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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
September 15, 4:33 AM
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Presentation of the European Innovation Council (EIC) programme, and in particular its extension to dual-use and defence projects (EIC STEP Scale Up Defence): - Presentation from the Info Days on 24 June 2026: download ;
- The updated work programme (Horizon Europe) for 2026 is available for download: EIC STEP Scale Up Defence ;
- European Innovation Council, with a focus of interest to FPA partners on new medical technologies: MCMs, CBRN defence, sensors, medical technologies: preclinical biomedical research; Testing of medicinal products and medical technologies for safety, efficacy or quality; biomedical innovation…
The call for proposals opened on 1 July 2026 (applications accepted until 28 October 2026).
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
September 14, 4:33 AM
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The EU is currently facing security challenges in a period of international instability. The last two decades have seen an increase in the number of significant Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) incidents and increasing disregard of the rules-based international order. Recent events in Syria and Ukraine, as well as within NATO’s Member Nations demonstrates a broad range of CBRN threats and spectrum of incidents including prolonged care and mass casualties. Despite this urgent need, only a few innovative medical countermeasures (MCMs) are currently available to EU and Norwegian armed forces to protect its military and civilian population through. The existing ones in the US are not readily accessible internationally. This is the results of the lack of economic motivation for industry, lack of coordination between civilian and military academic institutions, industries and military commands, and lack of long-term strategic vision, that has characterised the last decades. European countries must now move on, and collaboratively work to establish and maintain a stockpiling of diagnostics and pharmaceuticals MCMs tools, as recently reported by the NATO recommendations (draft document, April 2025). In this context, 95 European organisations, including military medical institutes, research institutes, universities, RTOs, hospitals, industries, mid-caps and SMEs, supported by 12 European Ministries of Defence set up the RESILIENCE Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA) and defined a set of comprehensive and coordinate research and development priorities to develop multiple MCMs in the European Union. The RESILIENCE-R-2025 project proposal is the third research action of the RESILIENCE FPA. It has begun on the 1st of April 2026 and will last until the 31st of March 2029. The project focuses on creating new diagnostic tools and treatments for chemical and biological threats, including bacterial and viral agents. It brings together a network of European partners from academia, industry, and the military to develop innovative solutions. The project aims to reduce Europe's reliance on non-European sources and enhance its autonomy in medical countermeasures. By developing new technologies and products, the project will contribute to European security and competitiveness and will also improve the protection of armed forces and civilians against chemical and biological threats. The project is composed of five Sub-Projects, including the first one for the Management, and four technical: - SP2-DIAG BACT-Lab and Point of Care (POC) diagnosis of bacterial agents. - SP3-AG-TEST-B-Next generation of antigenic and genetic tests for Biological (B) agents. - SP-4 ANTIVIR-Antiviral medical countermeasures usable in an operational field. - SP-5 VECT-Advanced strategies for the administration and vectorization of MCM against nerve agents. The project associate 16 partners, for a 36 months action. The total budget is 13,499,796.98€. The Project manager is Téo Géraudie, that we welcomed on the Saclay site on the 27th of April.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
June 19, 9:46 AM
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Round Table 2: Integrating lessons learned in the military field into CBRN medical research: the role of civil-military cooperation. Moderated by: Ileana AKRICHI and Fanny CAPUTO (CEA) Speakers: Eric Zolcer (DG HERA), IGA Yannick MOREL (DGA NRBC), Christian HAGGENMILLER (European External Action Service), Michel WAKIM (French MoH). Round Table 2 addressed a critical pillar of the CBRN defence: the Civil-Military Cooperation in CBRN Medical Countermeasures. In today’s volatile geopolitical landscape, the lines between conventional warfare, gray-zone tactics, and public health emergencies are increasingly blurred. To explore how we can bridge the gap between military sovereignty and public health preparedness, an exceptional panel of experts who navigate these two worlds daily was presented to enrich these discussions. Opening the session on R&D Prioritization, Mr. Eric Zolcer, CBRN Policy Officer at DG HERA, and Mr. Yannick Morel, Director