The Biomarker Accelerator Program will fund projects driving biomarker discoveries to accelerate diagnosis, treatment, research, or clinical care for PSP. The proposed studies should build upon existing discoveries by conducting the next steps needed to move the biomarkers into research or clinical settings. The existing discoveries may come from preclinical models, fluids, tissue, proteomics, imaging, genetic data, or other modalities. Projects can propose to further validate/replicate these findings, develop assays or tools, integrate biomarkers of different modalities, or other approaches that will advance biomarker development for PSP.    While diagnostic biomarkers are a primary goal of this program, we will accept proposals focused on any context of use that will further research or clinical care for PSP. Please see the Application Instructions for a list of eligible and ineligible topics for this program.

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Program Eligibility:

The CurePSP Biomarker Accelerator Program is open to researchers at academic institutions and researchers at small companies (nonprofits and for-profit organizations). Partnership between academia and larger companies is allowed. Investigators can be located in the U.S. or internationally. The Principal Investigator of the project must be a full-time faculty member or paid employee of the organization submitting the proposal. If the applicant is not a paid employee, they must demonstrate that they are part of the company and a listed employee. Applications from post-doctoral researchers will not be accepted. Current awardees of CurePSP are eligible, provided their other funded grant does not directly overlap with this proposal.

Award Overview:

The Biomarker Accelerator Program will fund each award up to $500,000 for the duration of the project. No indirect costs are allowed for this program. The proposed award term can be up to three years. Budget spending should appropriately align to the award length, specific aims and proposed milestones of the project. Please see the Application Instructions for more detailed information on allowable expenses.  

Timeline:

• Letter of Intent Launch: October 15, 2025
• Letter of Intent Deadline: December 15, 2025, 5:00 PM US Eastern Time
• Letter of Intent Decision Notification: By January 31, 2026
• Full Proposal Deadline: March 31, 2026, 5:00 PM US Eastern Time

Letter of Intent Instructions:

The Letter of Intent (LOI) is a required first step in the application process. Please see the application instructions for information on required materials for LOI submission. LOIs must be submitted through ProposalCentral. For applicants invited to submit a full application, additional materials and information will be required. Final instructions will be provided after LOI approval.

Evaluation of LOIs:

All LOIs will be evaluated prior to invitation for a full proposal. Only LOIs that meet program-specific guidelines and meet review criteria will be invited to submit full applications. LOIs will be reviewed according to the following criteria:

1. Alignment with the priorities of the RFA, including a focus on accelerating biomarkers for PSP.
2. Evidence of preliminary data with a strong case and plan for translation.
3. Potential for impact on PSP research or clinical care.
4. Evidence of quality specific aims and scientific rigor.
5. Priority may be given to proposals that include interdisciplinary teams and those that involve early career researchers to accomplish the proposed project.

All applicants will receive an email informing them if their LOI is invited to submit a full proposal or not. Formal feedback is not provided for LOIs.