Research Activities
Our programs, projects and other research activities tackle ongoing challenges in translational research so that new treatments and other health solutions can reach people faster.
Research Activities at NCATS
Through our research activities, we overcome roadblocks that slow progress on developing treatments for many different diseases and that can lead to inequities in clinical outcomes. Explore the range of initiatives we support at NCATS and beyond.
3-D Tissue Bioprinting Program
Our scientists are creating and using 3-D printing techniques to make tissue models that closely resemble the complex structure and organization of our cells.
A Specialized Platform for Innovative Research Exploration (ASPIRE)
Through this program, we are building an end-to-end solution for finding, designing and testing new molecules with the potential to become new treatments.
Antiviral Program for Pandemics (APP)
This multi-agency effort to develop safe and effective oral antiviral medications for future pandemics leverages our in-house drug discovery and development expertise and technologies.
Assay Development and Screening Technology (ADST)
Our scientists explore and develop new ways to quickly test and screen potential drug candidates, often in collaboration with disease foundations.
Bespoke Gene Therapy Consortium (BGTC)
We help lead this public-private partnership program that focuses on developing platforms and standards to speed the development and delivery of gene therapies for rare diseases.
Biomedical Data Translator
This program funds projects that integrate existing medical and biological data from different sources to quickly and easily reveal valuable connections and insights about diseases, including potential treatments.
Bridging Interventional Development Gaps (BrIDGs)
This in-house program helps researchers in advancing promising therapeutic agents through late-stage preclinical development to clinical testing.
Chemistry Technology
Our chemistry technology experts develop small molecules and screening methods that can be used by other scientists to drive innovations in therapeutic development.
Clinical Trial Readiness for Rare Diseases, Disorders and Syndromes (CTR) Grants Program
Through this program, we offer grants for projects focused on collecting data needed to advance promising therapies and diagnostics for rare diseases toward clinical trials.
Compound Management
Our compound management team uses sophisticated and automated techniques to supply chemicals for NCATS screening experiments to uncover new treatments for diseases.
Discovering New Therapeutic Uses for Existing Molecules (New Therapeutic Uses)
Awarded projects aim to streamline the process of discovering new treatments and cures for diseases by identifying new uses for existing assets that have already gone through significant development steps.
Extracellular RNA Communication (ExRNA)
We help lead this NIH Common Fund program to explore how exRNA could aid disease understanding, diagnosis and treatment.
Functional Genomics Lab
Our functional genomics experts work with collaborators from across NIH institutes and centers to design and use functional genomics technology to advance drug discovery and knowledge about health and disease.
Illuminating the Druggable Genome (IDG)
We help lead this NIH Common Fund program to study and generate resources on key targets for new therapeutic agents.
Matrix Combination Screening
Our experts use matrix combination screening technology to quickly identify promising drug combinations with the most potential to help patients.