NeuroNEXT: Network for Excellence in Neuroscience Clinical Trials

NeuroNEXT: Network for Excellence in Neuroscience Clinical Trials

NeuroNEXT will provide a robust, standardized, and accessible infrastructure to facilitate rapid development and implementation of protocols in neurological disorders affecting adult and/or pediatric populations. The network includes multiple Clinical Sites, one Clinical Coordinating Center (CCC) and one Data Coordinating Center (DCC).

You DO NOT need to be part of the NeuroNEXT infrastructure to apply to conduct a study within the network. Applications from academic investigators, advocacy groups/foundations, small businesses and the pharmaceutical industry are welcomed.

NeuroNEXT Executive Committee (NEC)

Permanent members
  • Christopher S. Coffey
  • Merit Cudkowicz
  • Robin Conwit, M.D.
Rotating members
  • Dr. John Kissel
  • Robert G. Holloway, M.D.
  • Mark Goldberg
  • Robert Fox, M.D.
  • Marianne Kearney
  • Stephen J. Kolb, M.D.
  • Dixie Ecklund
  • Richard Nowak, M.D.
  • Patrick Lyden, M.D.

Data Coordinating Center: University of Iowa

Clinical Coordinating Center: Massachusetts General Hospital

NeuroNEXT Clinical Sites


How to Apply to NeuroNEXT

NeuroNEXT is intended to facilitate the testing of novel therapeutics (drugs, biologics, devices) for neurological disorders. These novel therapeutics may come from academic investigators or directly from the biotechnology or pharmaceutical sector. NeuroNEXT aims to support scientifically sound phase 2 clinical trials that provide data for clear go/no-go decisions. Biomarker validation studies are also considered either independently or as part of a therapeutic trial.

Working with NeuroNEXT is a cooperative venture between NINDS, the NeuroNEXT network and the applicant. NINDS will provide guidance to potential applicants with input from the Division of Clinical Research (DCR), the applicable NINDS Extramural office/cluster and the NeuroNEXT Executive Committee (NEC). Potential applicants should contact NINDS OCR in order to discuss the feasibility of conducting the proposed trial through the NeuroNEXT infrastructure.

There are two mechanisms available for potential applicants:

  1. Academic investigators may apply for cooperative agreement grants: NeuroNEXT Clinical Trials (U01) (PAR-18-528).
  2. Small businesses may apply for cooperative agreement grants: NeuroNEXT Clinical Trials (U01) (PAR-18-528); OR through our Small Business program: NeuroNEXT Small Business Innovation in Clinical Trials (U44) (PAR-18-628).

Information for potential industry collaborators:

Information for potential advocacy collaborators:

Potential applicants whose clinical research cannot be supported through NeuroNEXT are encouraged to consider an alternate funding mechanism:


Referral/Review Process for NeuroNEXT Applications

  • Prospective applicant contacts NINDS/OCR to discuss the proposed trial:

Robin Conwit
Program Director, Office of Clinical Research
conwitr@ninds.nih.gov

Dr. Codrin Lungu
Program Director, Office of Clinical Research
lunguci@ninds.nih.gov

  • NINDS program staff will discuss the proposed trial
  • Trials that have good NINDS program support are referred to the NEC to assess network feasibility
  • Projects that have NINDS program support and are feasible for network performance are asked to submit a formal application for peer review by the NeuroNEXT SEP and subsequent consideration by the NINDS Advisory Council. The NeuroNEXT CCC will assist in protocol development in support of the formal application.
  • NeuroNEXT Clinical Trials (U01) - Standard dates apply for scientific merit review of applications coming under the U01 grant mechanism: for detailed information, please refer to Section V. Application Review Information in PAR-18-528.
  • NeuroNEXT Small Business Innovation in Clinical Trials (U44) - Standard dates apply for scientific merit review of applications coming under the U44 grant mechanism: for detailed information, please refer to Section V. Application Review Information in PAR-18-628.

Current NeuroNEXT-supported Studies

Completed