U.S. CDMRP – Multiple Sclerosis Research Program (MSRP)| Research Funding

Through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP), the Department of Defense is announcing the 2024 Multiple Sclerosis Research Program (MSRP)Awards. Several award programs are available:

• The Clinical Trial Award supports the rapid implementation of clinical trials with the potential to have a significant impact on the treatment or management of multiple sclerosis. Clinical trials may be designed to evaluate promising new products, pharmacologic agents (drugs or biologics), devices, clinical guidance, and/or emerging approaches and technologies. Proposed projects may range from small proof-of-concept trials (e.g., pilot, first-in-human, phase 0) to demonstrate the feasibility or inform the design of more advanced trials, through large-scale trials to determine efficacy in relevant patient populations.
  All applications must specifically address at least one of the Focus Areas listed in this document.
   
• The Early Investigator Research Award supports MS-focused research opportunities for individuals in the early stages of their careers, under the guidance of one or more designated Mentors. This opportunity allows for early-stage investigators to develop a research project, investigate a problem or question in MS research, and further their intellectual development as an MS researcher of the future. All application components for the EIRA are expected to be written by the Principal Investigator (PI), with appropriate direction from the Mentor(s).
  All applications must specifically address at least one of the Focus Areas listed in this document.
   
• The Exploration - Hypothesis Development Award supports the initial exploration of innovative, high-risk, high-gain, and potentially groundbreaking concepts in the MS research field. The studies supported by this award mechanism are expected to lay the groundwork for future avenues of scientific investigation. The proposed research project should include a well-formulated, testable hypothesis based on strong scientific rationale and study design. The presentation of preliminary and/or published data is not required.
  All applications must specifically address at least one of the Focus Areas listed in this document.
   
• The Investigator-Initiated Research Award supports highly rigorous, high-impact research projects that have the potential to make an important contribution to MS research, patient care, and/or quality of life. Research projects may focus on any phase of research, excluding clinical trials. The rationale for a research idea may be derived from laboratory discovery, clinical trial results, population-based studies, a clinician’s firsthand knowledge of patients, or anecdotal data. Applications must include preliminary and/or published data that are relevant to MS and the proposed research project.
  All applications must specifically address at least one of the Focus Areas listed in this document.

• Clinical Trial Award: $2M – $4M
• Early Investigator Research Award: $320,000
• Exploration - Hypothesis Development Award: $250,000
• Investigator-Initiated Research Award: $1M

• Clinical Trial Award: 3-4 years
• Early Investigator Research Award: 2 years
• Exploration - Hypothesis Development Award: 2 years
• Investigator-Initiated Research Award: 3 years

• 10 June 2024, 5:00 p.m. Eastern time
• 24 July 2024, 5:00 p.m. Eastern time for the Early Investigator Research Award

• 07 October 2024, 11:59 p.m Eastern Time
• 14 October 2024, 11:59 p.m Eastern Time for the Early Investigator Research Award

• To find the full program announcements and to start your pre-application see here
• A useful summary of each call can be found here
• For questions about the eBRAP or Grants.gov platforms, contact the Research Office.
• Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Numbers:
  • Clinical Trial Award: HT942524MSRPCTA
  • Early Investigator Research Award: HT942524MSRPEIRA
  • Exploration - Hypothesis Development Award: HT942524MSRPEHDA
  • Investigator-Initiated Research Award: HT942524MSRPIIRA