LifeArc, the UK based charity, helping turn promising science into benefits for patients, has announced an initial £10M for the identification of therapeutics that can be rapidly be deployed to treat COVID-19.
The aim is to run trials in patients during the current epidemic. It is anticipated that applications will be for funding to repurpose one or more drugs that are generic, already licensed, or are in late stage development for another indication.
Applications can be from academics, NHS employees, or companies from any geographical location.
Grants will be awarded rapidly under standard, non-negotiable terms. The grant will pay for the direct costs of the trials and the science associated with that.
There is no official cap on size of applications. However, it is anticipated that a small number of the most promising projects will be funded from the £10M currently available. Applications for funding to supplement existing funding to enable a COVID-19 trial will also be eligible.
Applications will be assessed by an expert scientific and clinical panel to ensure that the key aims of the call are delivered. Assessment will look into Scientific rationale; Deliverability of the project within an appropriate timescale, Trial design and Path to patient. Details are available at https://www.lifearc.org/funding/covid-19/covid-19-funding/
Applications can be submitted through the ‘Process and timelines’ link at https://www.lifearc.org/funding/covid-19/covid-19-funding/, latest by 6th April, 2020.
Funding decisions are expected week beginning 27th April, 2020.
