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

Di cosa tratta questo bando?

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.

Cosa finanzia questo bando?

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.

Cosa ci si aspetta dalle proposte?

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

Quando scade il bando?

17 febbraio 2027 (104 giorni)

13 April 2027 (single-stage call).