The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is offering the NEI Translational Research Program for Therapeutics (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed), aimed at facilitating the rapid translation of innovative laboratory research into therapeutics for visual system diseases. This grant program supports the development of biological, pharmaceutical, medical device, and combination therapies, utilizing a bi-phasic, milestone-driven approach where the R61 phase focuses on preliminary research and the R33 phase advances candidates towards clinical trials. Interested applicants, including independent school districts and community-based organizations, can expect up to five awards with no cost-sharing requirement, and should prepare to submit applications by February 16, 2026, with an estimated award date of December 1, 2026. For further inquiries, contact Tony Gover, Ph.D., at tony.gover@nih.gov or call 301-529-7320.

The purpose of NEI&#8217;s Translational Research program is the rapid and efficient translation of innovative laboratory research findings into therapeutics for use by clinicians to treat visual system diseases or disorders. The TRP will support the product development of biological, pharmaceutical, medical device, and/or combination therapies for any disease or disorder of the visual system. The TRP will utilize a bi-phasic, milestone-driven mechanism of award. The R61 phase can be up to two years and will support research that has demonstrated significant preliminary data but has not advanced to the level of clinical translation. The R33 phase can be up to three years and will support research that is in the final states of preclinical development with potential for near-term clinical development. The R33 is to focus on advancing a single therapeutic candidate through Investigational New Drug or Investigational Device Exemption (IND/IDE) enabling studies, filing an IND/IDE package with the FDA, and designing future clinical trials. R33 recipients must submit or obtain an IND/IDE application to FDA, or must transition the product to clinical practice, within the period of performance. The specific activities appropriate for the R33 phase will depend on the product under study and available preliminary data on the product. Delineation of milestones by the applicant for the R61 and R33 phases is a key characteristic of this program. A milestone is defined as a scheduled event in the project timeline that signifies the completion of a major project stage or activity. This program will support applications that propose a series of milestones including manufacturing and product development goals. Applications that address contingency plans to proactively confront potential delays in meeting the milestones are strongly encouraged. Milestones are required for both phases. Milestones must be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Mature efforts that do not require the R61 phase resources may apply directly to the R33 phase. However, evidence of a pre-IND/IDE meeting with the FDA is required to submit an R33 application directly.

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