NCATS develops novel approaches to improve the process of joining basic science discoveries with initial testing of therapies in humans.
Pre-Clinical Innovation
NCATS Assay on Top 10 Scientific Achievements List
A scientific society honored NCATS scientists for creating a screening test to identify molecules that block the growth of new blood vessels. The test could be useful in cancer research. 
NCATS-supported researchers have developed an automated machine-learning approach to diagnose genetic diseases in seriously ill children. This new approach could allow faster diagnosis, initiation of treatment, and ultimately, better outcomes.
People with chronically itchy skin, take heart. NCATS researchers report that blocking a receptor on the surface of spinal cord neurons may help relieve the constant need to scratch. The study appeared online in Science Translational Medicine.
Improving the Drug Development Process
Creating and testing innovative methods to improve and accelerate the drug development process and find new treatments for patients faster.
Repurposing Drugs
Discovering new uses for approved drugs to provide the quickest possible transition from bench to bedside.
Testing & Predictive Models
Developing better model systems for drug and toxicity testing.
Core Technologies
Using state-of-the-art resources to enable the ongoing operation of all NCATS translational research activities.
Improving the Drug Development Process
Creating and testing innovative methods to improve and accelerate the drug development process and find new treatments for patients faster.
Discovering new uses for approved drugs to provide the quickest possible transition from bench to bedside.
Developing better model systems for drug and toxicity testing.
Using state-of-the-art resources to enable the ongoing operation of all NCATS translational research activities.
Work with Us
NCATS pre-clinical programs and resources focus on key obstacles and inefficiencies in the translational process, overcoming bottlenecks that slow the development of new treatments for patients.
Learn more about how to access NCATS programs and expertise.
Inside the NCATS Laboratories
Take a video tour of our labs and see firsthand how our researchers work to get more treatments to more patients more quickly.
Learn more about NCATS’ Achievements in Advancing Translational Sciences.
NCATS Programs & Resources Supporting Pre-Clinical Innovation
- 3-D Tissue Bioprinting Program
- Biomedical Data Translator
- Bridging Interventional Development Gaps (BrIDGs)
- Chemistry Technology
- Discovering New Therapeutic Uses for Existing Molecules (New Therapeutic Uses)
- Extracellular RNA Communication
- Matrix Combination Screening
- NCATS Chemical Genomics Center (NCGC)
- NCATS Pharmaceutical Collection
- Pfizer's Centers for Therapeutic Innovation (CTI) for NIH Researchers
- RNA Interference (RNAi)
- Therapeutics for Rare and Neglected Diseases (TRND)
- Tissue Chip for Drug Screening
- Toxicology in the 21st Century (Tox21)
