- The EU invests €225 million in flu vaccine development.
- Contracts cover 98 months from clinical trials to market.
- Vaccines will be easier to administer and scalable in emergencies.
Investment Overview
The European Union is investing €225 million to accelerate the development of next-generation influenza vaccines. This initiative aims to enhance protection against a broader range of flu variants and ensure rapid adaptation in case of a pandemic.
Pre-Commercial Procurement
This marks the first use of pre-commercial procurement by the Commission to advance products through clinical trials. The approach ensures vaccines meet stringent safety, quality, and efficacy standards while fostering innovation that might otherwise stall without public support.
Vaccine Development Goals
The funding supports the creation of vaccines that are easier to administer via the nose, mouth, or skin patches and can be quickly scaled up during emergencies. By advancing promising vaccine candidates through full clinical development, the EU aims to expand the pipeline and increase the likelihood of novel products reaching the market.
Timeline and Impact
The contracts, covering clinical development through to market authorization, will run for 98 months. This investment is expected to strengthen Europe's ability to respond to flu outbreaks with greater speed and coordination, ultimately improving pandemic preparedness.
