CEPI launches funding call to develop vaccines against emerging SARS-CoV-2

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), based in Norway, has launched a call for proposals to develop broadly protective SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and broadly protective Betacoronavirus vaccines. CEPI plans to invest up to $200 million in promising vaccine candidates up to clinical proof of concept. The main focus of this call for proposals is to support the research and development of novel immunogens (ie, antigens that elicit an adaptive immune response) for use in vaccines that can elicit durable, broadly protective immune responses. This opportunity will be open, worldwide, to research and development organisations with expertise in vaccine development. The call for proposals invites funding application for the development of a broadly protective vaccine against new emerging variants and variants of concern of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, with funding up to 18-24 months to achieve clinical proof of concept; and a broadly protective Betacoronavirus vaccine with funding potentially awarded for up to 4 years to demonstrate clinical proof of concept.