European Commission unveils new research projects to fight influenza, as pandemic accusations rumble on

The European Commission yesterday announced the results of its 18 million-euro ($24.5 million) call for proposals for new research projects on influenza. Four collaborative research projects have been shortlisted for funding. They involve 52 research institutes and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from 18 European countries and three international partners (Israel, China and the USA).

Influenza virus genes migrate across continents and between species and seriously threaten both human and animal health. Two consortia will focus their research on influenza in pigs while the two others will develop innovative drugs against influenza in humans. Their selection is part of the European Union's longstanding support for research on influenza and brings the total Commission funding in this field to over 100 million euros since 2001.

EU Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science Maire Geoghegan-Quinn said: "Seasonal flu alone can kill 250,000 - 500,000 people worldwide every year and EU-funded research projects like these can help save lives. What is more, successful EU research in preventing and treating flu and other diseases has enormous social and economic value and can contribute significantly to our Europe 2020 goals."