Barroso announces further Ebola research funding
European Commission President José Manuel Barroso has announced it will invest €24.4m into urgently needed Ebola research.
The funding will go to five projects, ranging from a large-scale clinical trial of a potential vaccine, to testing existing and novel compounds to treat Ebola. The money from Horizon 2020 will be provided via a fast-track procedure in order to start work as soon as possible. The Commission has said it is also working with industry on the further development of vaccines, drugs and diagnostics for Ebola and other haemorrhagic diseases within the Innovative Medicines Initiative.
Speaking in Brussels, Barroso said: “We’re in a race against time on Ebola, and we must address both the emergency situation and at the same time have a long term response. I am therefore happy to announce that additional funding of €24.4m will be made available which will speed up some of the most promising research to develop vaccines and treatments.”
The announcement comes as the World Health Organization hosts a high-level meeting in Geneva, involving the international community and industry representatives. The meeting is to discuss access to near-term vaccines, the financing of vaccine and immunisation campaigns and the design, production capacity, regulation and indemnity of clinical trials.
The EU funding will be provided following proposals from teams across the Union, and in numerous third countries, that were evaluated by an independent group of experts. Professor Peter Piot, director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and one of the discoverers of Ebola, has welcomed the European Commission’s actions.
The Commission has also asked the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) to include emerging epidemics of concern to Africa, including Ebola, in its work plan. This will allow EDCTP to fund clinical trials on drugs, vaccines and diagnostics in upcoming calls.
