19th Call for proposals
Now closed.
Drug Discovery Projects
MMV welcomes proposals in the following areas:
1. Compounds having activity against Plasmodium falciparum blood stages and ideally an inability to select resistant mutants in vitro (TCP1)
Novel chemical series with EC50<500nM and which have one or more of the following key features:
- A known, novel mechanism of action without cross-resistance to clinical or marketed antimalarials
- Activity at more than one life-cycle stage
- A long half-life (ideally >4h in rodents) and confirmed in vivo efficacy
For advanced series, we are seeking novel compounds with, ideally, a predicted human half-life >100h and a predicted oral single human dose <500mg
2. Compounds having activity against Plasmodium falciparum liver stages for use in prophylaxis (TCP4)
Novel chemical series with EC50<500nM and which have one or more of the following key features:
- A known, novel mechanism of action
- A long half-life (ideally >4h in rodents)
- Evidence of a good safety profile
For advanced series, we are seeking novel compounds with, ideally, a predicted human half-life >100h and a predicted oral single human dose <500mg.
3. Compounds addressing the key priorities of the malaria eradication agenda (TCP3 and TCP5)
Novel families of molecules in the hit-to-lead or lead optimization stages, without G6PD deficiency liabilities that either:
- kill or reactivate hypnozoites for use as part of a P. vivax radical cure; or
- have activity against sexual stage V gametocytes and evidence of transmission-blocking in SMFA; or
- have oral endectocide activity suggesting human single monthly dose <100mgs
In each of the above, where possible, example compounds in the series should have measured in vitro physical property and metabolism data, e.g. solubility, LogD, microsomal intrinsic clearance. The MMVsola tool can be used to predict a human half life and dose.
Please complete the 3-page Letter of Interest (LOI). Proposals involving a biological target should also complete and submit the target information template. See further instructions on how to complete the LOI.
Compounds for Target Identification
MMV also welcomes requests for support to investigate the mechanism of action of compounds:
MMV is a founder member of the Malaria Drug Accelerator (MalDA). MalDA, a consortium funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and led by Prof. Elizabeth Winzeler (UCSD), is working on a project to identify mechanisms of action of antimalarial compounds having phenotypic activity. Compounds can be considered for such target identification activities provided that the following criteria are met:
- Plasmodium whole cell EC50 <1uM and the chemical structure can be shared
- At least 10mgs of compound can be provided to the consortium
- The provider completes the one page Excel template.
Call for African Proposals
To be eligible for consideration for funding as part of this call, MMV welcomes proposals only from endemic region African scientists focused in the following priority areas:
1. Compounds with confirmed activity on any antimalarial life-cycle stage
Novel families of molecules with confirmed activity (EC50 < 10uM) and a medicinal chemistry plan that tackles any known or anticipated liability. Priorities will be given to proposals that maximise use of local, natural products.
2. Assay development and screening
Assay development and screening to support discovery or development of novel antimalarials. Priority will be given to proposals that maximize use of local, field isolates.
Please complete the African Letter of Interest template. Proposals involving a biological target should also include the target information template. See further instructions on how to complete the African Letter of Interest.
All applications for any of the above must use the specified templates and should be sent electronically to proposals@mmv.org by 12 noon CET, March 26th, 2021.