The European Commission, with the support of the European Investment Bank, will provide €20 million for the development of nasal sprays designed to protect against respiratory viruses. To this end, the Commission, through its Health Emergency Response and Preparedness Authority (HERA), has signed an investment agreement with Dutch biotech company Leyden Labs.
Nasal sprays deliver antibodies directly into the nasal cavity, stopping infections at the point of entry and potentially preventing onward transmission. The innovative approach focuses on commonalities between viral families, rather than a particular variant, thus offering broad protection against a range of existing and new viruses. The technology provides a universal solution to respiratory viruses, regardless of an individual’s immune status, for example for those who do not respond sufficiently to a vaccine or are not vaccinated.
Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, said: “Respiratory viruses are common and affect us all, especially the most medically vulnerable. Today’s agreement reaffirms our commitment to invest in innovation to strengthen preparedness and protection against respiratory viruses. HERA Invest is an excellent example of Europe being at the forefront of medical advances in response to serious health threats.
HERA Invest is a flagship initiative designed to improve Europe’s strategic autonomy in health emergency preparedness. Backed by €110 million from the UEproHealth programme as part of the InvestEU initiative, it targets small and medium-sized enterprises. The European Investment Bank, in partnership with HERA, provides risk-bearing loans covering up to 50% of a project’s costs. HERA Invest aims to bridge the financing gap where private sector resources are insufficient by mobilising public funds to encourage private investment in the development of medical countermeasures. By supporting research and development in these areas, HERA Invest aims to ensure that Europe remains ready to meet future health challenges.
More information: European Commission
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