Exploratory/Developmental Research on Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) (R21 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The Department of Health and Human Services through the National Institutes of Health, particularly the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, has announced a funding opportunity titled Exploratory/Developmental Research on Guillain Barre Syndrome and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (R21 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed). This grant is intended to support early-stage exploratory and developmental research that advances understanding and treatment of Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). The announcement emphasizes the importance of innovative approaches targeting disease mechanisms, susceptibility factors, model systems, biomarkers, and treatments. Guillain Barre Syndrome and CIDP are rare autoimmune neuropathies that affect the peripheral nervous system. GBS is typically acute, triggered by infections, and can result in rapid onset of paralysis and potential respiratory failure. CIDP, by contrast, is chronic, more heterogeneous, and may follow relapsing-remitting or progressive patterns. Current treatments, such as intravenous immunoglobulin, plasmapheresis, and corticosteroids, are nonspecific, underscoring the need for more targeted research. The purpose of this funding is to accelerate progress in identifying mechanisms of disease, therapeutic targets, new treatment strategies, and biomarkers to improve patient care and trial design. Eligible projects must include at least one of the following: an animal model of GBS or CIDP, a cellular model involving relevant neurons or Schwann cells, or biospecimens/data from patients. Non-responsive applications—such as those focusing solely on infectious agents without examining immune responses in peripheral nerves—will not be considered. Applications proposing clinical trials are not allowed under this announcement. The Office of Autoimmune Disease Research, which collaborates with NIH institutes, may provide co-funding for aligned proposals, particularly those relevant to women’s health and autoimmune research priorities. The program anticipates funding approximately seven awards with a total commitment of $3,000,000. Individual projects may not exceed $275,000 in combined direct costs over a two-year period, and no more than $200,000 may be requested in a single year. The maximum project period is two years. Cost sharing is not required, and pre-award costs may be allowable as outlined in NIH policy. Applications must adhere strictly to NIH submission and formatting requirements. Proposals will be reviewed for scientific merit, innovation, rigor, feasibility, and investigator expertise. The peer review process includes evaluation by scientific review groups and a secondary review by the National Advisory Neurological Disorders and Stroke Council. The application process is fully electronic and requires registration with multiple federal systems, including SAM.gov, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. Applications can be submitted through ASSIST, system-to-system institutional solutions, or Grants.gov Workspace. Letters of intent are encouraged but not required. All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. Upcoming deadlines include March 3, 2025, and November 14, 2025, with earliest possible project start dates in December 2025 and July 2026 respectively. The funding opportunity expires on November 15, 2025. Agency contacts include scientific and program officials such as Glen Nuckolls, PhD, at NINDS, reachable at glen.nuckolls@nih.gov or 301-496-5876, and Vicki Shanmugam, MBBS, at the Office of Autoimmune Disease Research, reachable at vicki.shanmugam@nih.gov or 301-402-4179. For general submission and technical issues, applicants can reach NIH’s eRA Service Desk or Grants.gov support. Financial oversight is managed by the NINDS Chief Grants Management Officer. Applicants are encouraged to review the full NOFO and NIH policies to ensure compliance with data management, human subjects, and reporting requirements.