Commission invests in the development of innovative therapeutics against respiratory viruses

The European Commission, together with the European Investment Bank, has signed a €30 million investment agreement with the company Ethris. The agreement will support the clinical development of mRNA next-generation therapeutics and vaccines addressing respiratory viruses, including those that carry pandemic potential.

Such medicines would be administered by inhalation or nasal spray, offering alternative routes of administration directly at the pathogen's point of entry. By preventing viral transmission, this approach could save lives and become an important tool for pandemic preparedness and prevention.

Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, said: “The images of COVID must never fade from our memory: overwhelmed hospitals, empty streets, families kept apart. COVID showed us the cost of being caught off guard. We cannot forget that lesson. We must stay one step ahead. Today we are investing in a new generation of vaccines and treatments that can save lives before an outbreak becomes a crisis. With HERA Invest, we are building Europe's defences today, before the next pandemic strikes.”

With HERA Invest, the Commission is enhancing Europe's strategic autonomy in health emergency preparedness. Backed by €130 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 the Commission, 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.

(For more information: Eva Hrncirova – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortes - Tel: +32 2 291 32 83)