All partnering requests
Target identification and delivery mechanisms for neuroinflammation and neuropsychiatric disorders
  • Background
  • What we're looking for
  • What we can offer you
  • Who we are
  • Q&A
Have questions about this request?
Get them answered by the team at Eli Lilly.
Background

Many neuropsychiatric disorders such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Multiple sclerosis lead to neuroinflammation. The current treatments for Multiple sclerosis largely focus on slowing the progression of the disease and managing symptoms rather than targeting the underlying cause.  

 

Insights on the neurodegeneration mechanisms of these diseases could lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and reshape how therapies address neuroinflammation.  

 

Eli Lilly aims to promote innovative research and development efforts that have the potential to significantly advance our understanding of these complex conditions and pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions. We are particularly focused on the immune cells and target identification.

What we're looking for

We are seeking proposals from qualified researchers, scientists, and institutions to identify therapeutic targets and delivery mechanisms for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders with associated neuroinflammation (particularly Multiple sclerosis).

Solutions of interest include:
  • Novel gene therapies
  • Target identification
  • Delivery mechanisms targeting the cerebral cortex (E.g. capsid modification to improve AAV-based vector)
Our must-have requirements are:
  • Targets and/or pathways leading to the development of novel therapeutic drugs to be delivered to the cerebral cortex
Our nice-to-have's are:
  • In vitro data is required. It would be preferred to have animal/in vivo data as well.
What's out of scope:
  • Supplements
  • Lipid nanoparticles
  • Focused ultrasound and BBB shuttle antibodies
Acceptable technology readiness levels (TRL):
Levels 1-6
What we can offer you
Eligible partnership models:
Sponsored researchCo-developmentEquity investmentLicensing
Benefits:
Sponsored Research
Funding is proposal dependent and will range from $100-200k over 1-2 years.
Who we are

The discovery of new medicines is about being relentless. You will gain access to the Lilly development team with decades of experience exploring every avenue necessary. We never stop searching for novel medicines, new ways to address unmet medical needs, and treatments that generate better outcomes. It's all done with a true sense of urgency, ensuring our medicines reach patients as soon as possible.

 Learn more
Reviewers
Q&A with Eli Lilly

The Q&A is now closed.

