Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 17 205
The Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN) UG3/UH3 opportunity (PAR 17-205) is an NIH cooperative agreement program designed to help neuroscience researchers move promising small molecule therapeutics for nervous system disorders from early discovery work into first-in-human testing. The core aim is translational: taking credible biological rationale and early chemical matter and pushing it through the practical, resource-heavy steps required to reach the clinic. Rather than functioning as a basic research grant, BPN is structured around a product-focused development path with clear milestones, hands-on collaboration, and access to specialized drug development capabilities that many academic labs do not have in-house.
A key feature of the program is how responsibilities and resources are split. The awardee research team continues to run the disease- or target-specific science in their own lab, meaning they are responsible for the assays, models, and research tools that demonstrate whether compounds are working in the relevant biological context. NIH funding supports these in-lab activities. At the same time, the program connects teams with NIH-supported consultants and provides the option to use NIH contract research organizations (CROs) for specialized work that is often a bottleneck in small molecule development. These CRO-supported services can include medicinal chemistry optimization, pharmacokinetics (how the drug behaves in the body), toxicology, formulation development, larger-scale chemical synthesis (including GMP manufacturing when needed), and Phase I clinical testing. In practice, BPN is set up to blend the scientific insight of the investigator with professional drug development execution.
Projects can enter the program at two different points depending on maturity. The Discovery entry point is meant for projects that have promising “hit” compounds (early molecules with activity) that still need optimization through medicinal chemistry to improve potency, selectivity, drug-like properties, and overall developability. The Development entry point is for more advanced projects that already have a viable development candidate and are ready to move into IND-enabling work, such as the toxicology package needed for an Investigational New Drug application, and then potentially proceed into Phase I clinical studies. Importantly, BPN is designed as a staged pathway: projects that start in Discovery and successfully meet program milestones can continue forward into Development, creating a coherent bridge from hit-to-lead optimization to early clinical testing.
The UG3/UH3 structure signals that this is milestone-driven and phased. While the notice itself emphasizes entry at Discovery or Development, the broader implication of the UG3/UH3 mechanism is that an initial phase supports execution of defined activities with go/no-go criteria, and successful performance allows transition to the next phase. That approach aligns with the program’s emphasis on advancing real drug candidates rather than funding open-ended exploration. Because it is a cooperative agreement, NIH is not simply providing funds and stepping back; it is a more interactive model where awardees collaborate with NIH-associated experts and resources, and progress is managed against agreed development objectives.
Intellectual property terms are also highlighted as a major incentive for applicants. Institutions receiving BPN awards retain their existing IP rights, and they also receive assignment of IP rights generated by BPN contractors for drug candidates developed through the program. This means the awardee institution maintains control over patent prosecution and licensing negotiations for candidates that come out of the BPN-supported development effort, which can be crucial for later partnering, commercialization, and ensuring a clear ownership position.
Eligibility is broad and includes a wide range of organization types. Standard eligible applicants span state, county, city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3)); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The opportunity also explicitly calls out additional eligible applicant categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, non-U.S. (foreign) entities, and U.S. territories or possessions. This breadth reflects NIH’s interest in drawing therapeutic candidates from many different parts of the research ecosystem.
Administratively, the opportunity is run by the National Institutes of Health and categorized as discretionary funding via a cooperative agreement mechanism. It lists multiple CFDA numbers (93.121, 93.213, 93.242, 93.273, 93.279, 93.853, 93.865, 93.866, 93.867), reflecting the NIH-wide, cross-institute nature of the Blueprint effort. The original closing date shown in the source data is 2017-12-21, and the creation date is 2017-03-09, indicating this particular posting is tied to that application window. Overall, the program can be read as a practical NIH pipeline for small molecule neurotherapeutics: investigators bring the disease knowledge, assays, and biological proof, and BPN helps supply the development infrastructure needed to reach an IND and Phase I testing without forcing teams to give up control of the resulting IP.Apply for PAR 17 205
- The National Institutes of Health in the education, health, income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN): Small Molecule Drug Discovery and Development for Disorders of the Nervous System (UG3/UH3)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.121, 93.213, 93.242, 93.273, 93.279, 93.853, 93.865, 93.866, 93.867.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2017-03-09.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2017-12-21. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.
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Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN) UG3/UH3 (PAR 17-205) - FAQs
What is the Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN) UG3/UH3 program?
The Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN) UG3/UH3 opportunity (PAR 17-205) is an NIH cooperative agreement program intended to help neuroscience researchers advance promising small-molecule therapeutics for nervous system disorders from early discovery work into first-in-human testing. It is designed as a translational, product-focused program rather than a basic research grant.
What is the main goal of this opportunity?
The main goal is to move credible therapeutic ideas (supported by biological rationale and early chemical matter) through the practical steps needed to reach the clinic, including activities that can ultimately support an IND and lead into Phase I testing. The program emphasizes clear milestones, active collaboration, and access to drug development capabilities.
Is this a basic research grant or a drug development program?
Based on the description, BPN is not positioned as an open-ended basic research award. It is structured around a product-focused development path, where progress is managed against defined milestones and development objectives.
What types of therapeutics does BPN focus on?
The opportunity is designed to advance small molecule therapeutics for nervous system disorders.
What stage of research is this program meant to support?
The program supports projects ranging from early discovery (with promising hit compounds that need optimization) through more advanced development (with a viable development candidate ready for IND-enabling work), with the potential to progress into Phase I clinical testing.
What are the two entry points into the program?
Projects can enter at either:
- Discovery entry point: for projects with promising hit compounds that still require medicinal chemistry optimization to improve potency, selectivity, drug-like properties, and overall developability.
- Development entry point: for projects that already have a viable development candidate and are ready for IND-enabling work (such as toxicology) and potentially Phase I clinical studies.
Can a project start in Discovery and later move into Development?
Yes. BPN is described as a staged pathway where projects that begin in Discovery and meet program milestones can continue forward into Development, creating a bridge from hit-to-lead optimization to early clinical testing.
What does UG3/UH3 mean in this context?
The UG3/UH3 structure indicates a phased, milestone-driven approach. An initial phase supports execution of defined activities with go/no-go criteria, and successful performance enables transition to the next phase. This aligns with the program emphasis on advancing real drug candidates.
What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?
As a cooperative agreement, NIH is not only providing funding but also participating in a more interactive model. Awardees collaborate with NIH-associated experts and resources, and progress is managed against agreed development objectives.
What responsibilities remain with the awardee research team?
The awardee research team continues to run the disease- or target-specific science in their own lab. They are responsible for assays, models, and research tools needed to show whether compounds are working in the relevant biological context.
What does NIH funding support on the awardee side?
NIH funding supports the in-lab activities carried out by the awardee team, including the assays, models, and other research tools used to evaluate compound activity in the relevant biological context.
What specialized drug development support can BPN provide?
The program connects teams with NIH-supported consultants and offers the option to use NIH contract research organizations (CROs) for specialized work that can be a bottleneck in small molecule development.
What kinds of CRO-supported services are mentioned?
The description lists CRO-supported services that can include:
- Medicinal chemistry optimization
- Pharmacokinetics (how the drug behaves in the body)
- Toxicology
- Formulation development
- Larger-scale chemical synthesis (including GMP manufacturing when needed)
- Phase I clinical testing
Does the program provide help with first-in-human (Phase I) studies?
Yes. The program description explicitly includes Phase I clinical testing among the CRO-supported services that can be part of the BPN-supported development effort.
Does BPN cover IND-enabling activities?
Yes. The Development entry point is described as supporting IND-enabling work, including the toxicology package needed for an Investigational New Drug (IND) application.
How does BPN combine academic research and drug development execution?
BPN is described as blending the investigator's disease/target scientific insight (assays, models, biological validation) with professional drug development execution via NIH-supported consultants and optional NIH CRO resources.
What is the program's approach to milestones and decision points?
The opportunity is described as milestone-driven with a phased UG3/UH3 structure and go/no-go criteria, meaning continued progress depends on meeting agreed-upon development milestones.
Who keeps intellectual property (IP) rights under this program?
Institutions receiving BPN awards retain their existing IP rights. Additionally, they receive assignment of IP rights generated by BPN contractors for drug candidates developed through the program.
Why are the IP terms considered a key incentive?
The IP structure is highlighted as important because it allows the awardee institution to maintain control over patent prosecution and licensing negotiations for candidates that come out of the program, which can be crucial for later partnering and commercialization.
What types of organizations are eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes many organization types, including government entities, institutions of higher education, nonprofits, for-profits, small businesses, tribal governments and organizations, public housing authorities, and additional categories explicitly called out in the opportunity description.
Are state and local governments eligible?
Yes. The eligible applicants listed include state governments and county, city, or township governments, as well as special district governments.