of CBRN Defence within the French MoD, underlined MCMs as strategic assets. They emphasized the need for collaborative work between Member States' MoDs, civil security services and the European Commission to ensure a unified response and rapidly deployable protective measures for both military and civilian societies. This vision requires prioritizing MCMs themselves (shortlist), but also the strategic materials and essential pharmaceutical ingredients indispensable to their development (i.e., pharmaceutical ingredients, molecules, helium, PCR, semiconductors, etc), at the national and European level (i.e., common stockpiles). Commander Christian Haggenmiller, Medical Adviser at the European External Action Service (EUMS), shared insights on European and NATO synergies regarding health security and preparedness, framing the relationship as complementary rather than competitive. He highlighted joint procurements funded by HERA or the European Defence Fund (EDF) as prime examples of successful civil-military cooperation. While noting that including NATO could offer a strategic advantage for joint procurement, everyone agreed to stress that supply chains must remain sovereign, restricted to European companies, and sustained by a continuous flow of orders to avoid disruption during a crisis. Finally, Ph. Michel Wakim Head of the UMR Office within the Centre for Health Security (French Ministry of Health), provided key perspectives from the 'Critical Medicine Initiatives' working group, concluding that civil and military actors must jointly secure operational medical support and long-term sustainability for healthcare product supplies, through an open dialogue that is increasingly strengthened between the institutions.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
June 19, 9:36 AM
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Panel 1: Presentation of the European CBRN MCM Working Group. Moderated by: Yannick SAINTIGNY (CEA) Speakers: Michael Abend (Bundeswehr), Ingars Reinold (University of Latvia), Marc Benderitter (Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority). The panel focused on ongoing projects addressing radiological and nuclear threats within RESILIENCE actions. - Michael Abend from the Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology (DE) presented findings on the diagnosis of radiation-induced health effects, emphasizing the integration of clinical, epidemiological, and transcriptomic data to predict health outcomes in exposed populations, particularly Chernobyl workers. This work highlighted the importance of molecular biology, dosimetry, and bioinformatics in developing effective countermeasures. - Ingars Reinholds from the University of Latvia (LT) discussed the synthesis and evaluation of Prussian Blue sorbents for caesium sorption in simulated gastrointestinal solutions. The research outputs demonstrated the effectiveness of Prussian Blue nanoparticles in binding caesium ions, with potential applications in medical countermeasures for radiological emergencies. The study also explored the stability and cytotoxicity of these nanoparticles, providing insights into their safety and efficacy. - Marc Benderitter from the French Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (FR) presented on operational radiological assessment systems designed for battlefield use. These systems aim to support decision-making processes in managing nuclear and radiological (NR) situations. The discussion covered real-time dosimetry, centralized threat detection, and the integration of data to enhance force protection and mission success in high-intensity combat zones. The presentations highlighted the progress made in diagnostics, sorbent technologies, and operational systems, emphasizing the need for continued innovation and collaboration in this field. The discussions, both during the panel session and around the posters and presentations in the field, underscore those therapeutic strategies for the use of medical countermeasures against radiological and nuclear threats will likely be integrated into a sequential medical framework. This framework includes growth factors such as G-CSF (which has recently received market authorization from the EMA), radioprotectors like Myelo-001 (developed as part of the COUNTERACT project), decorporation agents such as EDTA, Prussian Blue, or HOPO, and those that will be developed in RESILIENCE D 2025 and R 2026. Additionally, it encompasses biological strategies for the reconstruction of organs or tissues damaged by radiations with adapted stem cell transplants.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
September 7, 6:33 AM
