science_technology_and_other_research_and_development · DOD-AMRAA
DoW Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Idea Development Award
Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA · HT942526DMDRPIDA
Total Program Funding
$2.5M
Expected Awards
5
Deadline
September 18, 2026
GRANTQUICK SUMMARYPlain-English Overview
DoD's Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Research Program Idea Development Award funds 5 grants ($2.5M total, ~$500K each) for innovative DMD research at any phase. Standard investigator-initiated mechanism requiring preliminary data and novel approaches to understanding or treating Duchenne. Can be basic, translational, or pre-clinical.
Who Should Apply
DMD researchers with preliminary data and innovative proposals at any career stage. Must address DMD program Areas of Emphasis.
Who Should NOT Apply
Researchers without DMD focus, those without relevant preliminary data, or researchers proposing clinical trials (separate mechanism).
Key Requirements (Plain English)
- •Must focus on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
- •Must include relevant preliminary/published data
- •5 awards totaling $2.5M (~$500K each)
- •Must be innovative with potential to advance the field
- •No clinical trials
- •Unrestricted eligibility
💡 GrantQuick Tip
5 awards for DMD Idea Development is standard for this program. The DMD community is tight-knit and connected to patient advocacy (Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy). Innovation is the keyword — don't propose another exon-skipping study that looks like everyone else's. Novel gene therapy approaches, cardiac-specific interventions (DMD patients die of cardiomyopathy), or addressing the transition to adulthood are areas with less competition. Connect with PPMD before applying — they can help identify gaps.
Competitiveness: Moderate-high — 5 awards in a dedicated research community. Strong preliminary data and novel approaches win.
What This Grant Funds
Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Research Program (DMDRP) Idea Development Award (IDA) promotes new ideas that are still in the early stages of development and have the potential to yield impactful data and new avenues of investigation. This award supports impactful, high-risk/high-reward research that could lead to critical discoveries or major advancements that will accelerate progress in improving outcomes for individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in the near term. Applications should include a well-formulated, testable hypothesis based on strong scientific rationale. The DMDRP strongly encourages research projects investigating therapies designed to demonstrate efficacy cross the life span, including infants, toddlers and nonambulatory individuals.
Distinctive Features: The FY26 DMDRP IDA mechanism offers three eligibility career categories:
• The Established Investigator category is for independent investigators at all academic levels, or equivalent
• The New Investigator – Early-Stage category is for independent investigators early in their careers (i.e., within 10 years of their first faculty appointment or equivalent). Applicants in this category will be reviewed separately from Established Investigators.
• The New Investigator – Transitioning category is for independent investigators at all academic levels, or equivalent, in an area other than muscular dystrophy who are seeking to transition to a career in DMD, thereby bringing their expertise to the field. Applicants in this category will be reviewed separately from Established Investigators.
Preliminary data relevant to DMD that supports the feasibility of the research hypotheses and research approaches are required for all applications. Clinical trials or clinical trial aims are not allowed.
Attachments
Who Can Apply
Eligible Applicant Types
Funding Details
- Total Program Funding
- $2.5M
- Expected Number of Awards
- 5
- Cost Sharing Required?
- No
- Funding Instrument
- grant
Key Dates
Agency Contact
eBRAP Help Desk Phone: 301-682-5507 Email: help@eBRAP.org
help@eBRAP.orgReady to apply?
View the full NOFO and submit your application on Grants.gov