DOD Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Clinical/Translational Research Award

The FY25 Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Research Program (DMDRP) Clinical/Translational Research Award (CTRA), administered by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), aims to accelerate the transition of promising Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) research into clinical applications. Funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) through the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, this grant mechanism supports advanced translational research that can directly impact patient care and treatment across the lifespan, from infants to nonambulatory individuals. The program is designed to address critical needs in understanding, diagnosing, and treating DMD in both military and civilian populations. The CTRA provides two levels of funding. Funding Level 1 supports smaller-scale preclinical and/or clinical research projects with a maximum budget of $910,000 ($1 million with the Early-Career Partnering PI Option). Funding Level 2 is for more complex research and offers up to $1.75 million ($1.9 million with the Partnering PI Option). Level 1 projects have a performance period of up to three years, while Level 2 projects may span four years. Applications must include relevant preliminary or published data and should focus on either preclinical or clinical research that fits one of the defined focus areas, such as therapy development, clinical trial readiness, or improvement in patient outcomes. Eligible applicants include both extramural and intramural organizations, such as academic institutions, for-profits, non-profits, and government organizations, whether U.S.-based or international. Principal Investigators (PIs) at all career levels may apply, and the inclusion of an Early-Career Partnering PI within ten years of their first faculty appointment is encouraged but not mandatory. This collaboration aims to strengthen the field by fostering mentorship and expanding research capacity. Applications follow a two-step submission process involving a pre-application (Letter of Intent) and a full application. The pre-application must be submitted via eBRAP.org by July 25, 2025, and the full application is due by August 8, 2025, via Grants.gov or eBRAP (for intramural DoD entities). The review process includes peer and programmatic review stages, with award decisions expected by September 30, 2026. Peer review evaluates research strategy, impact, clinical trial strategy (if applicable), statistical planning, personnel qualifications, and more. The programmatic review considers alignment with DMDRP goals, military relevance, and portfolio balance. Applicants must submit detailed documentation, including a project narrative, technical and lay abstracts, impact and transition plans, and budget justifications. If applicable, attachments for animal research, clinical trial strategy, and partnership statements are also required. Funded projects must adhere to specific administrative, ethical, and reporting guidelines, and are expected to contribute to public research repositories and community knowledge. For inquiries, technical assistance is available via the eBRAP Help Desk at help@eBRAP.org or 301-682-5507, and the Grants.gov Contact Center at support@grants.gov or 800-518-4726. This grant opportunity reflects the DoD’s commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals with DMD, including service members and their families.