Brussels, 9 December 2024
Today, the European Commission, through its Health Emergency and Response Authority (HERA), signed a €20 million HERA Invest agreement with the Danish biotech company SNIPR Biome. With the support of the European Investment Bank (EIB), this agreement aims to advance the development of innovative therapies that specifically target infections resistant to traditional antibiotics.
This is a significant step in addressing antimicrobial resistance, one of the most pressing global health threats. SNIPR Biome’s cutting-edge CRISPR technology precisely targets and eliminates drug-resistant bacteria, for example through a product designed to prevent bloodstream infections caused by E. coli.
Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, said:
Antimicrobial resistance is a silent pandemic. In the EU alone, 35,000 people die every year because of it, and resistant infections place a significant burden on our healthcare systems. Today’s HERA Invest agreement is an important milestone and shows the importance of European companies’ innovation in fighting this major health threat. HERA Invest is ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of medical breakthroughs.
Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare said:
One of the biggest health threats in Europe and worldwide is antimicrobial resistance. Fighting it requires support for innovation to curb current underinvestment in the sector together with the creation of a market for new and effective antibiotics and treatments developed and manufactured in Europe. We will continue the work to reach the 2030 targets, building on the important work already carried out and recognising the connection between animal health and human health.
HERA Invest is a flagship initiative designed to enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy in health emergency preparedness. Backed by €110 million from the EU4Health programme as part of the InvestEU initiative, it targets small and mid-sized companies. The European Investment Bank in partnership with HERA, provides venture loans covering up to 50% of a project’s costs. HERA Invest aims to bridge the financial gap where private sector resources are insufficient, leveraging public funds to encourage private investment in the development of medical countermeasures. By supporting research and development in these areas, HERA Invest seeks to ensure that Europe remains prepared to face future health challenges.
Further information on HERA Invest can be found online.