Updated October 2026: This opportunity is closed. The FY26 application cycle for this program has closed. See our CDMRP guide for the next fiscal year’s announcements. Browse currently open opportunities in our funding database.
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The FY26 Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Research Program (DMDRP), managed by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), will fund high-impact research to improve function and quality of life for individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This is a pre-announcement, meaning application deadlines are not yet specified. Founders and investigators should begin preparing now ahead of the official release on Grants.gov, where deadlines will be published.
Pre-applications are due on September 4th.
Full applications are due on September 18th.
How much funding would I receive?
Two award mechanisms are anticipated:
Idea Development Award
Maximum funding: $500,000 in total costs
Period of performance: 2 years
Clinical/Translational Research Award
Funding Level 1
Single PI: $910,000 in total costs
Partnering PI Option: $1 million in total costs
Period of performance: 3 years
Funding Level 2
Single PI: $1.75M in total costs
Partnering PI Option: $1.9M in total costs
Period of performance: 4 years
Total costs include direct and indirect costs.
What could I use the funding for?
Idea Development Award
High-risk/high-reward research advancing understanding of DMD
Development of macromolecular and cellular therapies targeting primary pathology
Research must include preliminary data
Cannot fund clinical trials or clinical trial aims
Clinical/Translational Research Award
Translational research with near-term clinical impact
Preclinical work supporting IND-enabling studies
Clinical research including:
Real-world data or post-market studies
Combination or sequential therapy studies
Long-term safety and efficacy studies
Studies to improve care and quality of life
Clinical trial tools and outcome measures
Natural history studies for trial readiness
Can include clinical trials, pilot trials, and readiness studies
Must include preliminary data
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Access to CDMRP-managed funding programs within the Defense Health Agency Research and Development ecosystem
Optional Partnering PI structure for Clinical/Translational Research Awards to support collaboration between investigators
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Pre-applications are due on September 4th.
Full applications are due on September 18th.
Deadlines will be released with the official funding opportunity announcements on Grants.gov
A pre-application submission through eBRAP is required prior to full application submission
Where does this funding come from?
FY26 Defense Appropriations Act
Managed by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP)
Under the Defense Health Agency Research and Development – Medical Research and Development Command (DHA R&D-MRDC)
Who is eligible to apply?
Idea Development Award
Established independent investigators
Early-stage investigators:
Within 10 years of first faculty appointment
Must not have previously received this award
Transitioning investigators entering DMD from another field
Must:
Be pursuing an active line of DMD research
Commit at least 10% effort annually
Clinical/Translational Research Award
Independent investigators at all academic levels
Optional Partnering PI must be:
Early-career (within 10 years), or
Established investigator from another field entering DMD
What companies and projects are likely to win?
Projects focused on safe and effective macromolecular and cellular therapies addressing the primary pathology of DMD
Research with clinical relevance and translational potential
Studies that demonstrate impact across the lifespan, including:
Infants
Toddlers
Non-ambulatory individuals
Applications supported by strong preliminary data
High-risk/high-reward ideas (Idea Development Award) or near-term clinical impact (Clinical/Translational Award)
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Idea Development Award:
Cannot fund clinical trials or clinical trial aims
All applications:
Must include preliminary data
Must align with specified focus areas
Pre-application submission via eBRAP is required
Applications must conform to final FOA requirements once released
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
Not specified in the pre-announcement
However, preparation should begin now given:
Required preliminary data
Mandatory pre-application step
Competitive, high-impact nature of the program
How can BW&CO help?
Evaluate fit across Idea Development vs. Clinical/Translational tracks
Shape your research into a CDMRP-aligned, reviewer-ready narrative
Support Partnering PI strategy and positioning
Develop compliant pre-applications and full submissions
Maximize competitiveness for high-risk/high-reward and translational proposals
How much would BW&CO Charge?
We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.