2023 Antibacterial Therapeutics Funding Round
2023 Antibacterial Therapeutics Funding Round Scope
The aim with our first call, focused on early-stage, novel antibacterial therapeutics, was to help create and advance an exciting and diverse pipeline of preclinical phase projects targeted at treating bacterial infections with high unmet need. Selected projects have been awarded a maximum of £1 million in grant funding for a duration of up to two years to support the progression of their project. AMR innovators worldwide were eligible to apply, and we received 171 expressions of interest (EOIs) from across 34 countries.
PACE is not just about grant funding; we offer a truly collaborative approach to project development and delivery. Those who secure funding will feel the wider value of a network of potential project partners and receive advice and guidance from some of the best in the field. And we’re there for the long run, so whether you move to the next stage of development or aren’t successful in securing a grant this time around, you can stay plugged into our community and continue to benefit from our expert ecosystem.
Seeking projects with the greatest potential
We were looking for projects directed at the highest-burden drug resistant bacterial infections and indications, as highlighted by the Lancet study and by the WHO priority list. In scope indications were: Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI); Bloodstream Infections (BSI); Intra-abdominal Infections (IAI) and Urinary Tract Infections (UTI. Projects needed to be directed towards one or more of the following drug-resistant bacteria:
Top priority
Novel therapeutics applicable for drug-resistant bacterial infections associated with WHO critical priority Gram-negative pathogens Enterobacteriaceae (prioritising E. coli and K. pneumoniae), A. baumannii, and P. aeruginosa.
Also eligible
Novel oral therapeutics applicable to drug-resistant S. aureus.
We were seeking transformational projects, with the aim to fill a gap for innovative & differentiated antimicrobials in the clinical pipeline. We encouraged projects that aligned with the concept of precision medicine where consideration is given to potential patient stratification and diagnostics requirements. Our criteria were also aligned with those of potential follow-on funders and the NICE subscription model criteria, paving a route from the bench to patient impact. The webinar that accompanied the call launch can be found here.
Eligibility
- Our funding is open to researchers in academia and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) worldwide, including consortia (Large Pharma partners permitted, but must cover own costs).
- Applications should have a single lead applicant, however co-applicants are welcome.
What was in scope:
- Hit Validation, Hit-to-Lead, Lead Optimisation, Candidate Selection and Early Preclinical phases.
- Any novel targets OR novel chemical classes including but not limited to the following mechanisms; direct-acting and non-direct acting antimicrobials, anti-virulence approaches, immunomodulatory agents, potentiators.
- Any modality including but not limited to small molecules, antibodies, peptides, CRISPR-Cas, complex/targeted modalities, phage.
What was out of scope:
- Projects focused solely on IND/CTA-enabling studies or clinical phase R&D.
- Target Identification, screening and Hit Identification.
- Antibiotics based on iterations of existing therapeutics e.g. β-lactams.
- Vaccines.
- Infections caused by mycobacteria (including TB), fungal and Gram-positive pathogens other than S. aureus.
- S. aureus therapeutics that are non-oral or focussed on skin or prosthetic joint infection.
- Projects not directly focused on antimicrobial development (e.g., diagnostics, drug delivery, biomarkers).
- Projects not directly focused on antimicrobial development (e.g. diagnostics, delivery methods, biomarkers, standalone technology, model development).
Application Process
The expression of interest phase opened on 19th October 2023 and closed on 24th November 2023. In January 2024 shortlisted applicants were invited into the full application stage. We held a 2-month Catalyser for all selected applicants to support them in developing their full applications. Following in-depth review final funding decisions were communicated in June 2024, with an expectation of project initiation within 3 months of receipt of award letter. Key steps conducted in the process are summarised.
Funding call now closed
Once we have completed onboarding and contracting, we will provide more detail on funded projects and recipients.