The European Union has committed €225 million to accelerate the development of next-generation influenza vaccines that offer protection against a wider range of influenza variants and can be adapted quickly if a pandemic strain emerges.
This funding will support influenza vaccines designed to be easy to administer via the nose, mouth or skin patch and can be quickly ramped up in emergencies.
This is the first time the European Commission has used pre-commercial procurement to advance a product through clinical trials, ensuring it meets rigorous safety, quality and efficacy standards, while supporting innovations that might stall without public intervention.
Commissioner Haja Rahbib (Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management) explained: “With EUR 225 million, the largest EU investment ever to accelerate access to innovative medical countermeasures, we are advancing the development of the next generation of influenza vaccines.
“This funding will unlock cutting-edge technology, including more accessible and diverse vaccine administration methods, to ensure effective vaccine options reach underserved and vulnerable populations.”
Influenza vaccines need to keep up with virus evolution
Influenza viruses are constantly evolving, so vaccine technology must keep pace. This investment will accelerate vaccine development and strengthen Europe’s large-scale response capacity.
The EU aims to expand its pipeline through full clinical development of promising vaccine candidates and add further products under development.
This increases the likelihood that new products will come to market and move from laboratory breakthroughs to real-world protection.
Comprehensive marketplace for clinical trials
The investment employs a pre-commercial procurement model that funds research and development on favorable terms to foster a more inclusive market, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
This covers three phases of pre-commercial procurement, including clinical trial phase I, II and III development and pre-market development leading to market approval.
These activities are funded by the European Commission’s Directorate for Health Emergencies Preparedness and Response, funded by the EU4Health program and managed by the European Agency for Health Digital Administration.
Helping the EU prepare for future pandemics
The signed agreement will last for 98 months and cover clinical development through market approval.
This investment will help Europe and the world better prepare for future epidemics and pandemics by expanding influenza vaccine production capacity and introducing new treatments.
Mr. Rahbib concluded: “Innovation is at the heart of preparedness. This investment will also strengthen Europe’s pharmaceutical ecosystem, contribute to its competitiveness and strengthen our resilience to future health threats.”
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