Clinical trials for advancing innovative interventions for neurodegenerative diseases

Overview

Funding for early-stage clinical trials of innovative interventions—combining active substances with complementary approaches—to improve treatment safety and efficacy for neurodegenerative diseases. Targets researchers, clinicians, SMEs, and consortia advancing multidisciplinary solutions.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., research institutions, hospitals, SMEs, startups) established in eligible countries. Participation of SMEs and social sciences/humanities (SSH) experts is encouraged. US-based entities are eligible for funding.

Funding Details

Maximum grant amount: €10,000,000 per project. Funding rate and co-funding requirements are not specified.

What Is Funded

• Early-stage clinical trials (e.g., Phase 1/2 for pharmacological interventions) assessing safety, efficacy, and administration modes of innovative therapies combined with complementary approaches (e.g., lifestyle changes, cognitive training).
• Development of technologies (e.g., AI, wearables) for long-term monitoring and disorder management, ensuring ethical compliance and inclusivity.
• Integration of existing data, biobanks, and registries, with new data managed under FAIR principles.
• Stakeholder engagement (patients, clinicians, regulators) to design user-optimized interventions using gender-sensitive and intersectional approaches.
• Leveraging EU research infrastructures (e.g., EuroBioImaging, ECRIN) and prior project results.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must target Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4–6.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2027-02-09
• Deadline: 2027-04-12T22:00:00Z

Application Process (High-Level)

Two-stage process: 1. Stage 1: Blind evaluation (applicants must not disclose organization names, logos, or personnel details in the abstract or Part B). 2. Stage 2: Full proposal submission for shortlisted applicants. Submission via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

Post-Award Obligations

• Participation in networking/joint activities with other funded projects (budget allocation required).
• Liaison with the future European Partnership for Brain Health.
• Reporting and dissemination of results to policymakers, funders, and patient organizations.
• Compliance with FAIR data principles for generated data.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries (Norway, Iceland, UK, Switzerland), and the United States. Application language: English.

Notes

• Rare neurodegenerative diseases are excluded.
• Clinical study details must be provided in a dedicated annex using the template in the submission system.
• Proposals must include SSH expertise to enhance societal impact.
• Use of Copernicus/Galileo data is mandatory if satellite-based services are employed.