ICMR floats proposal for COVID-19 translational immunology research

With an aim to fill the research thrust in India, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has floated research proposals for fast track funding for translational immunology and cellular therapeutics approach targeting COVID-19.

New Delhi:The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited research proposals for fast track funding for translational immunology and cellular therapeutics approach targeting COVID-19.

The ICMR has invited all scientific institutions, including Universities, DSIR certified institutes and laboratories for their engagements in the project.

Keeping May 1, 2020, as the deadline for submission of the project, the ICMR said that announcement of successful projects will be made on May 10, 2020. Project(s) are expected to start in June 2020 and should be completed latest by the end of May 2022.

The ICMR’s fast track funding for translational immunology and cellular therapeutics approach targeting COVID-19 focus research areas are:

• Cell-based approaches for treatment or prevention of COVID-19 and associated disease sequelae.
• Biologics or small molecule-based modulation of the immune system for therapy or prevention.
• Immunogenetics and molecular epidemiology based population studies on COVID-19.
• Novel diagnostic approaches for patient stratification and risk assessment for the severity of sequelae.

During the review process, each application will be screened for technical correctness. Thereafter, each proposal will be reviewed for the feasibility of the techniques proposed scientific applicability of the approach for disease, the novelty of experimental design or delivery, clarity in experimental design, demonstration of prior experience/preliminary data, achievable milestones and timelines and potential for clinical translation.

Currently, there are over 78 vaccines and over 600 therapy COVID-19 related trials are taking place around the world.

"To address these gaps in treatment options for the Indian population, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) invited full proposals (in ICMR Ad-hoc Project format) for fast track funding for Translational Immunology and Cellular Therapeutics approach targeting COVID-19. This call aims to fill the gaps in research thrust in India by providing emphasis on the above focus areas which require more attention to address the needs for the increasing patient base," the ICMR said.