Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN): Small Molecule Drug Discovery and Development

The Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network Small Molecule Drug Discovery and Development program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the National Institutes of Health within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It operates under the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research, a collaborative framework designed to accelerate discoveries in neuroscience and translate them into effective therapies. This specific program focuses on advancing small molecule therapeutics for neurological disorders by supporting investigators in moving promising candidates toward clinical testing. The initiative integrates federal resources with industry-standard expertise to reduce barriers commonly encountered in drug development. The primary objective of this program is to facilitate the progression of investigator-initiated small molecule drug discovery projects through critical preclinical and early clinical development stages. It provides not only financial support but also access to NIH-supported subject matter experts and contract research organizations. These resources include capabilities in medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, formulation development, good manufacturing practice synthesis, and Phase I clinical testing. By combining these services with funding, the program aims to strengthen scientific feasibility and commercial viability, ultimately enabling external partners to adopt and advance therapies into later-stage development. Funding is delivered through a cooperative agreement mechanism, reflecting substantial involvement from NIH program staff throughout the project lifecycle. This structure emphasizes collaboration between investigators and NIH experts, with joint responsibility for scientific and technical oversight. The program uses a phased approach in which continued funding is contingent upon the successful achievement of predefined annual milestones. This design allows support for higher-risk, innovative projects while ensuring accountability and measurable progress at each stage. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities such as state, local, and tribal governments, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and certain for-profit organizations. The eligibility scope also extends to federal agencies, regional organizations, faith-based and community-based organizations, and non-domestic entities. This broad eligibility framework encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and participation from diverse sectors capable of contributing to translational neuroscience research. At the time of this forecast notice, applications are not yet being accepted. The notice is intended to inform potential applicants in advance so they can prepare competitive proposals and establish necessary collaborations. The estimated application due date is June 16, 2027, with an anticipated award date of March 5, 2028, and project start date of April 1, 2028. No pre-application requirements such as letters of intent are specified in the forecast stage. Applications, when officially opened, are expected to require detailed research plans, milestone-driven development strategies, and coordination plans with NIH-supported resources. Evaluation criteria will likely emphasize scientific merit, feasibility of proposed milestones, translational potential, and the ability to leverage collaborative infrastructure effectively. Given the cooperative agreement structure, applicants should also demonstrate readiness for active collaboration with NIH staff and external experts. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds. Contact for inquiries is provided through the Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Team via email. As a forecasted opportunity, it is not yet open for submission, but it is expected to follow a structured timeline with defined milestones and collaborative oversight once applications are solicited. This program is part of a broader NIH effort to accelerate therapeutic development and address unmet needs in neurological disease treatment.

Demonstrate clear achievable milestones and readiness to collaborate with NIH staff and CRO partners