END2AMR launches to accelerate innovation against drug-resistant bacterial infections

The University of Dundee is proud to announce the launch of END2AMR (European Novel Drug Research to Address Microbial Infections and Drug Resistance) – a major new public-private research initiative designed to tackle some of the most difficult-to-treat bacterial infections. The project brings together leading academic groups, research institutes, SMEs, and industry partners to develop a new generation of antibacterial modalities and delivery technologies.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognised as one of the top three priority health threats in Europe, contributing to tens of thousands of deaths each year and placing immense strain on health systems. END2AMR aims to deliver novel scientific strategies to address these challenges through a coordinated research effort. The consortium will focus on chronic and drug-resistant infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which are responsible for significant global morbidity and mortality.

Project objectives and approach

Over its project duration of five years, END2AMR will:

• Develop and evaluate a diverse set of novel antibacterial modalities with novel modes of action, including PROTACs, small molecules, and phage lysins.
• Create innovative delivery systems, including Nanofitin-based technologies and long-acting therapeutic formulations.
• Build a versatile, scalable “toolbox” that can be applied to a wide range of pathogens and clinical contexts.
• Strengthen Europe’s preparedness for future infectious disease outbreaks by generating adaptable platforms and technologies. 

The consortium's work will be structured into three scientific pillars: (1) developing novel therapeutic modalities, (2) advancing innovative delivery systems, and (3) ensuring strong project governance, stakeholder engagement, and pipeline management. This integrated structure will enable rapid knowledge exchange, efficient resource allocation, and strategic progression of the most promising assets. 

University of Dundee’s role in END2AMR

As Scientific Project Lead, the University of Dundee will lead the scientific aspects of the project in close collaboration with the Coordinator and the Industrial Project Leader and will be involved in the general management and governance of the Project. The Drug Discovery Unit, the Division of Molecular Microbiology and the Centre for Target Protein Degradation will contribute to the project.

“We are very excited to be involved in this innovative project, with experts from a number of different fields and technologies,” says Prof Ian Gilbert, Designated Scientific Project Lead Representative and Head of the Drug Discovery Unit, University of Dundee.

Consortium partners

The END2AMR consortium brings together 12 partners from across Europe and the United States, representing expertise from academia, research institutes, SMEs, and industry:

1. Lygature (Coordinator)
2. GSK (Industry Lead)
3. University of Dundee (Scientific Lead)
4. Obulytix
5. University of Copenhagen
6. CEA
7. Quadram Institute
8. Francis Crick Institute
9. University of Manchester
10. Affilogic
11. University of Liverpool
12. TB Alliance

This diverse expertise spans drug discovery, microbiology, medicinal chemistry, phage-derived proteins, protein degradation technologies, Nanofitin delivery systems, long-acting therapeutics, in vitro and in vivo infectious disease models, and tuberculosis drug development.

Support

END2AMR is funded by the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI Joint Undertaking), with support from public and private partners, and aligns with Europe’s strategic priorities in AMR innovation and preparedness. 

Looking ahead

END2AMR represents a significant step towards rebuilding the antibacterial research ecosystem in Europe and will act as a trailblazer for alternative antibacterial approaches, targeting under-explored indications and helping define clearer preclinical pathways for future innovation. It will also train the next generation of researchers in antimicrobial discovery and development, strengthening Europe’s long-term capacity to tackle AMR. Through this forward-looking vision and strong cross-sector collaboration, END2AMR aims to accelerate the translation of early scientific breakthroughs into future treatments for patients worldwide.

Funding Statement

This project is supported by the Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking (IHI JU) under grant agreement No 101253465. The JU receives support from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme and COCIR, EFPIA, Europa Bío, MedTech Europe, and Vaccines Europe. 

Disclaimer

Funded by the European Union, the private members, and those contributing partners of the IHI JU. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the aforementioned parties. Neither of the aforementioned parties can be held responsible for them.