To enhance Europes vaccine readiness, the European Vaccine Hub (EVH) was inaugurated in Siena today. This initiative includes key actions that will, among other things, speed up vaccine development to under four months after identifying a pathogens genetic sequence.
The Hub will consolidate national vaccine research and development investments at the EU level.
The Hub comprises a consortium of leading European organizations in vaccine development and national pandemic preparedness programs, each leveraging extensive expertise in vaccine discovery, development, clinical trials, and manufacturing.
The EVH project is funded by the Commissions Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) through the EU4Health program with up to €102 million.
Key objectives and actions of the Hub
The Hub will revolutionize vaccine development through its agile, decentralized structure. It organizes collaborative research across Europe and ensures sustainability and continued operation beyond initial funding. Ultimately, it will enhance Europes capability to protect its citizens and bolster its economy against global health threats.
The EVH will focus on several key actions, including:
- Speeding up vaccine development to less than four months after identifying a pathogens genetic sequence.
- Initiating a prototype vaccine strategy using cutting-edge platform technologies.
- Leveraging resources from the public and private sectors.
- Driving preclinical studies, Phase I/II, and Controlled Human Infection Model (CHIM) trials.
- Providing seamless access to vaccine production facilities, clinical trial sites, analytical laboratories, technology transfers, and expanded production via industry partnerships.
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic, along with previous health emergencies, highlighted the urgent need to boost technologies that facilitate rapid responses in crises. A crucial aspect of this preparedness is the development and accessibility of prototype vaccines, which are integral to pandemic readiness.
The Commission is committed to establishing a decentralized European hub for vaccine development. This hub will bring together critical knowledge and expertise in key areas of vaccine development and integrate them with broader international initiatives.
The EVH comprises a Steering Committee for strategic decision-making and a Coordination Team for operational management. These bodies are supported by a Stakeholders Group and an External Advisory Committee.
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