iLCT Pipeline Research Acceleration Programme 2026 – Cure Parkinson’s
The iLCT Pipeline Research Acceleration Programme is a targeted funding call launched by Cure Parkinson’s to accelerate high-priority therapeutic candidates toward clinical trials for Parkinson’s disease.
This programme forms part of the International Linked Clinical Trials (iLCT) initiative, a global drug selection and evaluation platform established in collaboration with the Van Andel Institute. The iLCT committee comprising over 20 world-leading Parkinson’s experts annually reviews and ranks candidate compounds with disease-modifying potential.
Purpose of the Programme
Some compounds evaluated by the iLCT committee show strong promise but require additional preclinical or translational research before progressing to clinical trials. The Pipeline Research Acceleration Programme funds this essential gap-stage research with urgency.
The objective is clear:
- Generate robust additional data required to progress a candidate therapy.
- Enable re-evaluation by the iLCT committee.
- Advance high-potential disease-modifying treatments into clinical testing.
This programme does not fund:
- Symptomatic relief research
- Basic science
- Early drug discovery
It prioritises research that has realistic potential to translate into the clinic within five years.
Funding Details
- Maximum Budget: Up to £300,000
- Project Duration: Up to 18 months
- Project Start (anticipated): October 2026 (subject to contracting)
- Application Deadline: Tuesday, 7 April 2026, 11:59pm (BST)
- Funding Decision: August 2026
Scope of Research
Projects must align strictly with the detailed project outline provided by Cure Parkinson’s and must address specific investigative requirements.
Required investigations include:
- Brain penetrance
- Target engagement
- Effect on alpha-synuclein
- Dopamine neurone survival
- Behavioural assessments
- Evaluation of sex differences
Applications must clearly demonstrate alignment with the specified model systems and readouts defined in the project outline.
Projects must be milestone-driven, with clear deliverables and translational intent.
Eligibility
This call is open globally.
Eligible applicants:
- Academic institutions
- Industry applicants
- Academia–industry collaborations
Applications must be submitted by the Principal Investigator, identifying the legal recipient institution or company.
Early career researchers may participate as co-investigators.
Eligible Costs
Cure Parkinson’s funds direct research costs only, including:
- Research personnel costs
- Experimental costs
- Dissemination costs
- Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PDP/PPIE) costs
Not eligible:
- Institutional overheads
- Indirect costs
- Investigator travel
- General operational expenses
Evaluation Criteria
Applications undergo:
- External expert peer review (minimum two reviewers)
- Independent Research Committee review
- Trustee funding decision
Assessment criteria include:
- Scientific rigor and experimental design
- Alignment with project outline
- Applicant track record
- Budget justification and value for money
- Translational potential
- Engagement of people with Parkinson’s
- Diversity considerations in study design
- Commercial considerations (if applicable)
A lay summary is mandatory and will be reviewed by people living with Parkinson’s. Clarity and community relevance are essential.
Commercial Applicants
Applications involving commercial entities must:
- Submit a commercial entity form
- Be prepared for possible commercial review
- Ensure outcomes benefit people living with Parkinson’s
Confidential information will be handled under strict non-disclosure agreements.
Application Process
Applicants must submit via email to:
research@cureparkinsons.org.uk
Required documents include:
- Completed application form
- Budget breakdown (signed and dated)
- Applicant and co-applicant CVs
- Host institution support letter
- Commercial entity form (if applicable)
- Supporting documentation (optional but recommended)
Contact Details
Organisation: Cure Parkinson’s
Email: research@cureparkinsons.org.uk
Phone: +44 (0)20 7487 3892
Application deadline: Tuesday 7 April, 11:59pm (BST)
Click HERE to visit the official website