Brain Repair of Any Injured Neural Structure (BRAINS)

Background
The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) is issuing this funding opportunity to support the Brain Repair of Any Injured Neural Structure (BRAINS) Exploratory Topic program. The goal of this initiative is to foster innovative solutions that can lead to significant advancements in brain repair technologies.

ARPA-H anticipates multiple awards through Other Transaction agreements as a result of this announcement, encouraging diverse proposals from various organizations.

Work Details
Proposals must focus on developing novel approaches for brain repair that do not merely offer incremental improvements over existing technologies. Specifically excluded are proposals that utilize human embryos or fetal tissue and those that do not align with the objectives of the Exploratory Topic.

Key tasks include:
1. Development of a detailed plan for demonstrating that new tissue can reacquire normal function and behavior.
2. For developmental mimetic approaches, validation of cell types, ratios, and extracellular components being over 80% similar to natural counterparts.
3. For engineered approaches, creation of tissue prototypes containing relevant extracellular components to support natural growth and differentiation.
4. Establishing clear strategies for surgical transplantation and engraftment in pre-clinical animal models, demonstrating proof-of-concept for surgical methods and measurable functional impairments post-tissue removal.

Period of Performance
The geographic location(s) the contract will be performed (if provided)

Bidder Requirements
Eligible proposers include universities, non-profit organizations, small businesses, and other entities capable of meeting ARPA-H's needs. Early career investigators are preferred. Proposals must comply with HHS regulations regarding human stem cell research and should demonstrate unique capabilities and qualifications relevant to the proposed work.