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Development of antibodies and antibody-derived proteins for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases with epidemic potential

European Commission

Expected Outcome:

This topic aims at supporting activities that are enabling or contributing to one or several expected impacts of destination “Tackling diseases and reducing disease burden”. To that end, proposals under this topic should aim to deliver results that are directed, tailored towards and contributing to all the following expected outcomes:

The scientific and clinical communities have a better understanding of prophylactic and treatment options complementary to low molecular weight antiviral therapeutics for viruses with epidemic potential.
The scientific and clinical communities have access to experimental antibodies and antibody-derived proteins for the prevention and treatment of emerging or re-emerging viral infections, as well as for further clinical investigation.
Candidate antiviral therapies, including potentially those of broad spectrum are available for emerging and re-emerging viral infections, increasing therapeutic options for clinical deployment in case of an epidemic or pandemic.

Scope:

As shown by the COVID-19 pandemic, infectious diseases remain a major threat to health and health security in the EU and globally. Viral disease emergence is expected to accelerate due to among other, climate change, and thus a proactive approach to the development of antiviral prophylactics and therapeutics in preparedness for future infectious disease outbreaks is needed. The availability of antibodies and antibody-derived proteins would provide a critical preparedness measure against future health threats, due to infectious disease epidemics or pandemics.

Proposals should exclusively pursue the development of existing antiviral and prophylactic and therapeutic candidates that are based on antibody and/or antibody-derived proteins targeting at least one of the priority viruses:

Arenaviridae: Junin mammarenavirus, Lassa mammarenavirus
Hantaviridae: Hantaan virus, Andes virus, Sin Nombre virus
Poxviridae: Variola major
Paramyxo: Hendra, Nipah virus
Togaviridae: Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus

Proposals are expected to conduct preclinical studies of antibodies and antibody-derived proteins, prepare Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)[1] quality test batches and carry out first in human clinical safety studies. Proposals should include a critical discussion of to what extent the antibodies and antibody-derived proteins would be expected to be amenable to production and distribution at an affordable cost and at a scale sufficient to meet demand in a pandemic.

Proposals should thus aim to diversify and accelerate the global prophylactic and therapeutic research and development portfolio for emerging and re-emerging viral infections, and to strengthen the leading role of the EU in prophylactic and therapeutic research and development.

Proposals may focus either on antibody or on antibody-derived proteins, or both.

Proposals should address all the following areas:

If necessary, finalisation of the in vitro characterisation of the existing antibody and antibody-derived protein candidates with regard to target specificity, epitope recognised, and their ability to impair or inactivate viral functions.
In vivo tests in at least one animal model or, if available in humanised immune system animal models, to demonstrate the protective function of the antibodies and antibody-derived therapeutics deemed sufficient for moving to first clinical trials.
If requested by regulators as enablers for clinical studies, in vivo tests in a non-human primate model.
Production of GMP quality test batches of the most promising candidates for antibodies and antibody-derived proteins in the EU or the European Economic Area.
First in human clinical safety studies of the antibody and antibody-derived proteins, demonstrating a clear regulatory pathway for market authorisation. Attention should be paid to critical biological and social factors such as sex, age, ethnicity and disability.

Participation of third countries where viruses addressed in the proposal are endemic or where outbreaks have occurred or are ongoing is encouraged.

The participation of start-ups, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)[2] is encouraged with the aim of strengthening their scientific and technological foundations, enhancing their innovation potential, and exploring possibilities for commercial exploitation.

Applicants are expected to engage with regulatory bodies in a timely manner to ensure adequacy of the actions from a regulatory point of view.

Proposals should advance research by leveraging already existing and emerging state-of-the-art research infrastructures such as those having contributed to the services developed under the ISIDORe project[3].

Applicants should provide details of their clinical studies[4] in the dedicated annex using the template provided in the submission system. As proposals under this topic are expected to include clinical studies, the use of the template is strongly encouraged.

AI Based Application Success Predictor

🧪 1. Scientific Excellence Is Paramount

For ERC grants, excellence is the sole selection criterion—evaluations focus exclusively on the quality of the research and track record .

