HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis

The focus will be on developing new therapies, diagnostic tools, and preventive tools such as vaccines and chemical transmission barriers such as HIV microbicides. Research efforts will confront the three diseases at global level, but will also address specific European aspects of the three diseases as well as Hepatitis. Preclinical and early clinical research activities will be emphasised, and where relevant (e.g. for HIV/AIDS vaccines) collaboration with European and global initiatives is foreseen.
Expected impact: The expected impact is enhanced output of research results essential for the development of new interventions to confront HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. Europe shall thus be enabled to shoulder its due share of the global fight against the three major killer diseases. The large-scale integrating projects will increase our knowledge on the basic biological processes of the diseases and facilitate integration of European research in the area. The topics emphasising translational research will support discovery and development of more efficient microbicides against HIV/AIDS and vaccines against tuberculosis. This also provides a possibility to strengthen the European competitiveness in this area and to help to maintain the strong research momentum which has delivered promising results in FP6. The integration of expertise from different disciplines will be an extra asset in this area, and the formation of partnerships between public and private institutions, as well as the involvement of research groups from developing countries will strengthen the impact.
Topics for single-stage submission and evaluation; deadline 3 December 2008:

HEALTH-2009-2.3.2-1: Integration of European efforts in research on malaria. FP7-HEALTH-2009-single-stage.

Substantial support shall be given to solid and inclusive research networks active in the area of research on malaria. Joint research programmes will cover all thematic aspects stretching from basic research on the causative pathogen and its modes of transmission, to clinical investigation of pathogenesis. Successful proposals must show a sustainable concept and a demonstrated commitment to advance institutional integration towards forming a virtual European malaria research institute. Complementary and synergistic institutional research programmes, joint training schemes, shared technology platforms and common institutional approaches towards exploitation of relevant research results are indicative for a maturity of cooperation which allows for long-term institutional integration. Sustainable networking with research partners in disease-endemic countries is essential.
Funding scheme: Network of Excellence.

HEALTH-2009-2.3.2-2: Identification and pre-clinical testing of new vaccine candidates for tuberculosis. FP7-HEALTH-2009-single-stage.

First generation of new TB vaccines are already in phase I clinical trials. However, innovative approaches are needed to develop second generation of TB vaccine candidates with emphasis on new antigens or new delivery systems. Projects could aim at developing new live vaccine candidates and/or could focus on rational selection and comparative evaluation of candidate antigens. Ideally, new vaccine candidates would contribute to prime-boost strategy and increase efficacy of other vaccines. Essential pre-clinical testing should be a part of the project. Active participation of industry, especially SMEs, could lead to an increased impact of the research and this will be considered in the evaluation of the proposal.
Funding scheme: Collaborative Project (Large scale integrating project).

HEALTH-2009-2.3.2-3: Discovery and/or development of new and promising anti-HIV microbicides. FP7-HEALTH-2009-single-stage.

Proposals should focus 1) on the discovery of new microbicide molecules and targets useful for the specific inhibition of HIV entry and/or replication at the vaginal and rectal mucosae, and/or 2) on the clinical development of promising anti-HIV microbicides; 3) the successful projects should also include studies on new and improved tools for in vitro research and for testing toxicity and efficacy in preclinical as well as in human studies.
Funding scheme: Collaborative Project (Large scale integrating project)

HEALTH-2009-2.3.2-4: Mucosal and topical vaccines for poverty-related diseases (HIV/AIDS, malaria and/or TB). FP7-HEALTH-2009-single-stage.

Projects should take advantage of the newest available genetic and immunological information to design and develop vaccine candidates against HIV, malaria and/or TB for local application, such as mucosal and/or transcutaneous. Projects should include elements to identify new immunogens and adjuvants with a potential to elicit a prophylactic or therapeutic immune response. Active participation of industry, especially SMEs, and of partners from disease endemic areas could lead to an increased impact of the research proposed, and this will be considered in the evaluation of the proposal.
Funding scheme: Collaborative Project (Large-scale integrated research project)).

HEALTH-2009-2.3.2-5: Translational vaccine research for poverty-related diseases (HIV/AIDS, malaria and/or TB). FP7-HEALTH-2009-single-stage.

Support will given to early human testing of promising vaccine candidates. The vaccine candidates must already have been selected through vigorous pre-clinical testing and must have demonstrated efficacy in recognised animal models. Projects will support phase I and IIa clinical trials activities with a view of preparing the most successful candidates for later development, e.g. through the EDCTP. Activities related to the preparation of human clinical trials, including GMP production, formal pre-clinical toxicology, and protocol writing may be included in the projects. Active participation of industry, especially SMEs and/or Product Development Public-Private Partnerships organisations, could lead to an increased impact of the research proposed, and this will be considered in the evaluation of the proposal.
Funding scheme: Collaborative Project (Small or medium-scale focused research project).

HEALTH-2009-2.3.2-6: ERA-NET for stepping up European co-operation in HIV/AIDS research. Not FP7-HEALTH-2009-single-stage.

The project should aim at improving linking and integration of national and/or regional research programmes in the field of HIV/AIDS. Participation of new Member States is particularly encouraged.
Funding scheme: Coordination and Support Action (Coordinating Action).