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.
Preclinical Chemical Biology Laboratory
Our scientists and collaborators bridge chemistry and the biology underlying disease to develop new ways to discover and create chemical probes and potential drug candidates.
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.
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.
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.
The Helping to End Addiction Long-term® Initiative, or NIH HEAL Initiative®
As part of the NIH HEAL Initiative, we are applying our translational science approaches to accelerate the development of new treatments for opioid misuse, addiction and pain management.
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.
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.