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Panel 3: Ongoing projects on biological threats Moderated by: Claudia Filippone (ERINHA) Speakers: • Jean-Nicholas Tournier (CEA) • Elin Jørgensen (Softox) • Tim BEAUMONT & Marit J. van GILS (University of Amsterdam) Within the workshop addressing European initiatives to strengthen preparedness against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats through research, innovation and strategic cooperation, ERINHA chaired the session dedicated to ongoing research on biological threats. The session focused on recent scientific advances in the development of innovative medical countermeasures against high-consequence biological agents. The presentations showcased research conducted within the RESILIENCE Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA) and the European Agile Network for Medical Countermeasures against CBRN Threats (COUNTERACT). The session opened with the presentation from Jean-Nicolas Tournier (CEA), who reviewed progress in the development of next-generation vaccines, including vaccine strategies targeting orthopoxviruses, highlighting innovative approaches to strengthen preparedness against emerging viral threats. Elin Jørgensen (SoftOx) then presented SIS 2.0, described as a potential game changer for the treatment of inhaled biological threats. The talk highlighted ongoing efforts to develop innovative therapeutic solutions aimed at improving the medical response following respiratory exposure to hazardous biological agents. The session concluded with Marit J. van Gils (University of Amsterdam), who presented work on monoclonal antibodies targeting several Risk Group 4 viruses, highlighting promising preclinical efficacy. Building on the presentations, the subsequent discussion emphasised the importance of clinical validation to support the translation of these innovative approaches into effective medical countermeasures. Overall, the session showcased complementary research approaches spanning vaccines, therapeutics and monoclonal antibodies, illustrating the breadth of ongoing European research to strengthen preparedness and response capacities against biological threats through the development of innovative medical countermeasures.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
September 7, 6:24 AM
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Antimicrobials, including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitic, are medicines used to prevent and treat infectious diseases in humans, animals and plants. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines the “Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) [as an act that] occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines. As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines become ineffective and infections become difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, disability and death”. Indeed, “AMR is a natural process that happens over time through genetic changes in pathogens. Its emergence and spread are accelerated by human activity, mainly the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials to treat, prevent or control infections in humans, animals and plants”. The risks and challenges induced by AMR at a worldwide level is consequent and represents one of the priorities in Global Health. The antimicrobial-resistant infections are estimated to cause more than 35 000 deaths per year in the EU/EEA. This estimated number is determined by an analyse of the years 2016 to 2020. It shows an increase from previous estimates. The health impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is comparable to that of influenza, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS combined. The increasing emergency is linked to the latest data that show exponential number of infections and attributable deaths for almost all bacterium (antibiotic resistance combinations), particularly in healthcare settings. In response, a decrease of 23% in total antimicrobial consumption in humans, in both primary care and hospital sectors, was observed in the studies during the from 2012 to 2021 period. This measure represents a step forward, but despite this, there has been an increase in the proportion of ‘broad-spectrum’ antibiotics used by hospitals. Between 2012 and 2021, in hospital settings, the use of ‘broad-spectrum’ antibiotics rose by 15%, that of carbapenems by 34%, and the proportion of ‘reserve’ antibiotics – defined as those that should be reserved for the treatment of confirmed or suspected multidrug-resistant infections – increased significantly, with consumption almost doubling. The reported rates of antimicrobial resistance varied considerably from one country to another for several combinations of bacterial species and antimicrobial groups. For the most part, the lowest rates of antimicrobial resistance were reported by countries in northern Europe, and the highest by countries in southern and eastern Europe. The Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the four major threat categories and one of the priorities of the Europe’s preparedness and its Medical Countermeasures Strategy. The estimated costs of the AMR is estimated of 11 billion of euros each year in the EU/EEA. The need to develop new MCMs to address and counter the AMR challenges and risks is primordial. The European Commission, together with partners, announced at the occasion of the One Health Summit in Lyon on the 7th April 2026, an EU4Health investment of 30 million of euros in order to strengthen the medical countermeasures global response to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A partnership with the KfW (Germany’s Development Bank) will permit to fund the work of the not-for-profit organisations Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X) and the Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP). Respectively, their work will develop early-stage antibacterial research and late-stage clinical development projects, ensuring a comprehensive and sustainable pipeline for AMR medical countermeasures.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
