The Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN) provides funding and drug development expertise to advance small molecule discovery and preclinical development for disorders of the nervous system, aiming to bridge the gap between academic discovery and clinical candidates. It exists to de-risk early-stage CNS drug projects by offering grants, medicinal chemistry support, and regulatory guidance to academic and small business investigators.

- Scientific merit and innovation of the proposed small molecule project (e.g., novel target, mechanism, or therapeutic approach for a nervous system disorder) - Strength of preliminary data supporting target validation and feasibility of the proposed drug development plan - Qualifications and experience of the PI and team, including access to necessary expertise (e.g., medicinal chemistry, pharmacology) - Appropriateness of the budget and project timeline for the proposed milestones (typically preclinical development up to IND) - Potential impact on the field and unmet medical need addressed - For early-stage projects: clarity of the target product profile and go/no-go decision points

Past awardees typically include academic researchers (PhD or MD/PhD) at US institutions with established CNS drug discovery programs, often with prior NIH funding. Examples include projects targeting ion channels, GPCRs, or enzymes for conditions like depression, pain, or neurodegeneration. The programme favors teams with a strong translational focus and access to screening or chemistry resources.

The platonic ideal applicant is a US-based academic PI (PhD or MD) with a track record in CNS pharmacology, a validated small molecule target, and preliminary hits or leads. They have a collaborative team including medicinal chemists and are ready to advance a compound through preclinical development toward an IND filing.