Seventh Research Framework Programme (FP7)

Second FP7 call, deadline 18 September 2007:

• HEALTH-2007-2.3.1-1: Novel targets for drugs against Gram negative bacteria. The objective is to identify and validate novel drug targets in order to select lead compounds, which may be derived from natural resource or from synthetic compounds, for future development of a new class of anti-infective drugs against Gram negarive bacteria.
• HEALTH-2007-2.3.4-3: Bioprospecting for drug leads. The project will collect, isolate and investigate potential drug leads from terrestrial and marine biodiversity sources. The aim is to build/enhance libraries of biological compounds that can be tested as drug leads for a variety of infectious diseases (e.g. virostatica, antihelminthic or antimycoplasmic compounds). The project must respect international agreements on sustainable use of biodiversity and equitable benefit sharing and include work packages on IPR and other legal issues of access and use of those compounds.
• HEALTH-2007-2.4.3-6: Nutritional signals and the development of new diabetes/obesity therapeutic agents. This project will focus on the effects of alternative compounds which improve carbohydrate/lipid metabolism or modify body weight, and could be used in the development of new therapeutics in the treatment of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia.

ESF call, deadline 30 October 2007:

• Research Networking Programmes. These are networking activities aimed at bringing together nationally funded research activities for 4 to 5 years, to address a major scientific issue or a science-driven topic of research infrastructure, at the European level with the aim of advancing the frontiers of science.

By Jordi Mestres