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.
Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network (RDCRN)
We oversee this NIH-wide grant program that supports medical research on over 200 rare diseases through clinical studies, including collaborations, study enrollment and data sharing.
More About the RDCRN
RARe-SOURCE™
RARe-SOURCE™ aims to collect and combine several data sources to build an integrated bioinformatics resource. This will address the challenges in rare disease research.
Somatic Cell Genome Editing [NIH Common Fund Programs]
We help lead this NIH Common Fund program that aims to create and make available high-quality tools for safe and effective genome editing to decrease the time and cost of creating new therapies.
More About Somatic Cell Genome Editing
Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL)
Our experts develop methods and standards to use stem cell technology (using cells derived from skin or blood) to advance treatment approaches.
More About the SCTL
Therapeutics for Rare and Neglected Diseases (TRND)
Our experts help move new treatments for rare and neglected diseases through the later stages of drug development by collaborating with external scientists and companies.
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Tissue Chip for Drug Screening
This program funds the development and testing of models built from human cells for predicting drug safety and toxicity before clinical testing in people.
More About Tissue Chips
Toxicology in the 21st Century (Tox21)
Our experts are part of this federal collaboration that aims to rapidly test whether substances are harmful to people.
More About the Tox21