Development of innovative antimicrobials against pathogens resistant to antimicrobials

Overview

Funding for the development of innovative antimicrobial therapies targeting specific drug-resistant pathogens, including antibacterial and antifungal agents. Targets researchers, SMEs, and consortia advancing clinical-stage candidates with demonstrated regulatory pathways.

Who Can Apply

Legal entities established in eligible EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and the United States. Consortia involving startups, SMEs, research institutions, and clinical partners are encouraged, particularly those including third-country participants from regions where targeted pathogens are endemic.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €11,000,000 per project.
• Funding rate: Not specified (standard Horizon Europe rules apply).
• Co-funding: Not explicitly required but may apply under general Horizon Europe conditions.

What Is Funded

Development of novel antimicrobial therapies (excluding phage therapies) meeting at least one WHO innovation criterion:

• New chemical class.
• New target.
• New mode of action.
• No cross-resistance.

Target pathogens (one per proposal):

• Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB).
• Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (C3GRE).
• Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
• Drug-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus.
• Drug-resistant Candida spp.

Supported activities:

• Finalization of in-vivo tests in animal models (including humanized immune system models or non-human primates if required).
• GMP-compliant production of candidate antimicrobials.
• Clinical safety and efficacy studies with a clear regulatory pathway for market authorization.
• Engagement with regulatory bodies and alignment with EU initiatives (e.g., European Partnership on One Health Anti-Microbial Resistance).

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• TRL range: 7–9 (system prototype demonstration in operational environment to actual system proven in operational environment).
• Proposals must advance candidates already validated in preclinical or early clinical stages.

Key Dates

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

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the [Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal).
• Clinical study details must be provided in a dedicated annex using the template available in the submission system.

Post-Award Obligations

• Engagement with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance.
• Reporting on clinical study progress and outcomes.
• Potential restrictions on ownership transfer or exclusive licensing of results for up to 4 years post-project.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the United States.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must target only one of the specified pathogens.
• Participation of SMEs and third-country partners (where pathogens are endemic) is encouraged.
• Projects must align with EU strategies (e.g., European Medical Countermeasures Strategy, Critical Medicines Act).
• Use of Copernicus/Galileo/EGNOS data is mandatory if satellite-based services are employed.