September 7, 6:17 AM
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Final Implementation Report: Training on management of medical countermeasures for preparedness and response to cross border health threats. - November 2025, European Commission
The report presents a training programme developed to strengthen the European Union’s preparedness for cross-border health threats, building on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. It was implemented for the European Commission’s HERA authority, whose mission is to improve crisis readiness and response capacities across Member States. A central objective is to ensure the availability, accessibility, and efficient use of medical countermeasures (MCMs) during crises. The programme delivered nine thematic training sessions: 1. Emergency framework regulation: Strengthening the coordination mechanisms between EU institutions and national authorities is emphasised. This priority enhanced the fact that improving the governance frameworks and clarifying the roles in crisis decision-making processes is determinant. 2. Management of stockpiles: The programme also emphasized strategic stockpiling and logistics as critical elements of preparedness. Decisions related to inventory management, deployment readiness, and supply chain resilience are key focus areas. 3. Information and data sharing: Enhancing the data-driven decision-making through better information sharing tools and systems is central. 4. Pull Incentives: The training address innovation and incentives to ensure long-term availability of MCMs. This reflects a strategic priority to balance immediate crisis response with future preparedness. 5. EUFAB: an EU Capacity Reservation Contract for enhancing the preparedness and response of Member States for future health emergencies permits the interoperability between national and EU systems, identified as essential for timely and accurate decisions. 6. Deployment of MCMs in the context of stockpiling: This training has for main objective to provide strategic insights of pre-deployment strategies and considerations. 7. Crisis procurement: This highlights the need for flexible and coordinated purchasing mechanisms. Participants explored different procurement tools and scenarios to support rapid decision-making during emergencies. 8. Civil-military cooperation practices: Civil-military cooperation and international collaboration were also identified as key priorities. These elements support coordinated responses and more comprehensive crisis management strategies. 9. Pandemic Influenza preparedness: Participants from EU member states, EEA countries, and Ukraine will contribute to foster a shared understanding of pandemic preparedness actions and capacities. In conclusion, the training programme has successfully strengthened the European Union’s capacity to prepare for and respond to cross-border health threats. It has demonstrated that effective decision-making relies on strong coordination between EU institutions and Member States, underpinned by clear governance frameworks and rapid access to reliable data. The programme highlighted several key priorities, including ensuring the availability of disease control and management measures (DCM), improving procurement and stockpiling strategies, and fostering collaboration between sectors and countries. It also demonstrated that practical, scenario-based learning is essential for translating knowledge into operational decisions during a crisis. Thus, by focusing on targeted, interactive and operational training approaches, the EU can continue to strengthen its preparedness and ensure more effective and coordinated responses to future health emergencies.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
September 7, 5:59 AM
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In July 2025, the European Commission launched the new Medical Countermeasures Strategy (MCM). The strategy, announced by President Ursula von der Leyen in her political guidelines and included in the Preparedness Union Strategy, outlines key measures to further accelerate innovation and supply of medical countermeasures. Medical countermeasures include vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and other medical devices, as well as personal protective equipment (PPE). They are essential in bolstering our defense against a variety of health emergencies, such as those caused by respiratory or contact-based viruses with pandemic potential, vector-borne or animal-reservoir viruses with epidemic potential, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), armed conflict-related threats, and chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) threats. Essentially, the