European Union to Boost Ebola Research with EUR 24.4M

The European Commission has announced EUR 24.4M from the EU budget for 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, the EU research and innovation program, will be provided via a fast-track procedure in order to start work as soon as possible.

The Commission 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.

The President of the European Commission, Jos? Manuel 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 EUR 24.4 million will be made available which will speed up some of the most promising research to develop vaccines and treatments."

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.

The announcement came as the WHO hosted a high level meeting in Geneva Thursday, involving the international community and industry representatives.

The European Commission alone has so far pledged EUR 180 million of humanitarian and development aid to help the countries affected by the epidemic.

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