ENABLE-2 Incubator: Hit identification and validation

WHAT WE OFFER

ENABLE-2 offers evaluation of the antibiotic potential of novel compounds.

(i) Antibacterial activity (MIC) will be measured against selected Gram-negative and Gram-positive species to identify Hits (defined as compounds with wild-type whole cell activity on at least a species of interest).

(ii) Hits will be evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity.

(iii) Limited hit expansion to explore SAR is possible if required by the programme and if ENABLE-2 resources are available.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Researchers at publicly funded universities and research institutes in Europe (including non-EU countries such as UK, Norway, Switzerland etc.) are eligible.

COMPOUND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Novel compounds with some documented whole cell antibacterial activity against any species or strain (including efflux-deficient or hyperpermeable strains), with a MIC of at least 32 µg/mL, or
• Novel compounds with only documented bacterial target activity.
• Potential for development as direct-acting antibiotics for systemic use.
• Not previously reported to have antibacterial activity.
• Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) with only membrane perturbation activity are not eligible. In order for an AMP to be eligible, the applicants should have in hand (when they apply) evidence that their peptide acts by a specific MoA.
• Novel natural products are eligible.

COMPOUND OWNERSHIP

Applicants must have ownership of the compounds and freedom to operate.

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Submit a non-confidential Expression of Interest (EOI) Word, 55 kB. to opencall.enable2@ilk.uu.se
2. Internal review to check for eligibility.
3. Sign a confidentiality agreement.
4. Prepare a full application for review.
5. Presentation to external evaluators.
6. Applicants notified of outcome.
7. Successful applicants sign an agreement including work plan.

The call is open continuously. Eols submitted by 30 August 2024 will be evaluated by end of September 2024.

AT COMPLETION OF THE WORK PLAN

Successful programmes may apply for Hit to Lead development in ENABLE-2.

ENABLE-2 bacterial species of interest for Hit to Lead development

• E.coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, S. aureus, E. faecium.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• ENABLE-2 funding is non-dilutive.
• Access to experimental platforms and expert advice is free of charge.
• Programme owners retain ownership of all data generated.
• Programme owners retain IP rights to any new compounds developed.