Cure Parkinson’s is offering a £2 million international funding opportunity for both preclinical and clinical research into combination drug therapies aimed at modifying the course of Parkinson’s disease. This funding call seeks to support rationally designed combinations of two or more pharmacological agents, either novel or repurposed, with the potential to slow, stop, or reverse disease progression. The call is open globally to academic and commercial entities, with up to two applications permitted per principal investigator.
The organization welcomes preclinical proposals requesting up to £300,000 for studies with strong translational potential, especially those expected to progress to clinical trials within five years. Clinical applications may request up to approximately £1 million for trials or sub-studies involving people with Parkinson’s. Eligible projects must focus exclusively on drug combinations and not include non-pharmaceutical interventions like exercise or diet. Applicants must define whether their proposed combination is congruous, syncretic, or coalistic and must present strong scientific rationale and supporting data.
Expressions of interest are due by 11:59 PM (GMT) on Monday, 24 November 2025. Submissions must include a completed expression of interest form, drug CVs for each agent involved, and a commercial entity form where applicable. The application process includes an internal review of expressions of interest, with selected projects invited to submit full applications by 26 January 2026. Final funding decisions will be made in May 2026 following expert peer review and panel evaluation.
Evaluation will focus on alignment with Cure Parkinson’s research priorities, scientific justification, patient engagement, feasibility, and value for money. Preference will be given to proposals incorporating involvement from people with Parkinson’s, particularly in trial design and communication. Successful applicants will be required to submit six-monthly progress reports and comply with Cure Parkinson’s funding terms. Projects are expected to begin in or around September 2026, contingent upon final contracting.
Q&A sessions for prospective applicants will be held on 16 October 2025 and 3 November 2025. Applicants are encouraged to attend and to consult the full guidance for more details. All applications must be submitted via email to research@cureparkinsons.org.uk, and all funded research must be contracted in GBP. For further inquiries, applicants may contact Cure Parkinson’s directly.
Clearly define type of combination (congruous, syncretic, coalistic); present strong rationale with data; involve people with Parkinson’s; avoid weak combinations without supporting evidence.
