Skip to main content

Funding Links #2

Scheme Details Typical timelines and budget
AZ Open Innovation Access AZ screening library against target of interest. Compounds supplied by AstraZeneca, screening run by partner
BHF Translational Award Supports the pre-clinical development of new cardiovascular medicines and technologies so that they are attractive for follow-on funding: bridging the funding gap between promising innovations and the clinic £750k.
CRUK Innovation Prize Develop the translational and commercial potential of research One year, £50k
CRUK Small Molecule Drug Discovery Project Awards Identify and characterise small molecule novel therapeutic targets and to identify and develop novel therapeutic entities for the benefit of cancer patients. New target identification & validation. One to three years, £100k p.a.
European Lead Factory Access 300k (to 500k) 'lead-like' compounds to screen against a novel target (phenotypic screens accepted). Generates qualified hit list of up to 50 compounds.
Must be in 384 format or demonstrate feasibility to be converted to 384.
Work carried out by European Lead Factory
GSK Discovery Fast Track Screening service against target of interest.
Not always open.
As required to progress project
Innovate UK Multiple schemes which are updated regularly, ranging from small innovation vouchers to large, collaborative programmes. Usually industry-led. Various
Merck Biopharma Mini-library Mini Library contains former Merck Biopharma research and development compounds and their derivatives: use these compounds in your assay systems. Compounds supplied by Merck, screening run by partner
MRC/AstraZeneca Centre for Lead Discovery The MRC/AstraZeneca Centre for Lead Discovery (CLD) aims to support academic researchers in discovering potential starting points for small molecule therapeutic approaches with a clear line-of-sight to therapeutic use. Cost of screen are covered
MRC/UCB Antibody Discovery Initiative (ADI) The MRC/UCB Antibody Discovery Initiative aims to support academic researchers seeking to develop antibody-based therapeutics. It is intended to accelerate the transition from discovery research to translational development projects by enabling generation of novel antibodies suitable for testing in models of disease. A clear line-of-sight to therapeutic use will be required to secure funding. Cost of screen are covered
MRC Biomedical catalyst Early stage, small molecule, drug discovery.  Will fund development of therapeutics. Up to three years, £3M
Wellcome Trust Innovator Awards For the development of healthcare innovations that could have a significant impact on human health. Up to two years, £500k (£750k for multidisciplinary projects)