[Cancer Research UK](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org)

Rolling (proposals accepted year-round; reviewed up to four times per year)

No direct funding; provides scientific, clinical, and operational support for drug development projects.

Supports advancement of novel cancer agents from preclinical through early clinical trials with expert support, not monetary awards.

Applicants must contact the program for a confidential discussion before submitting a proposal.

--- ## Description This scheme is designed to accelerate the development of new cancer treatments by supporting projects from preclinical stages through to early phase patient trials. Rather than providing direct grant funding, Cancer Research UK's Centre for Drug Development (CDD) offers expert scientific, clinical, and operational resources to manage and sponsor approved projects. The focus is on novel anti-cancer agents—including small molecules, biologicals, and other therapeutic modalities—with strong scientific rationale and supporting in vivo efficacy data. Projects can include preclinical development, Phase 1 trials (including first-in-human and first-in-class studies), combination trials, early Phase 2 hypothesis-testing trials, and studies on unlicensed or repurposed agents. The CDD partners with both academic and industry applicants, managing all aspects of trial design, regulatory compliance, and clinical delivery in UK and European centres. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals accepted on a rolling basis. - Applications are reviewed up to four times per year by the New Agents Committee. - Decision typically provided within two weeks of the committee meeting. --- ## Funding Amount - No direct funding or external grant award is provided. - The scheme offers in-kind support, including: - Scientific and clinical expertise - Trial management and sponsorship - Regulatory and protocol support - Patient treatment at leading UK and European centres - Oversight of trial safety and data --- ## Eligibility - Open to researchers from: - Academic institutions (UK or international) - Pharmaceutical or biotech companies (UK or international) - Projects must focus on novel cancer agents in preclinical or early clinical development, with in vivo efficacy data. - All technology areas are considered (small molecules, biologicals, other therapeutics). - Ineligible: Late phase or registration trials, Phase 3 trials, or trials of existing licensed drugs (unless combined with an unlicensed treatment). --- ## Application Process - Applicants must first contact the program (drugdev@cancer.org.uk) for a confidential discussion and eligibility assessment. - A short project outline is required for the initial discussion, typically including: - Project background and development stage - Scientific rationale and mechanism of action - In vitro/in vivo data (efficacy, toxicology, PK/PD) - Summary of proposed studies and success criteria - Intellectual property status - Next steps in development - If the project is suitable, applicants are invited to formally submit a proposal for review by the New Agents Committee (NAC). - Applicants may be asked to present their project to the NAC and will receive a decision within two weeks of the meeting. --- ## Additional Information - All proposals and committee meetings are confidential. - The scheme operates a closed round to ensure only eligible applications are submitted. - The CDD manages projects for as long as needed to support preclinical and early clinical development. --- ## External Links - [Scheme Overview and Application Details](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-funding-schemes/drug-development-project) - [New Agents Committee Information](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/how-we-deliver-research/our-research-infrastructure/centre-for-drug-development/new-agents-committee) - [Centre for Drug Development](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/how-we-deliver-research/our-research-infrastructure/centre-for-drug-development) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | General queries, eligibility, and proposals | drugdev@cancer.org.uk | | Cancer Research UK general contact | [Contact page](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/contact-us) | | Phone | 020 7242 0200 |

Drug Development Project

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