# Drug Development Project

**Funder:** Cancer Research UK
**Consortium:** No - individual applicant based at academic institution or pharma/biotech company, project run in partnership with CRUK's Centre for Drug Development
**Application:** Informal confidential discussion, then formal review by New Agents Committee (up to 4 times per year)
**TRL:** 3-6
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-funding-schemes/drug-development-project
**Last updated:** 7 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports preclinical development through early phase (Phase 1/early Phase 2) clinical trials of novel cancer agents; not external grant funding but scientific, clinical and trial management resources provided by CRUK's Centre for Drug Development. Open to academic institutions and pharma/biotech companies (UK or international); requires prior confidential discussion and eligibility check.

## Summary

The Drug Development Project channels scientific, clinical and trial management resources from Cancer Research UK's Centre for Drug Development into preclinical through early-phase (Phase 1/early Phase 2) clinical development of novel cancer agents. It is open to individual applicants at academic institutions or pharma/biotech companies, in the UK or internationally, and runs as a direct partnership rather than a traditional grant. Applications are accepted continuously, starting with an informal confidential discussion before formal review.

## Who should apply

- Researchers or teams with a novel cancer agent ready for preclinical to early clinical development
- Applicants based at academic institutions, UK or international
- Applicants based at pharma or biotech companies, UK or international
- Projects at TRL 3-6, targeting Phase 1 or early Phase 2 trials
- Individual applicants who do not need a pre-formed consortium

## Key dates

- Rolling deadline; applications accepted continuously
- Two-stage process: informal confidential discussion first, then formal review by the New Agents Committee (up to 4 times per year)

## Tips for applicants

- Request the informal confidential discussion early, it determines eligibility before you commit to a formal submission.
- Frame the project around TRL 3-6 milestones; the New Agents Committee assesses readiness for preclinical-to-clinical progression specifically.
- Since this provides in-kind resources rather than a grant, emphasize what CRUK's Centre for Drug Development capabilities (not your own budget) can add to the project.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does the CRUK Drug Development Project provide?

It is not a cash grant; instead CRUK's Centre for Drug Development provides scientific, clinical and trial management resources to progress the project.

### Who can apply for the CRUK Drug Development Project?

Individual applicants (no consortium required) based at an academic institution or a pharma/biotech company, either in the UK or internationally.

### What stage of drug development does this scheme support?

It covers preclinical development through early phase clinical trials, corresponding to TRL 3-6, up to Phase 1 or early Phase 2.

### When is the deadline for the CRUK Drug Development Project?

There is no fixed deadline; applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed by the New Agents Committee up to four times a year.

### Do I need a consortium to apply?

No, this call does not require a consortium; the project runs as a partnership between the individual applicant and CRUK's Centre for Drug Development.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/cancer-research-uk-drug-development-project-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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