Apply now for the Recombinant Antibody Challenge

Posted on: 28/03/2024

The Alternatives Research and Development Foundation (ARDF), PETA Science Consortium International e.V. and the Physician Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) are launching a grant for the use of recombinant antibodies to replace animal-derived antibodies in your current research and testing strategies.

The challenge is open to researchers from all research fields (academy, industry and government) who can use the recombinant antibodies for their in vitro applications of interest.

The advantages of recombinant antibodies are significant. As they are produced from a DNA sequence, they are more reproducible and reliable compared to the traditional animal-derived monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. More information about the advantages on recombinant antibodies can be found in the recommendation report of EURL ECVAM.

What are the grant conditions?

  • The recombinant antibody that researchers are interested in using must be available in the catalogue of a company which is experienced in producing these recombinant antibodies (e.g. Abcam, Abcalis or Bio-Rad).
  • Applicants can apply for a recombinant antibody that they have never used before or for a recombinant antibody that they have already used but for another application.
  • Applicants may use the recombinant antibody independently or alongside the currently used animal-derived monoclonal or polyclonal antibody it would replace following testing.
  • Applicants have to agree to troubleshoot problems related to the use of the recombinant antibody, if applicable. This will be performed with the help of the Science Consortium, the PRCM and the ARDF.
  • Applicants should submit their results for publication within two years.
  • The grant amount will depend on the project details.

How to participate?

Researchers who are willing to participate should send their curriculum vitae and submit a proposal specifying the antibody they are interested in replacing with a recombinant antibody, the objective of the research project and the commitment to troubleshoot issues related to the use of the recombinant antibody.

All applications should be sent to Katherine Groff at KatherineG@thepsci.eu.

Three months after receipt, applicants should provide a report on their experience with the use of the recombinant anybody to the Science Consortium, PRCM and ARDF.

What is the deadline?

This challenge has a rolling deadline. Recipients will be selected based on their application.

For more information regarding the grant, qualification criteria, registration and any other questions, you can contact KatherineG@thepsci.eu.

 

Sources:

Recombinant antibody challenge