Repurposing Research for Chicago 2026: Track 1 – Investigator Groups
Funds Chicago-based clinical trials led by early-career or underrepresented researchers to test existing therapies for new uses in unsolved diseases, emphasizing innovation and community engagement.
Funder: Cures Within Reach
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027: Letter of Intent deadline (projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $125,000 per project (includes required 20% institutional match); additional $5,000–$15,000 may be available for community engagement
Summary: Supports Chicago-based clinical trials led by early-career or underrepresented researchers to test repurposed therapies for unsolved diseases.
Key Information: Forecasted opportunity; eligibility limited to accredited Chicago-area research institutions.
Description
This opportunity from Cures Within Reach funds interventional clinical trials at accredited research institutions in the greater Chicago area. The focus is on clinical repurposing trials—testing existing, approved drugs, devices, nutraceuticals, diagnostics, or combination therapies for new indications in unsolved diseases, where current treatments are ineffective, inaccessible, or have significant limitations. Projects must be led by either Early Stage Investigators (within 10 years of completing an advanced degree or medical residency) or underrepresented researchers (including certain racial/ethnic minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, or those from disadvantaged backgrounds).
The program strongly prefers proof of concept, pivotal, Phase I or Phase IIA trials, but later-stage trials may be considered if additional funding is needed to complete the project. All proposals must be for interventional clinical trials, and community engagement—especially for studies addressing health disparities—is encouraged and may receive additional support.
