SBIR Phase II Bridge Awards to Accelerate the Development of Cancer Therapeutics, Imaging Technologies, Interventional Devices, Diagnostics, and Prognostics toward Commercialization (R44)

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Purpose. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) solicits Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) applications from small business concerns (SBCs) that seek additional funding to support the next stage of development for projects that were previously funded by NIH SBIR Phase II awards. Projects proposed in response to this FOA must be applicable to one of the following areas: (1) cancer therapeutics; (2) cancer imaging technologies, interventional devices and in vivo diagnostics; or (3) in vitro and ex vivo cancer diagnostics and prognostics. The purpose of this FOA is to facilitate the transition of SBIR Phase II projects to the commercialization stage. This FOA is expected to promote partnerships between NIHs SBIR Phase II awardees and third-party investors and/or strategic partners to facilitate and accelerate the capital-intensive steps that are required to commercialize new products and technologies. Thus, applicants responding to this FOA must provide a commercialization plan that includes details of any independent third-party investor funding that has already been secured or is anticipated during the Bridge Award project period. It is expected that the level of this independent third-party funding will equal or exceed the NCI funds being requested throughout the Phase II Bridge Award project period. Proposed projects may address preclinical and/or clinical stages of technology development. Clinical trials may be proposed as appropriate but are not required. Mechanism of Support. This FOA will utilize the NIH Small Business Innovation Research Phase II (R44) competing renewal mechanism, referred to in this FOA as the SBIR Phase II Bridge Award. Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards. The estimated amount of funds available for support of up to ten projects awarded as a result of this announcement is $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2010. Future year amounts will depend on annual appropriations.

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