The Gates Foundation (Grand Challenges) has launched this Request for Proposals (RFP) to support transformative, scalable interventions (novel or repurposed) that modulate inflammation and/or oxidative stress in the placenta-maternal gut axis, with the aim of improving outcomes related to fetal growth restriction (FGR)-especially in global south contexts. Projects are expected to generate decision-grade evidence within the award timeframe and include clear biomarkers, milestones, and go/no-go criteria.

The call includes three tracks:

• Track 1 (Mechanism & Target Discovery): identify and validate inflammatory/oxidative pathways and nominate at least one actionable target.

• Track 2 (Candidate Validation & Translational Advancement): preclinical/translational validation of a named intervention candidate with biomarker-linked evidence.

• Track 3 (Early Clinical Proof-of-Concept): small early human studies demonstrating biological activity/target engagement, safety and feasibility (large efficacy trials are out of scope).

Objective: To accelerate the identification and early validation of interventions targeting placenta-gut inflammation/oxidative stress pathways that could improve fetal growth outcomes

• Open to global applicants: non-profit organizations, for-profit companies, academic/research institutions, international organizations, and consortia.

• Collaboration with global south institutions and local investigators is strongly encouraged.

• Not eligible: individuals and organizations classified as individuals for U.S. tax purposes (awards are made to organizations, not directly to individuals).

(Additional detailed requirements depend on the chosen track and are described in the official RFP and supporting documents.)

In case of interest, please click on 'm'interessa' and we will contact you.