strategy ensures that medical countermeasures are easily accessible and available in the event of an emergency. It supports development, production, stockpiling, and takes an all-hazards approach to cross-border health threats, whether of natural, accidental, or deliberate origin. In general, the strategy is designed to enhance the EU's strategic autonomy, preparedness, and security, while simultaneously fostering innovation in sectors that are critical to the competitiveness of our economy and the health and well-being of Europeans. Four pillars have been assessed by the European Commission : 1. Surveillance and intelligence : Creating an EU-wide list of priority countermeasures supported, among others, by wastewater monitoring systems at both EU and international levels and a medical countermeasures intelligence system. 2. Accelerating innovation and scaling up manufacturing : - Launching a MCMs Accelerator, establishing development hubs for therapeutics and diagnostics, and investing in AI-driven research. - Developing flexible and scalable manufacturing through partnerships like RAMP-UP, a Rapid Agile Manufacturing Partnership for Union Protection. 3. Ensuring access, availability, and rapid deployment : o Improving stockpiling practices, defining clear crisis procurement guidelines, reserving ever-warm production capacity that can be rapidly activated to selected vaccines in the event of emergency. and supporting mobile, ready-to-use laboratories. 4. Coordination and Preparedness : Fostering international partnerships, strengthening collaboration across public and private sectors, enhancing civil-military cooperation, and ensuring that health systems and citizens can respond swiftly and effectively. With this action plan, the European Commission aims to ensure a more perspicace and applicable health security and preparedness in order to foresee the upcoming global crisis and permit the member states to respond, recover, and protect the EU.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
September 7, 6:09 AM
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The CBRNe Summit Europe have taken place in Lyon, France with a focus on Mediterranean CBRNe capabilities and dealing with CBRNe incidents in warm/hot weather conditions. The conference has permited to discuss and present the latest CBRNe capabilities and all the latest threats faced across Europe. On the first day of the event participants got the opportunity to view the Sampeurs Pompiers de Lyon and the Lyon City Police CBRNe equipment, vehicles, and capabilities. Participants also had the opportunity to see vendor technologies and products during the demonstration day. The two-day conference has been the occasion to discuss the emerging CBRNe threats across Europe, CBRNe capabilities of both military and civil agencies, response to Hazmat incidents, Medical Countermeasures, preparedness to mass casualty incidents, RescEU program updates, and international CBRNe training programs. Ileana Akrichi, Project Manager of the Resilience-Research Action-2023 has presented the FPA with an oral presentation. This presentation has been the occasion to recall the MCMs devlopment and the EU’s priorities in the field. Each action of the Resilience FPA is build on three pillars : Diagnosis, Prevention adn Prophylaxis, Treatment. A trasversal manufacturing axis is included. On this basis, the RA-2023 has developped and asses in his 5 technical sub-project reasearchs for each axis. 1. Diagnosis : - Microfluidic card for RNA isolation (PoC) ; - Rapid on field diagnostic tests for B agents (lateral flow assays, PCR, multiplexing) ; - Interconnected dosimetry architecture for the calculation of the individual dose (medical command). 2. Prevention adn Prophylaxis : - 4th Generation cross-protective vaccines against Monkepox (MPXV) and Variola (VARV) viruses ; - Innovate antibody-based proxylaxis against biotoxins and hemorrhagic fever viruses. 3. Treatment : - New drugs and hydrogels formulations against radionuclides for decontamination ; - Nanosystems for the vectorisation of nerve agents antidotes ; o Phage wound dressing for CBRN bacteria ; - New catalytic bioscavengers targeting native cholinesterase ; - Extracellular Vesicle (EV)- enriched secretome against acute radiation syndrome. 4. Manufacturing : - GMP-compatible platform for the protein production based on2 innovative techniques: cell-free and plant-based. The firsts results of the first action of the FPA have been presented. 1. RN : - Prototype microfluidic card for RNA isolation and qRT-PCR ; - Validated new method to ensure cytogenetic examinations in patients ; - New PB submicron-nanoparticule formulations synthetized ; - Optimization of PB-SMNP and clay-based formulations for cesium and cobalt radionuclide sorption (oral and gel application). 2. B : - RAMAN diagnostic systems and phage reported assays ; - First promising design of microneedles (mRNA and MVL vacc) ; - Selection of 3 epitope-based immunogens to design mRNA-based vaccines (lipid-based nanoparticules. 3. C : - Successful synthesis of 12 reactivators (in vivo safety and efficacy studies ongoing).
