Pilot and Feasibility Grants

MGNet, a NIH-funded Rare Diseases Clinical Research Consortium (RDCRC) in partnership with the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Myasthenia Gravis Association, Conquer MG and unrestricted support from argenx, is seeking proposals for highly innovative investigations in early stages of development. The priorities of the Pilot Grant Program are:

1. Identification of clinically useful biomarkers (please see Focus on Biomarkers Research)
2. Assess clinical measures and improve that enhance clinical trial readiness
3. Evaluation of therapeutic interventions for one or more of the five distinct sub-types of MG.

Pilot studies may access resources of MGNet, including the MGNet biorepository, statistical and immunology core, and extensive clinical experience of MGNet investigators. Research must fulfill the definition of clinical and translational research. Animal studies are not permitted.

The MGNet expects to fund one grant at a level of $75,000 (no more than an additional $20,000 will be available for indirect costs). Projects will be funded for 12 months, with a start date of March 1, 2026. Selection among the applications received will be based on the recommendations of the MGNet Research Review Committee. A grant may be renewed for an additional one year with approval of an interim report and competitive review with new applications. Demonstration of fulfillment of initial aims and justification for additional funding will be required.

The PI must hold an MD, PhD, MD/PhD, RN, or more advanced, PharmD, DDS, DVM, or equivalent and be a faculty member at a US-based academic institution.

A full proposal submission will consist of

• Specific aims (one page)
• Research plan (four pages)
• NIH bio-sketch for key personnel
• NIH PHS 398 Detailed Budget Page and budget justification with any proposed cost sharing commitment.
• Human subjects and other institutional assurances to perform the intended research including a specific verification of investigator protected time to perform the study.
• Letters of support (optional)

Applicants must submit a completed application to the RDCRN Grants Portal no later than close of business January 15, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances. MGNet Administrative Core personnel will perform initial review to assure all requirements for submission are fulfilled. Proposals will then undergo peer review by an NIH-style study section assembled by the MGNet Research Committee with final approval by the MGNet Funding Committee and the NIH.