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Horizon Europe · European Union

Development of innovative antimicrobials against pathogens resistant to antimicrobials

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The EU's Horizon Europe programme expects to make 5 awards of €8 million – €10 million each, from a total budget of €44.2 million. Applications close on 17 Feb 2027 (EU calls usually close at 17:00 Brussels time). Organisations in EU member states and Horizon Europe associated countries such as Türkiye can usually take part; the topic conditions control.

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 at, tailored towards and contributing to all the following expected outcomes:

• The scientific and clinical communities have a better understanding of and access to new and innovative products for the treatment of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and fungi, as well as for further clinical investigation.

• Candidate therapies are available to treat patients for antimicrobial resistant bacteria and fungi, increasing therapeutic options for clinical deployment in the fight against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

Scope

The rapid rise of AMR presents a formidable threat to public health, challenging our ability to treat infections that were once easily managed with standard antimicrobials. As pathogens continually adapt and develop resistance to existing drugs, the efficacy of these treatments diminishes, leading to more severe and prolonged illnesses, increased healthcare costs and productivity losses, and higher mortality rates. This escalating crisis underscores an urgent need for viable therapeutic alternatives required to reduce the burden of diseases caused by antibiotic resistance. Innovative solutions are crucial to maintaining effective disease management and safeguarding public health.

Proposals should pursue the development of innovative and effective antibacterial and antifungal agents, including antibody-based therapies, which meet at least one of the four World Health Organization (WHO) innovation criteria [1] , namely: i) new chemical class, ii) new target, iii) new mode of action and iv) no evidence of cross-resistance.

Who can apply

Consortium of at least 3 independent legal entities from 3 different EU Member States or associated countries, at least one in a Member State (Horizon Europe standard rule).

Applicant categories are a starting point. The official call decides eligibility.

Topics

Antibiotics Antimicrobial resistance Antimicrobials Clinical development, Phase I Clinical trials Disease control Drug development, clinical phases Fungi Infectious diseases MRSA Patient safety Acinetobacter Bamanii Candida Carbapenem Enterobacterales anti-microbials antimicrobials aspergillus cephalosporin

Timing

Single-stage call. Next deadline 2027-02-17. The portal states the exact cut-off time (EU calls usually close at 17:00 Brussels time).

How to apply

1. Read the full topic on the Funding & Tenders Portal: expected outcome, scope, type of action and the topic conditions, including any country restrictions.
2. Register each participating organisation in the Funding & Tenders Portal to get a PIC.
3. Consortium of at least 3 independent legal entities from 3 different EU Member States or associated countries (Horizon Europe standard rule; Türkiye is associated). Confirm in the topic conditions.
4. Prepare Part A (administrative forms and budget, completed in the portal) and Part B (the technical description on the official template for this type of action).
5. Submit in the portal before the cut-off time on the deadline day. Late submissions are not accepted.

From the call text

Who can apply

Not stated in the call text we hold — check the official page

Company stage

Not stated in the call text we hold — check the official page

Single applicant or consortium

Read the topic conditions on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal for eligible countries, consortium requirements, budget and the application route.

Where applicants must be based

Read the topic conditions on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal for eligible countries, consortium requirements, budget and the application route.

Where to apply

Read the topic conditions on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal for eligible countries, consortium requirements, budget and the application route.

Read the EU application guide

Where these facts come from

Official sources

Official call page

Facts on this page come from the funder’s official data, taken on 14 Nov 2026. The funder's own documents, including later amendments, always take precedence.

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