NIHR Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation Programme – research call on post-acute infection syndromes and associated conditions – closing date 2nd December 2025
The NIHR Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME) Programme is accepting full applications for research looking into the treatment and management of post-acute infection syndromes and associated conditions, including Long-COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).
This funding opportunity is a key component of the NIHR’s recognition of the need for further research-based evidence related to the diagnosis, management and treatment of post-acute infections and associated conditions.
Specifically, the MRC-NIHR Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME) Programme wishes to fund a project which will accelerate the necessary learning and preparation to explore the feasibility of a phase 2 platform, and to establish the optimum approach for phase 2 platform architecture that tests multiple repurposed pharmaceutical interventions and/or non-pharmacological interventions and devices. The phase 2 platform will be UK-led and will aim to test multiple different therapies simultaneously and efficiently
In preparation, the NIHR Innovation Observatory (NIHRIO) has undertaken a rapid horizon scan to identify repurposed medicines in clinical development for the treatment of ME/CFS, as well as related conditions such as Long-COVID and Fibromyalgia. The horizon scan focused on medicines with a UK licence that are in phase 2 or 3 clinical trials, with trial registration dates from 2020 onwards – NIHRIO report
NIHR recognise that developing an application for a phase 2 platform represents a complex bid, which will require time and the navigation of specific challenges. The programme is therefore inviting applications for work which will accelerate the necessary learning and preparation to explore the feasibility of a repurposing platform. This will take the form of an Application Development Award (ADA). It is anticipated that teams may require up to £200,000 of ADA funding over a maximum of 18 months.
Full details are available from the NIHR website Post-acute infection syndromes, including long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome | NIHR
The closing date for applications is Tuesday 2nd December 2025
NIHR are hosting a webinar on Monday 8 September 2025 12pm to 1pm for potential applicants to the above call, please see the following link for details: EME funding opportunity webinar sign up form | NIHR.