DOD Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Therapeutic Idea Award

The Department of Defense's (DoD) FY25 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research Program announces the Therapeutic Idea Award (TIA), which seeks innovative and high-risk research proposals aimed at drug or therapy development for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The program has a total funding amount of approximately $10.8 million, with a cap of $600,000 per application and a performance period not exceeding two years. Pre-applications are due by June 6, 2025, and full applications by August 27, 2025. Eligible applicants include both extramural and intramural organizations, with independent investigators serving as Principal Investigators regardless of their career stage. The award prioritizes innovative research that produces preliminary data for therapeutic applications, focusing on drug discovery rather than solely pathophysiological studies. The application process involves a two-step submission of a pre-proposal and full proposal, evaluated through peer and programmatic reviews based on criteria such as innovation, impact, and research strategy. Projects should also develop relevant biomarkers for ALS treatment outcomes. Successful applications will align with the DoD mission to improve health for military Service Members and Veterans affected by ALS, ensuring advancements are relevant to these populations.