Article Summary: In February, 2012, the US National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is due to announce the first study to be supported by the National Network for Excellence in Neuroscience Clinical Trials (NeuroNEXT). With this ambitious new network, NINDS aims to facilitate the progress of new drugs from the laboratory to the clinic, specifically at the stage of phase 2 trials and biomarker validation studies. New therapies for neurological diseases are undoubtedly needed, but how can NeuroNEXT make a difference?