Product Development Research Program

The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) serves as a state-funded entity dedicated to accelerating the translation of cancer research into products and services that benefit cancer patients, with a strong emphasis on fostering the life sciences industry within Texas. CPRIT's Product Development Research Program is central to this mission, supporting Texas-based companies in the commercialization of novel oncology therapeutics, diagnostics, devices, and technologies. Through a structured and competitive grant process, CPRIT aims to bridge the gap between promising laboratory discoveries and their application in clinical settings, ultimately enhancing patient care and health outcomes. This grant program encompasses four distinct Requests for Applications (RFAs), each targeting a specific stage or type of oncology product development. The Texas Therapeutics Company RFA is aimed at companies with advanced drug candidates that are nearing IND/IDE filing or are already in Phase 1 trials. Eligible activities include preclinical proof-of-concept studies, GLP safety studies, CMC and manufacturing development, and early-phase clinical trials. The Texas Device and Diagnostics Company RFA supports the development of diagnostic tools and devices for cancer-related uses, such as detection, treatment monitoring, and prediction of treatment responses. Applicants should have commercial prototypes or validated assays ready for clinical development and regulatory submissions, such as IDE or 510(k). The Texas New Technologies Company RFA provides support for the development of novel technologies that may not fall neatly into other categories. This includes projects involving artificial intelligence, radionuclide production, biomanufacturing, or improvements to sample quality used in research or clinical applications. Finally, the Texas Seed Company RFA caters to early-stage companies focused on novel cancer-related therapeutics or devices. This award is designed to help transform innovative technologies into viable business opportunities by funding early safety testing, prototype development, small-scale manufacturing, and preliminary business planning. All product development awards through CPRIT are structured as three-year projects, with extensions permitted to fully utilize awarded funds. Most awards have no strict funding cap, although Seed Company Awards are limited to $3 million. Each project must justify the requested budget, particularly for higher amounts, and CPRIT rigorously evaluates large funding requests to ensure strategic impact. An essential aspect of CPRIT’s funding model is the requirement for cost-sharing by the recipient company and an agreement to share future revenues through royalties, equity, or other arrangements favorable to both parties. Eligibility for these awards extends to Texas-based companies and those willing to relocate to and establish a meaningful business presence in Texas. The application process begins with the submission of a preliminary application, including an executive summary, slide deck, and budget justification. Applications may be submitted at any time while the portal is open. Within 3–5 weeks of submission, CPRIT’s Product Development Review Council (PDRC) reviews the proposal and determines whether to invite the company to submit a full application. Those invited must present their full proposal to the review panel via Zoom. The review process is rigorous and includes scientific experts and advocates external to Texas to ensure impartiality. CPRIT allocates approximately $70 million annually to product development projects. Should this allocation be exhausted before the end of the fiscal year, CPRIT reserves the right to temporarily close the application portal. CPRIT’s commitment to fostering the Texas biotechnology ecosystem is evident in its requirement for awardees to maintain operations within the state. Non-compliance may lead to grant termination and repayment. The program remains an attractive opportunity for innovative companies aiming to advance cancer-fighting technologies within a supportive and structured funding environment.

Justify funding levels; demonstrate commitment to relocating/operating in Texas; early-stage companies should apply under Seed RFA