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
September 7, 6:21 AM
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The EU’s stockpiling strategy aims to strengthen Europe’s material preparedness in response to growing and complex crisis risks. It draws on lessons learnt from recent health and geopolitical crises. The increasing vulnerabilities of global supply chains and the need for coordinated action by Member States are becoming more acute. National systems are not sufficient on their own, with shortages affecting various sectors across the board. Key priorities include improving risk anticipation through real-time monitoring systems and more effective data sharing. The EU aims to strengthen cross-sectoral and cross-border coordination to avoid duplication and inefficiencies. Furthermore, defining common approaches to stockpiling, particularly regarding minimum stock levels and target goods, is becoming capital and urgent. This ensures comparable preparedness across Member States whilst avoiding overstocking and market distortions. The establishment of strategic stockpiles at EU level is essential, and involves, for example, strengthening the rescEU reserve. Several measures appear to be necessary: increasing reserves, expanding capacity and addressing the gaps identified in critical sectors. The strategy emphasises resilient and agile supply chains through innovation, diversification and greater self-sufficiency within the EU. Alternative solutions are also encouraged, such as virtual stocks and partnerships with the private sector. Logistics and transport infrastructure are key pillars. Indeed, they must remain operational in the event of a crisis, and ensuring their long-term viability is a major challenge. The EU plans to standardized cross-border movements and invest in interoperable civil and military systems. Finally, civil-military cooperation is another key priority for ensuring the effective use of shared resources and capabilities. Interoperability is crucial, and harmonising efforts to build up civilian and military stockpiles is one of the EU’s short-term objectives. Cooperation between the public and private sectors is essential, as businesses play a central role in supply chains and stockpile management. The strategy encourages structured dialogue, incentives and joint preparedness initiatives with the private sector. To secure supply chains, international cooperation and the strengthening of strategic partnerships are necessary and must be sustained. The EU aims to coordinate stockpiling efforts at a global level and to improve links with neighbouring countries and organisations. Decision-making is based on risk assessments, cost-effectiveness considerations and the need to minimise market disruption. Flexibility and adaptability are essential to respond to evolving threats and uncertainties. Despite significant costs, investment in preparedness is considered necessary, given the long-term benefits in terms of resilience. Overall, the strategy establishes a comprehensive and coordinated framework for the EU’s material preparedness. It emphasises that anticipation, coordination and the sharing of responsibilities are key to responding effectively to contemporary crises. Key priorities include building up stocks, improving logistics and strengthening cooperation at all levels. Strategic decisions aim to strengthen capabilities at EU level, foster partnerships and ensure the resilience of the system. In the long term, continuous learning, investment and innovation will be essential to maintaining preparedness. These measures are fundamental to the objective of defending and preserving the European Union and its Member States.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
September 14, 4:38 AM
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The RESILIENCE-D-2025 project proposal is the second development action of the RESILIENCE FPA. It has begun on the 1st of April 2026 and will last until the 31st of March 2029. RESILIENCE-D-2025 aims to advancing two innovative MCMs against radiological and nuclear (RN) threats by addressing the treatment of Acute Radiation Syndromes frequent in RN exposure scenarios and Multi-Organ Failure (MOF), induced by combined injuries. The two disruptive Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products will be developed up to TRL 6. The RESILIENCE-D-2025 project specifically addresses Nuclear and Radiological (NR) threats, providing treatments for Acute Radiation Syndromes (Hematopoietic: H-ARS; Gastrointestinal: G-ARS), eventually combined with tissue injuries leading to Multi-Organ Failure (MOF), which constitute up to 65% of injuries from airburst detonations in nuclear conflict scenarios. These injuries typically combine radiation exposure with trauma such as blast wounds or burns, inducing Combined Injury Syndrome (CIS) that accelerates symptom onset, impairs healing, and significantly increases mortality. Primary challenges include rapid progression to systemic inflammation, infection, and multi-organ failure, particularly problematic when medical evacuation is delayed or in austere combat environments. Additionally, crush injuries leading to rhabdomyolysis