Sort by:
Q.
Could in vitro human blood-brain barrier and blood-retinal barrier models be of interest for evaluating the microcapillary inflammatory processes in multiple sclerosis at the signal transduction and mRNA levels?
2
A.
Yes, this is within the scope.
JZ
Jiajun (brian) Zhou, Manager, Eli Lilly
September 20, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Would a potential in vivo RNA editing technology be eligible for this opportunity?
DJ
Daniel Juliano, Tech Transfer, Montana State University
August 4, 2023
1
A.
Yes. In vivo RNA editing technology will be eligible.
JZ
Jiajun (brian) Zhou, Manager, Eli Lilly
August 7, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
We have a group of novel compounds that shows good efficacy in two different models of MS: the EAE model and spinal inflammation where these NCEs show excellent efficacy at oral doses in reducing inflammation. Would this be of interest?
1
A.
If the compound is a small molecule or antibody or siRNA/ASO, we will be interested in it.
JZ
Jiajun (brian) Zhou, Manager, Eli Lilly
August 16, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Would a mimetic vesicle 'Neurosome", which targets neurons be on scope with data showing delivery of a number of payloads (we have another similar particle that targets inflammation, Leukosome")
JS
John Schultz, Tech Transfer, Houston Methodist
August 11, 2023
1
A.
Hi John, Is it a lipid-based particle?
JZ
Jiajun (brian) Zhou, Manager, Eli Lilly
August 16, 2023
Is this response helpful?
1
0
Q.
Would a project on discovery of chemical probes that target novel neuroinflammation-associated genes/pathways be of interest? Thanks!
1
A.
Hi Xiulei, Yes, it is.
JZ
Jiajun (brian) Zhou, Manager, Eli Lilly
August 16, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Would the use of novel, non-antibody shuttles be eligible for the RFP?
1
A.
Hi Yvonne, Absolutely. We would like to know more.
JZ
Jiajun (brian) Zhou, Manager, Eli Lilly
August 16, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Is developing a novel inducible and neurospecific VEGF transgenic model in combination with sequencing technology to identify important therapeutic targets for neurodegeneration diseases in the scope of this project?
1
A.
Yes.
JZ
Jiajun (brian) Zhou, Manager, Eli Lilly
August 27, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
We have a novel PET ligand for amyloid beta oligomers. Would this be of interest?
1
A.
Hi Sam, I am interested, please submit the proposal and I can have more details regarding the ligand. Brian
JZ
Jiajun (brian) Zhou, Manager, Eli Lilly
August 27, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Is focused ultrasound BBB shuttle of AAV gene therapy eligible? thanks, James
1
A.
Yes, we are interested in focused ultrasound as a delivery method.
JZ
Jiajun (brian) Zhou, Manager, Eli Lilly
August 27, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
For projects focusing on early proof-of-concept for new targets with novel compounds, is non-computational preliminary data required?
1
A.
yes, it will be great to have at least in vitro data.
JZ
Jiajun (brian) Zhou, Manager, Eli Lilly
September 20, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
We have a platform for discovering chemical probes from phenotypic screening at different post-TBI timepoints that identifies novel chemical probes along with their target. Would this be relevant for this RFP?
1
A.
Unfortunately, this is not in the scope of this RFP.
JZ
Jiajun (brian) Zhou, Manager, Eli Lilly
September 20, 2023
Is this response helpful?
1
0
Q.
Is focused ultrasound to open blood-brain barrier for target delivery within the scope? https://www.dynaflow-inc.com/#:~:text=World%20Innovation%20Challenge
1
A.
Yes
JZ
Jiajun (brian) Zhou, Manager, Eli Lilly
September 25, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Can we perform genetic analysis of neural diseases in this project?
1
A.
Sorry, this is not in scope for us.
JZ
Jiajun (brian) Zhou, Manager, Eli Lilly
September 25, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Although not directly related to this RFP, we are developing technology for high-throughput detection of early Alzheimer's from blood and other biofluids using fluorescence spectroscopy. Would you be interested in learning more? Happy discuss if of interest.
1
A.
Sure, we can take it offline. Feel free to connect with me via email.
JZ
Jiajun (brian) Zhou, Manager, Eli Lilly
September 25, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Is Lilly interested in learning about our nano-encapsulation of baricitinib that would allow for topical application for the treatment of alopecia areata? If so, contact Gary Madsen at ProTransit Nanotherapy.
1
Q.
We are developing microbiota solutions for neurodegenerative diseases. We have hits about GABA and about pain from bacteria we selected and produced. Is this kind of therapy that you are looking for?
1
A.
Sorry, this is not in scope for us.
JZ
Jiajun (brian) Zhou, Manager, Eli Lilly
September 25, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
We would be happy to supply 3D graphene foam scaffolds gratis in support of this research if you are interested.
1
Q.
Our BBB-penetrant NCE, MW189, suppresses neuroinflammation. Its molecular target is unknown, but is likely to be novel. Will you be interested in collaborating on target ID?
1
A.
Yes.
JZ
Jiajun (brian) Zhou, Manager, Eli Lilly
September 27, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Is this open to for-profit companies?
1
A.
Yes.
JZ
Jiajun (brian) Zhou, Manager, Eli Lilly
August 7, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Regarding Lilly’s efforts in chronic pain and their most recent acquisition of CFTX-1554. Our peptide PNA5 are Mas R agonists with excellent preclinical effects on neuropathic pain. Would Lilly be interested in PNA5?
1
Sign up to access the full partnering request.
View the details of this request and connect directly with corporate R&D teams at Fortune 500 companies.
Share partnering request
Complete
Refine recommendations
Is this request relevant to you?
Eligible partners
Academic researchersStartups
Seeking partners focused on
NeurodegenerationNeuropathologyNeurophysiologyNeuroscience

Halo home
Partner smarter. Move faster.
Get new partnering requests
delivered to your inbox.