Catalyze: Product Definition for Small Molecules, Biologics, and Combination Products - Preliminary Product/Lead Series Identification and Combination Product Prototype (R33 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The funding opportunity titled RFA-HL-26-018 is issued by the National Institutes of Health, specifically under the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency responsible for biomedical and public health research in the United States, and it routinely releases Requests for Applications to support targeted research initiatives aligned with national health priorities. This opportunity is part of NIH’s broader effort to stimulate scientific investigation and innovation in areas relevant to heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders, though the specific scientific focus is defined in the full announcement. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to solicit research applications that address specific programmatic needs identified by the issuing institute. These RFAs typically support investigator-initiated projects as well as collaborative research efforts that align with strategic goals such as advancing understanding of disease mechanisms, improving prevention strategies, or developing new treatments and interventions. Funding provided through this opportunity is intended to support allowable research costs including personnel, equipment, supplies, and other direct and indirect expenses consistent with NIH grant policies. Eligibility for NIH RFAs generally includes a broad range of applicant organizations. These commonly encompass public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, state and local governments, tribal governments, and eligible federal agencies. NIH funding opportunities are typically nationwide in scope, allowing applicants from across the United States and its territories, and in some cases international organizations, to apply. Specific eligibility requirements, including any restrictions or special conditions, are detailed in the full funding announcement. The application process for NIH RFAs follows a structured submission pathway through Grants.gov and NIH’s electronic Research Administration systems. Applicants are required to complete and submit standardized forms, including a detailed research plan, budget justification, biosketches, and supporting documentation. Many NIH RFAs may also include optional or required pre-application components such as letters of intent, which help the agency plan for peer review but do not typically influence eligibility. Applications submitted under this funding opportunity are evaluated through NIH’s peer review process. Review criteria generally include scientific and technical merit, significance of the proposed research, innovation, investigator qualifications, approach, and the research environment. Applications are scored and ranked, and funding decisions are made based on these evaluations as well as programmatic priorities and available funds. Applicants are notified of funding decisions following the review and council processes. The timeline for this opportunity, including application deadlines, review periods, and anticipated award dates, is specified in the full announcement. NIH RFAs often follow a defined cycle with set due dates rather than rolling submissions. Award periods vary depending on the mechanism but commonly span multiple years, with funding distributed annually based on progress and compliance with reporting requirements. Applicants are encouraged to consult the full announcement and NIH program contacts for detailed guidance and clarification.