2025 Antibacterial Therapeutics
Award: Share of up to £6 million
Programme: PACE (part of TBAT / Innovate UK funding)
Closing date: 5 November 2025 (by 23:59 GMT)
Overview
PACE provides funding and support for high-risk, early-stage drug discovery and diagnostic projects targeting bacterial infections with high unmet need. The goal is to help build a diverse pipeline of novel antibacterial therapeutics. In this round, up to £6 million is available to support up to 8 projects, with a maximum of £1 million per project. Projects are expected to last up to two years. Innovators globally are eligible to apply, and no UK partner is required.
Scope
- Projects should be in Hit-to-Lead or Lead Optimisation phases.
- Target Gram-negative pathogens of high priority (e.g. E. coli, K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa) and associated indications like lower respiratory tract infections, bloodstream infections, complicated UTIs.
- Therapeutics should be novel (new chemical classes, new targets/mechanisms, limited cross-resistance).
Eligibility
- Open to academia and SMEs worldwide (consortia allowed). Large pharma may participate but must cover its own costs.
- Single lead applicant required; co-applicants allowed.
- No requirement for a UK-based partner.
In scope:
- Hit-to-Lead and Lead Optimisation programmes.
- Novel targets, chemical classes, immunomodulation, anti-virulence approaches, etc.
Out of scope:
- Target identification, screening, Hit Identification phases.
- Late-stage preclinical or IND-enabling work.
- Clinical phase R&D, vaccines, iterative modifications of existing antibiotics (e.g. β-lactams).
- Projects focusing only on diagnostics, delivery, biomarkers, or modelling without antimicrobial action.
Award & Project Duration
- Award: Share of up to £6 million
- Projects: Up to 2 years
Key Dates
- Closes: 5 November 2025
