Development of novel small molecule antiviral therapeutics for pathogens with epidemic potential

Quel est l’objet de cet appel ?

The topic funds research and innovation projects that develop small molecule antiviral drugs against selected viruses with epidemic potential, from discovery to first-in-human safety studies.

Que finance cet appel ?

Scope

The topic funds the development of novel or existing small molecule antiviral candidates against viruses with epidemic potential, in support of the European Medical Countermeasures Strategy. Antibodies and antibody-derived proteins are excluded. Each proposal should explicitly state which one of the following viruses or groups of viruses it targets, and the work should address only that target:

• Junin mammarenavirus and/or Lassa mammarenavirus;
• tick-borne encephalitis virus and/or Japanese encephalitis virus;
• Andes virus and/or Hantaan virus and/or Sin Nombre virus;
• Hendra virus;
• Enterovirus D68;
• Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus.

Effects of the candidates on other viruses may still be explored.

Research areas

Proposals should address some of these areas:

• discovery and selection of candidates, with consideration for intra-family or variant-transcending potential;
• optimisation of potency, selectivity, pharmacokinetics and developability;
• in-vitro characterisation of activity, mechanism of action and resistance potential;
• in-vivo tests in at least one animal model, or in human organoid or organotypic models, and in non-human primates if regulators require it;
• production of GMP batches of the most promising candidates;
• first-in-human clinical safety studies with a clear regulatory pathway to market authorisation.

Expected outcomes

Better understanding of and access to experimental antivirals for emerging and re-emerging viral infections, and candidate therapies available for clinical use in an epidemic or pandemic.

Qu’attend-on des propositions ?

• Projects are expected to engage with regulatory bodies in a timely manner.

Quelle est la date limite ?

17 février 2027 (103 jours)

13 April 2027 (single-stage call).