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

The National Institutes of Health is interested in supporting the Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network for Small Molecules (BPN-SM) program, which aims to help investigators advance promising small-molecule therapeutics toward clinical testing. The program will provide access to NIH-supported subject matter experts and contract research organizations with capabilities in medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, formulation development, GMP synthesis, and Phase I clinical testing. The goal of the program is to reduce the risk of scientific and therapy development sufficiently to enable external partners to take on late-stage development and ultimately bring new therapies to patients. Key aspects of the program include: * Support for drug discovery and development activities in investigators' own laboratories * Access to NIH-supported subject matter experts and contract research organizations * A phased cooperative agreement mechanism with decisions of continued support being contingent on demonstrated feasibility of yearly milestones * A focus on small molecules, excluding biologics * The opportunity for investigators to retain and strengthen their intellectual property while gaining hands-on experience in translational drug development.