Limited Competition: Regenerative Medicine Innovation Project (RMIP) Investigator-Initiated Studies (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The Regenerative Medicine Innovation Project (RMIP) Investigator-Initiated Studies funding opportunity is being offered through a limited competition by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This opportunity is aimed at continuing research in regenerative medicine utilizing adult stem cells. It is being made available through remaining funds authorized by the 21st Century Cures Act. While applications are not being accepted at this time, this forecast notice is intended to allow potential applicants adequate time to establish meaningful collaborations and develop responsive project proposals. The funding opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement and falls under discretionary funding. It does not allow clinical trials and is listed under the assistance listing number 93.846 for Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research. The expected total program funding for this grant cycle is $400,000. Although specific award ceilings and floors are not listed, the award date is projected for June 22, 2026, with the estimated start date for funded projects being July 21, 2026. Eligible applicants include a wide range of public, private, and nonprofit entities. These include state, county, and city governments; independent school districts; public housing authorities; federally recognized and other Native American tribal organizations; public and private institutions of higher education; for-profit and small businesses; and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, excluding higher education institutions. Prior recipients of RMIP funding are encouraged to apply, reflecting an emphasis on continuity and the evolution of past projects. The estimated application submission period is from August 1, 2025, to October 21, 2025. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this funding opportunity. As this is a forecast notice, there are no detailed application instructions or evaluation criteria provided yet. However, it is recommended that interested applicants begin preparing their proposals early and consider potential collaborations. Contact for this opportunity is Aron Marquitz, Ph.D., at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. He can be reached by phone at 301-435-1240 or by email at aron.marquitz@nih.gov. This opportunity provides a substantial lead time before the official application window opens, giving applicants the advantage of thorough planning and coordination. The opportunity was last updated on June 9, 2025, with the forecast published on the same date. It is forecasted to be posted formally on August 1, 2025, and will close on October 21, 2025. It is not offered on a rolling basis, and there is no indication that it is recurring annually.