cause acute renal and hepatic dysfunction requiring immediate intervention. According to the specific objectives of the call, the RESILIENCE-D-2025 proposal cover the medical management of H-ARS, GARS and MOFs for a large number of patients arriving simultaneously to a care facility by developing two new disruptive Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) therapeutic products including acellular and cellular products. The RESILIENCE-D-2025 clearly responds to the urgent military needs associated with NR threats. The project covers all functional requirements issued in the call for the deployment of MCMs in the operational field according to NATO standards, spanning from Role 1 (care before extraction), Role 2 (stabilization during evacuation of the field) to Role 4 (highly specialised hospital capabilities). The project is composed of two Sub-Projects, including the first one for the Management, and one technical: - SP2-STEMMIR. The project associate 10 partners, for a 36 months action. The total co-financed budget is 12,513,285.00€, including a 11,498,737.82€ contribution of the European Union. The Project manager is Loli Chibko, that we welcomed on the Fontenay-Aux-Roses site on the 18th of May.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
June 19, 9:43 AM
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Round Table 1: From laboratory innovation to large-scale production: what strategies are needed to build a sovereign European CBRN medical countermeasures industry? Moderated by: Fanny CAPUTO & Randa EL FEKIH (CEA) Speakers: Nathalie MORGENSZTEJN (ANSM), Grégory VERNIER (Fabentech), Marina MOLETTA-DENAT (IBISBA). The first round table explored the challenge of moving from laboratory innovation to large-scale production to build a sovereign European industry for CBRN medical countermeasures. The risk landscape has evolved, with renewed biological threats and high geopolitical tensions. Europe possesses the science, but the real challenge is transforming this knowledge into concrete solutions that can be deployed rapidly and collectively. Three key players shared their perspectives. - Grégory Vernier (Fabentech), Head of Business Development, presented Ricimed®, the first drug approved in France against ricin intoxication (January 2026). His success illustrates the conditions needed to transform CBRN innovation into operational and industrial readiness: collaboration between stakeholders, strategic investments, and an adapted regulatory framework. - Marina Moletta-Denat, Business, Partnership and Communication Director at Toulouse White Biotechnology and coordinator of IBISBA (Industrial Biotechnology Innovation and Synthetic Biology Acceleration Infrastructure), explained how this infrastructure bridges the gap between research and industrial applications. She highlighted its potential role in CBRN threat prevention and response by accelerating the transition from research to industrial-scale production. - Finally, Nathalie Morgensztein, Scientific Coordinator for Europe and Innovation at the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM), described the role of the institution and her work as an expert for the European Medicines Agency (EMA). She emphasized that effective crisis response requires both speed and coordination while maintaining safety standards. She also highlighted the regulatory adaptations needed to develop medical countermeasures in CBRN emergency situations, supported by both national regulatory frameworks and European-level coordination.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
June 19, 9:32 AM
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Introduction session: European funding programs on CBRN MCMs: opportunities for Research and Innovation. Moderated by: Renaud LAFFOURCADE & Téo GÉRAUDIE (CEA) Speakers: Monique IDIRI & Luca FIORANI (DG DEFIS), Erik ZOLCER (DG HERA), Michel Wakim (French MoH). The first session focused on ongoing European funding programs for CBRN Medical Countermeasures (MCMs) and their research and innovation opportunities. Luca Fiorani (DG DEFIS) outlined the evolution of EU defense initiatives, from the 2003 European Security Strategy to the 2025 White Paper on Readiness 2030, including programs like PADR, SAFE, EDIP, and EDF. CBRN and medical response currently account for 4% of the European Defence Fund’s 17 categories, with highlights on projects like iMEDCAP and the newly funded Salubris. Erick Zolcer (DG HERA) presented the DG’s mission, established post-COVID-19, with four priorities: armed conflict-related threats, CBRN threats, pandemic-potential viruses, vector-borne/epidemic viruses, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In 2025, DG HERA launched an €18 million call for 2–3 year projects, open to single participants—unlike EDF, which requires consortia. Finally, Dr. Michel Wakim (French MoH) introduced the Joint Action Stockpile, coordinated by Finland’s Institute for Health and Welfare, aiming to strengthen EU preparedness through sustainable MCM stockpiles.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
June 19, 9:49 AM
