BARDA: Small Molecule Approaches for Rapid and Robust Treatment (SMART) Antiviral Prize
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The Small Molecule Approaches for Rapid and Robust Treatment (SMART) Antiviral Prize is a $100 million, multi-stage prize competition designed to accelerate the development of broad-spectrum small-molecule antivirals targeting viruses in the Flaviviridae and/or Togaviridae families.
The program is designed to move promising antiviral candidates from early concept through preclinical development and toward Investigational New Drug (IND) readiness through staged evaluations and prize funding.
The first entry point is the Concept Stage, where applicants submit a concept paper describing a plan to discover or advance a broad-spectrum antiviral candidate.
Applications for the Concept Stage are open now through May 11, 2026.
Companies developing novel small-molecule antivirals with activity across multiple viruses within these families should evaluate this opportunity quickly if they intend to apply before the May 11, 2026 deadline.
How much funding would I receive?
The SMART Antiviral Prize includes up to $100 million in total prize funding across multiple stages.
Concept Stage funding includes:
Up to eight prizes of $2.5 million each
$20 million total prize pool for this stage
Future stages may provide additional funding, including:
Stage 1 (Hit-to-Lead): up to six prizes of $6 million each
Funding for later stages is not specified in the provided materials.
What could I use the funding for?
Prize funding is intended to support development of broad-spectrum small-molecule antiviral candidates progressing toward clinical readiness.
Activities supported through the staged competition may include:
Discovery or advancement of broad-spectrum antivirals targeting Flaviviridae and/or Togaviridae
Hit validation and identification of promising chemical series
Lead optimization
IND-enabling preclinical work
Development of a data package suitable for Investigational New Drug (IND) submission and human clinical trials
Concept Stage submissions specifically require a concept paper describing the scientific approach and development plan, supported by existing evidence.
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
In addition to prize funding, participants may receive:
Visibility and expert feedback from subject-matter experts evaluating submissions
Access to optional technical meetings with BARDA subject-matter experts for eligible entrants
Opportunities to collaborate with partners through the prize ecosystem and networking resources
The competition is intended to foster public-private collaboration and accelerate promising antiviral candidates toward early clinical development.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Key timeline details include:
Concept Stage application deadline: May 11, 2026
After submission:
Applications are evaluated by a panel of subject-matter experts
Selected entrants receive Concept Stage awards and invitations to advance to later stages
Future stages will require additional technical submissions as candidates advance through hit validation, lead optimization, and IND-enabling work.
Specific timelines for award decisions or funding distribution are not specified in the provided materials.
Where does this funding come from?
The SMART Antiviral Prize is funded by:
Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)
Within the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR)
Part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
The prize is administered through the BARDA Accelerator Network’s VITAL Hub.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible entrants include:
Antiviral developers
Academic groups
Strategic partnerships and collaborative teams
Applicants must:
Submit a concept describing a plan to discover or advance broad-spectrum small-molecule antivirals
Control the relevant intellectual property and have freedom to operate for the proposed concept
Additional eligibility requirements are not specified in the provided materials.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
Winning teams will likely propose antiviral candidates that demonstrate:
A credible antiviral target and scientific rationale
A clear development and regulatory strategy
Strong team capabilities and partnerships
The program is focused on candidates that could become broad-spectrum antivirals active against multiple viruses within the Flaviviridae or Togaviridae families.
Projects that present a clear path toward IND readiness and early clinical development are aligned with the program’s stated objectives.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
The following restrictions apply to eligible antiviral candidates:
Eligible candidates
Small-molecule drugs with molecular weight ≤900 Daltons
Candidates in discovery through IND-enabling preclinical stages
Broad-spectrum antivirals with activity against multiple pathogens within the Flaviviridae or Togaviridae families
Not eligible
Biologics or nucleic-acid-based drugs, including peptide-based products or antibody-drug conjugates
Clinical-stage compounds that have already been investigated in humans
“One-bug, one-drug” antivirals targeting a single virus without credible broad-spectrum potential
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
The Concept Stage requires a concept paper describing the proposed antiviral discovery or development approach.
The materials indicate that no new data is required, and submissions should rely on existing evidence and a development plan.
Specific preparation timelines or page limits are not specified in the provided materials.
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can support teams applying to the SMART Antiviral Prize by:
Evaluating whether your antiviral candidate aligns with program scope
Structuring a competitive concept paper and development strategy
Translating your science into a clear, review-ready proposal aligned with the program’s evaluation criteria
Helping prepare teams for expert panel review and later technical submissions
How much would BW&CO Charge?
We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($15,000 + 5%) available.