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.
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.
Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program
This program funds a network of more than 60 leading medical institutions to improve the health of individuals and communities through research, resources and training.
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.
Informatics
This NCATS team works with scientists to make sense of data from large experiments to inform decisions that advance translational research.
Matrix Combination Screening
Our experts use matrix combination screening technology to quickly identify promising drug combinations with the most potential to help patients.
Multidisciplinary Machine-Assisted, Genomic Analysis and Clinical Approaches to Shortening the Rare Diseases Diagnostic Odyssey
This grant program funds the development of innovative approaches for reducing the time it takes to accurately diagnose rare diseases.
Platform Vector Gene Therapy (PaVe-GT)
Our pilot project is testing the feasibility of increasing the efficiency of gene therapy clinical trials by using the same gene delivery system and manufacturing methods for multiple gene therapies.
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.
Somatic Cell Genome Editing
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.
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.