Funding Repurposing with Purpose: REMEDi4ALL Funders Network Meets Ahead of iDR25

On 6 May 2025, the REMEDi4ALL Funders Network held an exclusive pre-iDR25 conference event in the famous “Trippenhouse” in Amsterdam. The meeting brought together 51 participants, including 32 members and observers of the Funders Network, alongside representatives from the REMEDi4ALL consortium and several other key stakeholders in the field of drug repurposing.

The event provided a platform to explore best practices in funding repurposing initiatives and to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing funders across different sectors. A group discussion regarding value assessment criteria was followed by a social event to facilitate further discussion. This interactive format enabled knowledge exchange and collaborative learning, reinforcing the role of the network in fostering cross-sector partnerships.

Introduction to Longitudinal Co-funding

The event was inaugurated by the meeting chair, Heleen van der Meer from ZonMw, who introduced the funders and their funding scopes. The network’s goals were emphasised, particularly the longitudinal co-funding approach, ensuring coordinated support through all project phases up to patient access.

Sharing Best Funding Practices

Presentations centred around how different organisations design and implement funding mechanisms that support innovative repurposing strategies.

• • • The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Repurposing Trials
      Sarah Puddicombe from the NIHR explored how existing gaps are being addressed and how learnings from their own portfolio can be applied to overcome barriers to repurposing, to improve patient outcomes.
    • Funding of Drug Repurposing: An Investor’s Perspective
      Lema Meiwand from Oost NL provided an investor lens on evaluating and supporting repurposing projects.
    • Pushing Projects Towards Patient Access with Charity Funding Valery Dassen from the Dutch Brain Foundation shared insights on the role of charities in accelerating access through targeted funding.
    • Spotlight on Marketing Authorisation and Pricing & Reimbursement Activities
      Thomas Grub from Medac GmbH focused on the marketing authorisation process and drivers of pricing and reimbursement that affect the success of repurposed medicines.

Group Discussion: Value Criteria in Project Assessment

Participants engaged in a dynamic group discussion on how value is assessed across different organisations. This aimed to explore the key criteria involved in evaluating the value of a project. It focused on identifying which criteria are considered crucial and recognising any that may be missing. Differences and similarities in criteria were highlighted, fostering mutual understanding.

Through open discussion, the goal is to bring different perspectives together and enhance shared understanding of assessment criteria.

Support and Upcoming Opportunities

Attendees and Representation

• • • More on the Funders Network here.
    • Find out more on the event page here.
    • View the meeting slides here.