Are colleges and universities eligible?
Yes. Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education, along with additional categories such as HBCUs, TCCUs, and other designated serving institutions.
Are nonprofit organizations eligible?
Yes. The eligibility list includes nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status.
Are for-profit companies eligible?
Yes. The eligibility list includes for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and it also includes small businesses.
Are tribal entities eligible?
Yes. The eligible applicants include federally recognized Native American tribal governments and tribal organizations that are not federally recognized.
Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?
Yes. The opportunity explicitly calls out faith-based or community-based organizations as additional eligible applicant categories.
Are non-U.S. (foreign) entities eligible?
Yes. The opportunity explicitly lists non-U.S. (foreign) entities as eligible.
Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible?
Yes. The opportunity explicitly includes U.S. territories or possessions among eligible applicant categories.
Which agency runs this opportunity?
The opportunity is run by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
What type of federal funding mechanism is used?
It is categorized as discretionary funding and uses a cooperative agreement mechanism.
What is the opportunity number or identifier mentioned?
The opportunity is identified as the Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN) UG3/UH3 opportunity (PAR 17-205).
What CFDA numbers are associated with this program?
The posting lists multiple CFDA numbers: 93.121, 93.213, 93.242, 93.273, 93.279, 93.853, 93.865, 93.866, and 93.867.
What is the application closing date shown in the provided information?
The original closing date shown is 2017-12-21.
What is the creation date shown in the provided information?
The creation date shown is 2017-03-09.
In one sentence, how should applicants think about BPN?
The program can be read as an NIH pipeline for small-molecule neurotherapeutics where investigators bring disease knowledge and biological proof, and BPN supplies development infrastructure to help reach an IND and Phase I testing while allowing institutions to retain control of resulting IP.
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|---|
| Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN): Small Molecule Drug Discovery and Development for Disorders of the Nervous System (U44) Apply for PAR 17 201 Funding Number: PAR 17 201 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: New Concepts and Early - Stage Research for Large - Scale Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (R21) Apply for RFA EY 17 002 Funding Number: RFA EY 17 002 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| BRAIN Initiative: Research on the Ethical Implications of Advancements in Neurotechnology and Brain Science (R01) Apply for RFA MH 18 500 Funding Number: RFA MH 18 500 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| BRAIN Initiative: Tools to Facilitate High-Throughput Microconnectivity Analysis (R01) Apply for RFA MH 18 505 Funding Number: RFA MH 18 505 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: Research Resource Grants for Technology Integration and Dissemination (U24) Apply for RFA NS 18 005 Funding Number: RFA NS 18 005 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: Tools to target, identify and characterize non-neuronal cells in the brain (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DA 18 018 Funding Number: RFA DA 18 018 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Opioid Use Disorder in Pregnancy (R01) Apply for RFA HD 18 036 Funding Number: RFA HD 18 036 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| BRAIN Initiative: Targeted BRAIN Circuits Projects- TargetedBCP (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA NS 18 009 Funding Number: RFA NS 18 009 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: Proof of Concept Development of Early Stage Next Generation Human Brain Imaging (R01 Clinical Trials Not Allowed) Apply for RFA EB 17 003 Funding Number: RFA EB 17 003 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| BRAIN Initiative: Development of Next Generation Human Brain Imaging Tools and Technologies (U01) (Clinical Trials Not Allowed) Apply for RFA EB 17 004 Funding Number: RFA EB 17 004 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: Theories, Models and Methods for Analysis of Complex Data from the Brain (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA EB 17 005 Funding Number: RFA EB 17 005 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Advancing Translational and Clinical Probiotic/Prebiotic and Human Microbiome Research (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 001 Funding Number: PA 18 001 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| The Health of Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Populations (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 037 Funding Number: PA 18 037 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| The Health of Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Populations (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 040 Funding Number: PA 18 040 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| The Health of Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Populations (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 054 Funding Number: PA 18 054 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| The Health of Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Populations (R15 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 210 Funding Number: PA 18 210 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| End-of-Life and Palliative Needs of Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with Serious Illnesses (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 137 Funding Number: PA 18 137 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| End-of-Life and Palliative Needs of Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with Serious Illnesses (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 155 Funding Number: PA 18 155 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| BRAIN Initiative Fellows: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship (F32) Apply for RFA MH 18 510 Funding Number: RFA MH 18 510 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Exploratory/Developmental Bioengineering Research Grants (EBRG) (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 286 Funding Number: PA 18 286 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
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