ARPA-H launches program to restore brain function and return patients to independence

Development of regenerative grafts would aid stroke and injury victims, ease strain on families and the health care system, and position the U.S. as a leader in brain repair technology

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), today unveiled its groundbreaking Functional Repair of Neocortical Tissue (FRONT) program, a transformative initiative to restore brain function and position the U.S. as the global leader in brain repair technology. The FRONT program aligns directly with the priorities set by President Trump and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., demonstrating a strong commitment to innovation, public health, and the economic well-being of the American people.

"Millions of Americans are living with the damage caused by strokes and traumatic brain injuries. Current treatments are not enough. ARPA-H hopes to deploy regenerative medicine to transform the treatment of neurological diseases and relieve the suffering," said HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill.

The neocortex, the largest part of the brain, is critical for sensory perception, motor control, and decision-making. Damage to this area-due to conditions like stroke, traumatic injury, or neurodegeneration, such as Alzheimer's disease-has long led to irreversible damage, leaving individuals dependent on costly therapies or caregivers. The FRONT program aims to change that, using cutting-edge neurodevelopmental principles and stem cell technology to regenerate brain tissue and restore lost functions.

"Every year, millions of American families bear the overwhelming costs of brain damage, a crisis that drains the U.S. health care system by over a trillion dollars annually," said Jason Roos, Ph.D., ARPA-H Acting Director. "With the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Kennedy, the FRONT program is set to change the future of brain repair, providing not only groundbreaking solutions for patients but also driving economic benefits for the nation."

The FRONT program supports several key priorities, including:

• Combating Chronic Disease: FRONT will work to develop a curative therapy for over 20 million U.S. adults suffering from chronic neocortical brain damage caused by stroke, neurodegeneration, and trauma, providing life-changing treatments for these individuals.
• Economic Growth and Innovation: By working to restore brain function, FRONT is projected to save the U.S. economy an estimated $800 billion annually, while recovering lost taxable income from individuals currently unable to contribute due to severe brain damage.
• Veteran and Military Support: FRONT will prioritize the development of effective therapies for traumatic brain injuries, a leading cause of disability among military personnel. This initiative will provide direct support to our nation's servicemen and women, ensuring they receive the care they deserve for their sacrifice.
• Societal Impact: FRONT moves beyond costly, limited therapies like physical and speech rehabilitation, aiming to restore vital brain functions. This program will provide new hope to millions who have suffered severe brain damage and now rely on caregivers for daily living.

"No technology exists to repair damaged tissue and fully restore lost function," saysJean Hebert, Ph.D., FRONT's Program Manager. "This will enable millions of individuals with what is currently considered permanent brain damage to regain lost functions, such as motor control, vision, and speech."

FRONT's commitment to ethics and responsible development is paramount. The program will rely exclusively on adult-derived dedifferentiated stem cells.

The FRONT program spans five years, with strict performance metrics and a focus on preparing for human clinical trials. ARPA-H will solicit proposals under its Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO) in two key areas: graft tissue generation and engraftment procedures for functional brain recovery. ARPA-H encourages collaboration among experts across disciplines to meet the program's ambitious goals.

The FRONT program is a bold step forward in America's commitment to leadership in health and innovation-delivering real solutions to the nation's most pressing challenges, while ensuring the well-being of every citizen.

For more information about the FRONT program, including solicitation details and Proposers' Day registration, visit the FRONT program page.