EFPIA and IMI launch 280 million-euro Ebola program, calling for proposals

The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), its specialized group Vaccines Europe, and the Innovative Medicines Initiative last week launched a 280 million-euro ($347.5 million) call for proposals for an Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) program aimed to address the current Ebola crisis.

The news came just a couple of days after Margaret Chan, director general of the World Health Organization, criticized pharmaceutical companies for failing to develop an Ebola vaccine despite the virus’ 40 year run because it attacked people in poorer African countries.

Dr Chan said: “Because Ebola has historically been confined to poor African nations, the R&D incentive is virtually non-existent. A profit-driven industry does not invest in products for markets that cannot pay. WHO has been trying to make this issue visible for ages. Now people can see for themselves.”