Peer-reviewers adhere strictly to predefined criteria (e.g., Horizon ITN evaluations), and weaknesses—rather than strengths—often decide the outcome .

🌍 2. Strategic Alignment with EU Priorities

Horizon Europe emphasizes Green & Digital Transitions and resilience, with specific budget steering across biodiversity, climate, digital, and societal missions .

Proposals that clearly align with these strategic orientations and EU missions are significantly more competitive.

🤝 3. Strong, Diverse European Consortia

Horizon projects demand well-balanced consortia across Europe—geographically and disciplinarily diverse, including academia, industry, SMEs, NGOs .

Effective leadership, communication, trust, and active collaboration are key success factors.

🧴 4. Proven Research Infrastructure & Track Record

A strong publication record—especially in high-impact venues—and prior grant awards bolster chances .

ERC starting, consolidator, or advanced grants require exceptional citation records, strong proposals, and investigator track records .

📈 5. Robust Project Management

For large collaborative grants, project coordination, administration, and communication are just as crucial as scientific content .

Demonstrating realistic budget planning (100% direct costs + 25% indirect costs), administrative frameworks, and governance structures strengthens proposals .

💼 6. Fostering Mobility & Career Growth

Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowships emphasize researcher mobility, interdisciplinary training, and developing future talent .

🧷 7. Geographical & Gender Equity

Northern and certain Eastern European institutions currently have higher success rates (≈22% vs below 18% in Southern Europe) .

ERC gender data: male and female applicants have similar success rates, though male applicants apply more frequently .

📌 Key Takeaways

Factor	Why It Matters
Excellence-first	Superior science and investigator record are non-negotiable.
Strategic fit	Alignment with EU green, digital, and mission goals is essential.
Consortium quality	Geographic, sectoral, and expertise balance enhances impact.
Management capacity	Good PM builds confidence in successful delivery.
Experience track record	Publications, previous funding, and citations build credibility.
Mobility & careers	MSCA focuses on researcher development and interdisciplinary collaboration.

🧭 Applicant Tips

Master criteria & avoid weaknesses: Make sure your proposal addresses common reviewer pitfalls—methodology, innovation, budget clarity.

Map to EU priorities: Explicitly connect your objectives to Horizon Europe’s strategic plan (2025–2027).

Build strong consortia early: Prioritize complementary expertise, geography, gender balance, and partner roles.

Show robust project management: Include a Work Package structure, governance plans, and clear communication strategies.

Leverage your track record: Highlight high-impact papers, leadership in projects, and previous awards.

Consider MSCA opportunities: Use them for mobility grants or integrating training into your project.

✅ In Summary

To maximize success with European Commission grants—especially ERC or Horizon Europe—focus relentlessly on scientific excellence, strategic EU alignment, consortium strength, and solid project planning. Combine these with a strong publication record and researcher development elements, and aim to close off any potential reviewer concerns.

Eligibility Requirements

General conditions

1. Admissibility Conditions, Proposal page limit and layout

Admissibility Conditions are described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.

Proposal page limits and layout are described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.

2. Eligible Countries

Eligible Countries are described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.

A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.

3. Other Eligible Conditions

In recognition of the opening of the US National Institutes of Health’s programmes to European researchers, any legal entity established in the United States of America is eligible to receive Union funding.

If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS (other data and services may additionally be used).

Other Eligible Conditions are described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.

4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion

Financial and operational capacity and exclusion are described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.

5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds

Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.

5b. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes

The thresholds for each criterion will be 4 (Excellence), 4 (Impact) and 4 (Implementation). The cumulative threshold will be 12.

Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.

5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement

Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.

6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants

Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) – and in actions under the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2021-2025) [[This decision is available on the Funding and Tenders Portal, in the reference documents section for Horizon Europe, under ‘Simplified costs decisions’ or through this link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-decision_he_en.pdf]].

Legal and financial set-up of the grants are described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.

Specific conditions

Specific conditions are described in the specific topic of the Work Programme.

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: European Commission

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: Rue de la Loi 200, 1049 Brussels, Belgium

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