UK’s National Dementia Mission Seeks Industry Partners to Accelerate Innovative R&D

Launched in 2022, the Mission is led by the Office for Life Sciences, in partnership with and co-funded by the Medical Research Council, Innovate UK and the National Institute for Health and Care Research. Medicines Discovery Catapult is a delivery partner for the set-up of the NI.

There is an urgent need to accelerate approvals for new treatments. The Mission addresses the pressing needs of patients and industry by leveraging the UK’s world-leading position in dementia research. It aims to improve access to innovative medicines, increase trial recruitment, and improve early identification by developing a range of validated biomarkers.

The NI is the operational core of the Dementia Mission: a public-private partnership that unites industry, public funders and academia. It will establish a managed portfolio of R&D programmes drawing on existing high quality UK capabilities and infrastructure and international R&D networks. ​

The NI will provide the strategic coordination platform for investment in the Mission’s initiatives, enabling pre-competitive research and pre-market innovation in partnership, shaping discussions and resourcing joint decisions. Responding to the rapidly evolving needs of industry and the demands of patients and their carers is a key part of its remit.

By responding to the expression of interest, eligible participants will be able to further shape the scope and objectives of the Mission. Co-investment allows industry to shape the course of dementia R&D, with access to global leadership in dementia science and the assets of UK innovators.

For more information, eligibility criteria, and to submit an expression of interest, please visit md.catapult.org.uk/dementia-mission-ni. The closing date for submissions is Thursday, 12 September 2024 at 5 pm.