Development of monoclonal antibodies to prevent and treat infections from Filo-, Nairo-, Phenui-, Picorna- and Toga viruses

Development of monoclonal antibodies for the prevention and treatment of infections caused by filo-, nairo-, phenu-, picorna- and toga-viruses is aimed at companies of all sizes (especially SMEs and start-ups), non-profit organizations, as well as educational institutions in EU Member States and associated countries. With a total budget of up to €10 million per project, this Horizon Europe programme fully funds research and innovation initiatives. The objective is the preclinical and early clinical evaluation of novel monoclonal antibodies against life-threatening viruses such as Ebola, Marburg, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Rift Valley fever, Enterovirus D68, and Chikungunya. Funding covers in vitro characterizations, in vivo animal studies (including primate models), GMP batch production, as well as Phase I safety trials, taking into account critical factors such as sex, age, and ethnicity. Applicants must demonstrate the required biomedical expertise and financial capacity. Personnel and material costs, subcontractor and travel expenses are eligible, whereas real estate purchases, retrospective costs, and debt refinancing are excluded. Evaluation criteria include innovation, methodology, quality of implementation, and health impact. A comprehensive project description, financial plan, CVs of key personnel, and a partnership declaration must be submitted. The submission deadline is 13 April 2027 (17:00 Brussels time). Interested research institutions and consortia with experience in preclinical development can apply via the Funding & Tenders Portal. This funding strengthens the European scientific and health network as well as preparedness against epidemics and epidemic threats.

The call contributes to the EU’s medical countermeasures strategy by facilitating access to promising antibody candidates and outlining their regulatory pathway. Activities for risk assessment of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) and integration of findings into European standards are also supported. Through international cooperation with third countries where the target viruses are endemic, and active involvement of EU research institutions, sustainable impact is ensured. Innovative methods will enhance the therapeutic portfolio to combat emerging and re-emerging viral infections and expand the EU’s leadership in antiviral biopharmaceuticals. The European Commission invites consortia to seize this opportunity and shape the next step in biomedicine.