The European Union is committing €225 million to accelerate the development of next-generation influenza vaccines that will offer protection against a wider range of flu variants and can be quickly adapted if a pandemic strain emerges.
The funding will support influenza vaccines designed to be easier to administer via the nose, mouth, or skin patches, and to be rapidly scaled up in emergencies.
It marks the first time the Commission will use pre-commercial procurement to advance products through clinical trials, ensuring they meet strict safety, quality, and efficacy criteria while supporting innovations that might otherwise stall without public intervention.
Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, explained: “With an EU investment of €225m – the largest ever dedicated to accelerating access to innovative medical countermeasures – we are advancing the development of next-generation flu vaccines.
“This funding will unlock cutting-edge technologies, including more accessible and diverse vaccine administration methods, ensuring that effective vaccine options reach underserved and vulnerable groups.”
Flu vaccines must keep pace with the evolving virus
Flu viruses evolve constantly, which means vaccine technology must keep pace. This investment will accelerate vaccine development and strengthen Europe’s ability to respond at scale.
Through full clinical development of promising vaccine candidates, the EU aims to expand the pipeline, adding more products to development.
This increases the likelihood that novel products will reach the market and move from laboratory breakthroughs to real-world protection.
An inclusive market for clinical trials
This investment uses a pre-commercial procurement model that funds research and development on favourable terms to foster a more inclusive market, particularly for SMEs.
It covers three phases of pre-commercial procurement, including development of clinical trial phases I, II, and III, as well as pre-market development, leading to market authorisation.
These actions are financed by the Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority, funded by the EU4Health programme, and managed by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency.
Helping the EU prepare for future pandemics
The contracts signed will run for 98 months, covering clinical development through to market authorisation.
By expanding influenza vaccine production capacity and introducing novel treatments, this investment will help Europe and the world to be better prepared for future outbreaks or pandemics.
Lahbib concluded: “Innovation is at the heart of preparedness. This investment also strengthens Europe’s pharmaceutical ecosystem, contributing to its competitiveness, and reinforces our resilience against future health threats.”
Team Health Accessible
Health & Wellness Editorial Team
HealthAccessible editorial team delivers trusted, accessible, and evidence-based health information for everyone.
