Apply Now: iLCT Pipeline Research Acceleration Programme

Deadline: 07-Apr-2026

The iLCT Pipeline Research Acceleration Programme, launched by Cure Parkinson’s, funds short-term (maximum 18 months) research projects to generate critical data that advances promising Parkinson’s disease therapeutic candidates toward clinical trials. The programme supports targeted experimental studies using defined model systems, with strict alignment to project outlines provided by Cure Parkinson’s. Applications close at 11:59pm BST on Tuesday 7 April 2026, and only one project may ultimately be recommended for funding.

The iLCT Pipeline Research Acceleration Programme is a competitive research funding initiative designed to accelerate therapeutic candidates for Parkinson’s disease toward clinical testing.

The programme supports focused, time-bound preclinical research to generate essential data required for re-evaluation by the iLCT committee.

It is initiated and administered by Cure Parkinson’s.

Programme Objective

The core aim is to:

• Generate missing or additional data required to advance a therapeutic candidate

• Enable urgent progression toward clinical trials

• Facilitate re-evaluation by the iLCT committee for prioritisation in people with Parkinson’s

Projects are limited to a maximum duration of 18 months.

Positive results may lead to prioritisation for clinical testing.

What Is the iLCT?

The iLCT (International Linked Clinical Trials) committee is a scientific review body that:

• Assesses therapeutic candidates

• Reviews preclinical and translational data

• Prioritises compounds for testing in people with Parkinson’s

The programme exists to strengthen a candidate’s data package to support iLCT review.

Research Scope and Requirements

For funded projects, Cure Parkinson’s defines:

• The drug or compound of interest

• The model system to be used

• Core experimental investigations required

Applicants may propose additional relevant assessments.

Mandatory Research Areas

Applications must address:

• Brain penetrance

• Target engagement

• Effects on alpha-synuclein

• Dopamine neurone survival

• Behavioural outcomes

• Evaluation of sex differences

These criteria ensure translational relevance for Parkinson’s clinical development.

Who Can Apply?

The call is open to:

• Academic institutions

• Industry researchers

• Independent applicants

• Academic-industry partnerships

Applications are accepted globally.

Financial Conditions

• Funding is restricted to direct research costs only

• Indirect costs and institutional overheads are excluded

• Budgets and contracts must be submitted in GBP

• Exchange rate must be provided if applicable

Required Application Components

Applications must be submitted by the Principal Investigator and include:

1. Completed application form

2. CVs of relevant personnel

3. Detailed and signed budget breakdown

4. Commercial entity form (if applicable)

5. Signed letter of support from host institution

6. Non-scientific summary in clear lay language

The lay summary is mandatory and reviewed by people with Parkinson’s. It influences the funding decision.

Supporting documentation (drug CV and iLCT dossier) is available via Cure Parkinson’s.

Application Deadline

Closing Date:
11:59pm (BST) on Tuesday, 7 April 2026

Late submissions will not be considered.

Selection and Review Process

Step 1: Eligibility Screening

Applications are assessed for completeness and alignment with the project outline.

Step 2: External Expert Peer Review

Due to the specificity of the call:

• Maximum of three applications will be sent for external review

Step 3: Review by Independent Research Committee

The independent Research Committee may:

• Reject

• Request revisions

• Recommend for funding

Step 4: Trustee Decision

Only one application may ultimately be recommended for funding.

Monitoring and Reporting Requirements

Grant holders must:

• Submit progress reports every six months

• Detail results achieved

• Identify challenges

• Request scope modifications where necessary

Upon project completion:

• Positive results → Updated dossier prepared for iLCT review

• Negative results → Findings still reported to iLCT for record

Because iLCT meets annually, delays between project completion and committee review may occur.

Researchers wishing to continue work may apply to the Cure Parkinson’s Quarterly Grant Funding Programme or seek alternative funding.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Alignment with Cure Parkinson’s funding remit

• Experience with specified model system

• Adherence to project outline

• Scientific rigor and experimental design

• Budget justification

• Clear milestones and timelines

• Collaboration strength

• Appropriate use of CROs

• Data sharing plans

• Involvement of people with Parkinson’s

Strong translational relevance is essential.

Why This Programme Matters

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with limited disease-modifying treatments.

A major barrier to clinical advancement is insufficient preclinical data.

This programme:

• Bridges the gap between laboratory research and clinical trials

• Reduces risk before human testing

• Speeds up evaluation of promising compounds

• Prioritises evidence-based therapeutic development

It is a strategic acceleration mechanism within Parkinson’s translational research.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Review Project Outline

Carefully examine:

• Required drug candidate

• Model system

• Core investigations

Ensure your proposal strictly follows outlined requirements.

Step 2: Develop Scientific Plan

Include:

• Experimental design

• Defined milestones

• Timeline (≤18 months)

• Risk mitigation strategies

Step 3: Prepare Lay Summary

Write a clear, jargon-free explanation of:

• Research goals

• Expected impact

• Relevance to people with Parkinson’s

Step 4: Prepare Budget

• Direct costs only

• Submitted in GBP

• Include exchange rate (if international)

Step 5: Submit Complete Application

Submit all required documents before 11:59pm BST on 7 April 2026.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to follow the defined model system

• Excluding required experimental endpoints

• Including indirect or overhead costs

• Submitting incomplete documentation

• Writing a technical lay summary inaccessible to non-scientific reviewers

• Ignoring evaluation of sex differences

Precision and alignment with the call are critical.

H2: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the maximum project duration?

Projects must not exceed 18 months.

2. Can international researchers apply?

Yes. Applications are welcomed globally, but budgets must be in GBP.

3. Are indirect costs allowed?

No. Only direct research costs are eligible.

4. How many projects will be funded?

A maximum of one project may ultimately be recommended for funding.

5. Is a lay summary mandatory?

Yes. It must be written in clear language and will be reviewed by people with Parkinson’s.

6. What happens after project completion?

If results are positive, an updated dossier is prepared for presentation to the iLCT committee.

7. What if results are negative?

Findings will still be reported to the iLCT committee for information.

Conclusion

The iLCT Pipeline Research Acceleration Programme is a targeted funding initiative designed to fast-track promising Parkinson’s therapeutics toward clinical trials through focused, time-bound research.

By requiring rigorous preclinical validation, structured reporting, and alignment with defined translational endpoints, the programme strengthens the evidence base needed for human testing.

Researchers with relevant expertise and capacity to deliver within 18 months should submit complete applications before 7 April 2026 to contribute to accelerating Parkinson’s disease treatment development.

For more information, visit Cure Parkinson’s.