Preclinical Screening Platform for Pain

To date, through the NIH HEAL Initiative, NIH has awarded $43.4 million to fund this program.

Testing Services

Evaluation of a submitted compound for suitability for testing in the PSPP begins with an assessment of the proposed scientific rationale. Accepted agents are evaluated in assays whose sequence is described in specific flow charts. NINDS PSPP staff consult with participants at each stage of evaluation. The PSPP provides participants with feedback on results and recommends next steps in the process.

How to Participate

The PSPP is accepting compounds for evaluation continuously. Researchers from academia and industry in the United States or abroad are eligible to submit compounds for screening. A signed confidentiality agreement between NINDS and each potential participant is required before the potential participant submits compounds for evaluation.

To start the process, those interested in participating should contact Smriti Iyengar, Ph.D., for more information and to discuss research goals, resources and timelines. For compounds approved for testing in the program, initial evaluation is normally performed using in vitro assays and rat pharmacokinetic studies. The amount of compound required for subsequent testing in pain models will vary depending on the expected dose range. The program will provide directions for packaging and compound submission before sample shipment.

Confidentiality

NIH recognizes the importance of confidentiality to the success of the PSPP and its participants. Participation in the PSPP begins only after the appropriate representatives from both the participant's organization and NINDS sign the participant agreement. This document defines the legal parameters for the partnership. All screening and other communication activities are performed in strict confidence to allow participants to retain IP. Chemical structures are considered proprietary unless otherwise specified by the supplier. The only testing undertaken by the PSPP is that agreed upon by participants in collaboration with PSPP personnel. To further ensure confidentiality, the PSPP assigns each newly submitted compound a unique number code to be used in communications, tracking, and analysis. Screening personnel are blinded to both the structure and the source of submitted compounds, and the PSPP provides screening results exclusively to the participating supplier unless otherwise authorized.