Deadline: 07-Oct-2025
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is inviting applications for an important initiative that aims to accelerate the preclinical development of tuberculosis vaccines.
This call focuses on moving promising lead candidates beyond early proof-of-concept studies, bringing them closer to readiness for clinical trials. The effort is designed to strengthen the vaccine pipeline and help overcome barriers that have slowed the progress of effective TB prevention.
Projects supported under this opportunity will advance vaccine candidates that have already shown protective potential in relevant models. Research may include optimizing delivery methods, improving formulations, conducting safety and toxicity testing, and addressing manufacturing challenges under GMP conditions. The ultimate goal is to produce vaccines capable of broad and long-lasting protection across diverse populations, including those who are most vulnerable to tuberculosis.
Partnership with industry is a critical component of this program. Applicants must demonstrate meaningful involvement from pharmaceutical, biotechnology, bioengineering, or related industry partners. These collaborations will ensure that vaccine candidates are not only scientifically sound but also aligned with practical development pathways that can lead to eventual clinical use.
Funding for this program is significant. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) intends to commit $4.73 million in fiscal year 2026 to fund between four and five awards. Application budgets are expected not to exceed $750,000 in direct costs per year and must reflect the actual requirements of each project. Awards may span up to five years, depending on the scope and milestones of the proposed work.
Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes a wide range of institutions and organizations. Higher education institutions of all types, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, for-profit entities such as small businesses, and local and tribal governments are all eligible. In addition, state and federal government agencies, U.S. territories, independent school districts, housing authorities, faith-based organizations, regional organizations, and Native American tribal organizations may apply. Non-domestic entities are also eligible, as are foreign components of U.S. organizations.
However, NIH has placed specific restrictions on international collaborations involving monetary subawards or subcontracts. As of May 1, 2025, such collaborations are not permitted under this announcement unless submitted in response to a Notice of Funding Opportunity that explicitly allows them. This does not preclude unfunded collaborations, foreign consultants, or procurement of specialized equipment or supplies from international vendors.
This opportunity provides a pathway for institutions to advance scientific breakthroughs into practical solutions for one of the world’s most pressing health challenges. By combining strong scientific foundations with industry expertise and broad organizational eligibility, it aims to strengthen the global fight against tuberculosis through the development of safe, effective, and accessible vaccines.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
