Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Intermediate Patient Population Expanded Access (U01 Clinical Trial Required)

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is interested in supporting the conduct of scientific research utilizing data from intermediate-size patient population expanded access protocols for ALS ("intermediate expanded access protocol for ALS", see Expanded Access Categories for Drugs (Including Biologics)). Eligible intermediate expanded access protocols for ALS should: 1) provide access to an investigational drug or biological product for people with ALS, and 2) generate data to support research on the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, or cure of ALS. The scientific research goal(s) informed by these data could include the investigational drug's or biological product's effect on biomarkers related to the pathophysiology of ALS or target engagement, the collection of safety or outcome information, such as survival or other significant medical events (e.g., hospitalization or need for ventilatory support), or patient experience data that are not specifically tied to assessing efficacy. Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop responsive projects.

Eligible applicants must be clinical trial sites that participate in a phase 2/3 or phase 3 efficacy clinical trial (designed to provide pivotal data to establish substantial evidence of effectiveness in support of a marketing application) supported by a U.S. based small business concern that is the FDA-designated sponsor of a drug or biological product which is the subject of an IND under section 505(i) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355(i)) to prevent, diagnose, mitigate, treat, or cure ALS. The definition of a small business concern can be found in section 3(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(a)).Foreign Organizations/International CollaborationsNon-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are not eligible to apply.Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply.Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are not allowed.

The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: (1) the scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) the relevance and importance to announced program objectives. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1) the soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research environment; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) the degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific...