Repurposing Research for Chicago 2026: Track 2 – Patient Groups
Funds Chicago-area clinical trials repurposing approved therapies for new uses in health disparities, pediatrics, rare diseases, and veterans’ issues, with emphasis on strong evidence, robust design, and community engagement.
Funder: Cures Within Reach
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027: Letter of Intent deadline (projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $125,000 total per project (including required 20% institutional match); additional $5,000–$15,000 available for community engagement
Summary: Supports Chicago-area clinical trials repurposing approved therapies for unsolved diseases in health disparities, pediatrics, rare diseases, and veterans’ issues, emphasizing robust design and community engagement.
Key Information: Only accredited Chicago-area research institutions are eligible; community engagement funding is required for health disparities trials.
Description
This opportunity from Cures Within Reach funds clinical repurposing trials at Chicago-area research institutions, specifically targeting patient groups impacted by health disparities, pediatrics, rare diseases, and veterans' issues (including mental health, PTSD, and brain injuries). The program seeks proof of concept, pivotal, Phase I, or Phase IIA interventional trials using drugs, devices, nutraceuticals, or diagnostics already approved or recognized as safe for human use, but tested in new indications for unsolved diseases. Projects must demonstrate strong preclinical or real-world evidence, robust clinical design, and, for health disparities trials, meaningful community engagement with local organizations. Collaborations with community-based organizations are encouraged, and projects may include adding repurposed therapies to standard care to improve outcomes or quality of life. While the funded institution must be in the Chicago area, patients and collaborators can be located elsewhere.
