Ahead of the International Drug Repurposing Conference (iDR26), the REMEDi4ALL Funders Network gathered in Brussels on 11 May 2026 for its annual in-person meeting. This year’s edition combined a dedicated funders exchange with a broader policy dialogue: the first session focused on funding strategies among funders, while the second brought in policymakers and other stakeholders to connect these insights to regulation and market access.
From funding strategies to system-wide solutions
The programme followed a clear “push–pull” logic, aiming to strengthen alignment between funders and policymakers.
In the funder-only session, led by Heleen van der Meer (ZonMw), discussions explored how funding can more effectively support drug repurposing projects with an interactive group discussion on innovative funding models Insightful experiences were shared by Dominik Cysewski (PACS2Foundation) on crowdfunding, Barbara Goodman (Cures within Reach) on revolving funding mechanisms and Rick Thompson (Beacon: for rare diseases) on a social impact bond for drug repurposing who highlighted both potential and practical challenges of these funding models.
The session also included updates on the REMEDi4ALL Funders Network, including knowledge-sharing initiatives and the development of collaborative tools and structures to support future co-funding, including the REMEDi4ALL Funders Network White Paper, Guide for Joint Funding Calls, Value Assessment Tool, Funding Radar, Marketplace and annual meetings and webinars.
Donald Lo (EATRIS) presented the future plans of REMEDi4ALL, positioning the platform as a “one-stop shop” for drug repurposing. Through the REMEDi4ALL Concierge, stakeholders can already access tailored support for their projects. To ensure the continuity and sustainability of these services beyond the project’s EU funding period (September 2027), the REMEDi4ALL Foundation has been established.
A growing network driving coordinated action
The meeting highlighted the continued growth of the REMEDi4ALL Funders Network, with new members strengthening collaboration, knowledge exchange and co-funding opportunities.
More broadly, discussions reinforced a shared ambition: to move towards coordinated, end-to-end approaches that better align funding and policy, further positioning the network as a key platform to advance drug repurposing for patient benefit.
Opening the dialogue with policymakers
Building on these discussions, Anton Ussi (EATRIS) chaired the second session, which brought together regulators, HTA experts, industry and payers to explore the “pull” side of the equation. Gauthier Bouche (Anticancer Fund) outlined recent developments in European pharmaceutical legislation and regulation to set the scene for a multi-stakeholder exchange on incentives, regulatory pathways and reimbursement mechanisms that can support the uptake of repurposed medicines. The panel discussion featured representatives from across the policy, regulatory and healthcare landscape:
- Anja Schiel (Norwegian Medical Products Agency)
- Frank Hulstaert (Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre)
- César Hernández (Ministry of Health, Spain)
- Christophe Lahorte (Federal Agency for Medicines and Healthcare Products)
- Anne Hendrickx (Association Internationale de la Mutualité)
- Adrian van den Hoven (Medicines for Europe)
- Dan O’Connor (Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry)
The discussion highlighted the importance of aligning funding efforts with the policy and regulatory conditions needed to support repurposing ensuring that promising projects not only start but can ultimately reach patients. A meaningful start of important policy discussions during iDR26 and beyond.
