Description

HORIZON-HLTH-2027-01-DISEASE-06

Expected Outcomes

This Horizon Europe funding call supports research and innovation initiatives focused on tackling diseases and reducing the burden of emerging or re-emerging viral infections. Projects selected under this topic are expected to deliver outcomes that:

• Enhance the understanding and accessibility of experimental monoclonal antibodies for the prevention and treatment of emerging or re-emerging viral infections.
• Make candidate monoclonal antibody therapies available for clinical use, expanding therapeutic options during epidemics or pandemics.

Scope of the Funding

Infectious diseases remain a significant threat to health security across the EU and globally. The emergence of viral infections is increasingly accelerated by climate change, emphasizing the need for proactive development of antiviral prophylactics and therapeutics. Monoclonal antibodies that can target new variants and be rapidly produced are a key strategy for preparedness against future infectious disease outbreaks.

This call also contributes to strengthening the EU’s Research and Innovation ecosystem and supports the implementation of the European Medical Countermeasures Strategy.

Target Viruses

Applicants must clearly state which Flavivirus their project targets, focusing on one of the following:

• Dengue Virus
• Tick-borne Encephalitis Virus
• Japanese Encephalitis Virus
• West Nile Fever Virus
• Yellow Fever Virus
• Zika Virus

Proposals should concentrate on antibodies derived from a single cell clone via recombinant expression, such as B-cell derived antibodies, hybridoma-derived antibodies, and nanobodies.

Research Areas and Activities

Projects funded under this topic should address the following research areas:

• Finalization of in-vitro characterization of monoclonal antibodies, including target specificity, recognized epitopes, and viral inhibition capabilities.
• In-vivo testing in at least one animal model, or humanized immune system models, to demonstrate protective efficacy suitable for progression to clinical trials.
• Non-human primate studies where required by regulators prior to clinical trials.
• Assessment of Antibody-Dependent Enhancement (ADE) risks, where scientifically relevant.
• Production of GMP-compliant batches of the most promising antibody candidates.
• Early-phase human clinical safety studies, considering critical biological and social variables such as sex, age, ethnicity, and disability.

Participation of third countries where the targeted viruses are endemic or experiencing outbreaks is encouraged.

Opportunities for SMEs and Start-ups

The call encourages collaboration with start-ups, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to strengthen scientific and technological capabilities, enhance innovation potential, and explore commercialization opportunities.