letters of Support/Commitment
- Preliminary Data
Program contact
- 👤 NINDS DTR ADRD
- 📧 NINDSDTRADRD@mail.nih.gov
- 📞 Please contact via e-mail
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.853 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$82,511,281
-
$67,362,785
-
$62,646,087
-
$56,144,651
-
$45,268,737
-
$40,959,789
-
$35,655,349
-
$35,655,116
-
$35,335,145
-
$34,183,297
Top States by Funding
- MA 6 awards $186.5M
- CA 4 awards $129.9M
- OH 4 awards $112.5M
- FL 3 awards $100.3M
- MN 2 awards $99.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.853). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $2,362,835,459 | |
| 2025 | $2,345,500,401 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Research organizations including universities, nonprofit research institutes, and biotech companies. NIH typically requires institutional capacity for neuroscience research.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is November 6, 2026. Applications are not currently being solicited; this notice gives time to develop projects and collaborations.
What kind of research is supported?
Comprehensive functional validation of newly identified therapeutic target candidates for ADRD. Work must include customized models and technologies to modulate target expression and assess physiological consequences.
How is this grant structured?
The grant uses a phased R61/R33 mechanism. R61 phase supports technology development and proof-of-concept; R33 phase supports multi-lab validation and cross-validation across experimental modalities.
What funding amounts are available?
The total funding pool is $1.8 million. Specific award amounts per application are not specified.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Build strong preliminary data demonstrating the biological relevance of your target candidate before applying. Reviewers expect robust justification for target selection.
- Assemble a cross-disciplinary team with expertise in target modulation, disease modeling, and experimental validation techniques. Collaboration is key.
- Design clear, measurable milestone-based criteria for phase progression from R61 to R33. Make feasibility endpoints explicit and achievable.
- Use established, reproducible protocols aligned with NIH rigor and reproducibility guidelines. Document all methods thoroughly.
- Plan for multiple validation approaches across different model systems. Show how you'll cross-validate results in different experimental modalities and labs.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Lack of clear, measurable milestone criteria for phase transitions. Reviewers need concrete go/no-go decision points. Insufficient preliminary data supporting target selection and mechanistic relevance. Weak team composition missing key disciplinary expertise needed for functional validation across multiple modalities.
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