Development of cell-free protein synthesis platforms for discovery and/or production of biologicals

Di cosa tratta questo bando?

The topic funds research and innovation projects that develop cell-free protein synthesis platforms for the discovery and production of peptide- and protein-based biological medicines. Participation of start-ups and SMEs is encouraged.

Cosa finanzia questo bando?

Scope

The topic supports research and innovation to make cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) a viable route for the discovery and manufacture of peptide- and protein-based biologicals, such as antibody fragments, antigens, virus-like particles, cytokines, enzymes and antimicrobial peptides. Systems based on mammalian cell lysates are of particular interest because they can produce human-like glycosylated proteins.

Activities

Proposals should address at least two of the following:

• Remove bottlenecks to large-scale CFPS deployment, including a quality-by-design approach, full characterisation of cell lysates and their critical quality attributes, and the links between lysate properties, process parameters, product quality and platform performance.
• Use synthetic biology, possibly combined with generative AI, to design new biomolecules with targeted properties and develop cell-free systems for high-throughput screening of them.
• Develop new or optimise existing CFPS platforms to produce the target biomolecule in a process conforming to Good Manufacturing Practices, delivering clinical-grade material for clinical trials.

Demonstrating that the platform outperforms current production systems for a specific therapeutic peptide or protein is an asset. Applicants planning clinical studies should describe them in the dedicated annex.

Expected outcomes

• Biopharmaceutical industries gain streamlined development and production processes for peptide- or protein-based biologicals.
• Health systems benefit from enhanced or decentralised production of innovative health technologies.
• Patients gain better access to, and affordability of, biological medicines.

Quando scade il bando?

17 febbraio 2027 (103 giorni)

13 April 2027 (single-stage submission).