(6 November 2014 - Brussels): EFPIA, its specialised group Vaccines Europe, and the Innovative Medicines Initiative are pleased to announce the launch of a €280 million Call for proposals for an Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) programme aimed to address the current Ebola crisis. The Ebola+ programme will bring together the pharmaceutical industry and researchers in a collaborative programme aimed to cover the current outbreak, as well as future needs in the space of haemorrhagic fevers.

• Read full Press Release[1]
• EFPIA and Innovative Medicines Initiative Announce Programme to Help Respond to Ebola Crisis
• (6 November 2014 - Brussels): EFPIA, its specialised group Vaccines Europe, and the Innovative Medicines Initiative are pleased to announce the launch of a €280 million Call for proposals for an Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) programme aimed to address the current Ebola crisis. The Ebola+ programme will bring together the pharmaceutical industry and researchers in a collaborative programme aimed to cover the current outbreak, as well as future needs in the space of haemorrhagic fevers.
• The first Call for proposals has a global budget of about €280 million and will result in projects aimed to address the development, manufacture, transport, and storage of vaccines; ensuring compliance with vaccine regimens; and the development of rapid diagnostic tests. Further Calls for proposals will be launched in the coming months. The first projects are expected to begin in early 2015.
• Richard Bergstrom, Director General EFPIA, stated: “Stopping the spread of Ebola, now and for future generations, is a key priority for the pharmaceutical industry, which has a long history in fighting pervasive infectious disease. The current Ebola outbreak in West Africa brings with it unprecedented challenges for patients and the healthcare system. This complex fight requires close collaboration and engagement from multiple stakeholders. The pharmaceutical industry, represented by EFPIA, recognises its responsibility and value and is ready to play a vital role.”

• The European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation Carlos Moedas said: "The EU is determined to help find a solution to Ebola. We are putting our money where our mouth is and boosting EU research on Ebola with an additional €280 million. With this funding from Horizon 2020 and our industry partners, we are stepping up the development of new vaccines and medications to help save lives around the world."
• Michel Goldman, IMI Executive Director commented: “Today’s launch of IMI’s Ebola+ programme exemplifies IMI’s firm commitment to addressing major health challenges where there is an unmet medical need and where the impact on public health is high. I am confident that by bringing together a wide range of stakeholders in collaborative projects, IMI will make a tangible contribution to global efforts to tackle this terrible disease.”
• Media Contacts
• European Commission - Directorate General for Research and Innovation Phone: +32 2 296 43 43, +32 2 295 55 89
Email: RTD-RESEARCH-PRESS@ec.europa.eu