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Panel 2: Transversal research and innovation to CBRN threats. Moderated by: Randa EL FEKIH (CEA) Speakers: Charles Williams (LENIOBIO) During the panel on Transversal Research and Innovation for CBRN Threats, Charles Williams, Lead Strategic Projects Manager within LenioBio’s R&D Department, highlighted the potential of plant-based technologies to accelerate responses to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies. He presented the development of LenioBio’s ALiCE® platform, a cell-free protein synthesis technology designed to enable the rapid and scalable production of vaccines and therapeutics. The platform is being advanced towards Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) biomanufacturing, with the objective of providing faster access to medical countermeasures during health and security crises. Supported by major international initiatives, including projects funded by CEPI, HERA and the European Defence Fund, LenioBio aims to establish cell-free protein synthesis as a key technology for producing complex proteins and reducing development timelines.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
September 7, 6:30 AM
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Panel 4: Ongoing projects on chemical threats Moderated by: Téo Géraudie (CEA) Speakers: • Véronique Juillard (Fabentech) • Stéphanie Simon (CEA) • Florian Nachon (French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute) European Union faces security challenges due to international instability. Among these are rising Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats. To enhance resilience, it is crucial to develop medical countermeasures (MCMs). Biological toxins are a focus of concern on national and international levels due to the increasing threat of their deliberate release in a bioterrorist attack. In this panel, the chemical risks have been assessed by the three speakers on different terms. Among these biological toxins, ricin and abrin, and the bacterial Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are of particular interest owing to either their worldwide availability, ease of preparation, or their high toxicity and the lack of medical countermeasures. Stéphanie Simon (Head of the DMTS-CEA, leader of the Resilience-RA-2024 SP2 TOXINS) assessed these risks and presented the development of methods that have not been applied in the biodefence area and represent a major innovation in the field. The presentation was centered around the Diagnostic approach, which involved the creation of portable, rapid, and precise detection tests that could be applied in the military. The Treatment approach, which focused on the development of innovative methods to create anti-ricin, anti-abrin, and anti-BoNT mAbs, was also discussed. Additionally, the innovative Ricimed solution, which was developed for the treatment and management of confirmed or strongly suspected cases of acute ricin poisoning, could be discussed from the perspective of Véronique Julliard (Fabentech). In addition, the presentation sought to emphasize the necessity of a pandemic preparedness and the effectiveness of robust biodefense solutions. Fabentech priorities and technologies have been discussed. The CBRN risks, and especially the chemical threats of intended, accidental, or natural origin, continue to rise for EU civilians and military personnel. Current therapies against nerve agents lack efficacy. Florian Nachon (Leader of the Resilience-RA-2024 SP6 SCAV ; Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées) focused on the Toxicity mechanism of nerve agents and the aims to develop a BChE bioscavenger that represents a significant innovation in the field of defence MCMs. The BChE antidote relies on a novel mechanism of action combining an innovative approach and product. The ALiCE® recombinant production platform of BChE in non-human systems ensures a consistent and scalable supply of the bioscavenger, overcoming the limitations of sourcing it from human plasma. Integrating AI and machine learning in bioscavenger development is innovative, accelerating the discovery and optimization process.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
September 14, 4:23 AM
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The biopharmaceutical company Fabentech, which specializes in immunotherapies against biological threats, has just obtained marketing authorization for Ricimed®, a new antidote designed to combat ricin poisoning, a toxic substance for which there has been no specific treatment or vaccine anywhere in the world until now.
This success is the result of research and development work carried out since 2016 under the ongoing supervision of the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) through the Rapid program (a dual innovation support scheme for SMEs) which aims to support innovative projects with military and civilian applications, and with the constant scientific support of the French Armed Forces Health Service (SSA).
Recognized as a French pharmaceutical company since October 2025, Fabentech has now achieved a world first in a key area for national sovereignty, with the role of the Ministry of Health having been decisive in bringing the product to market.
This success is the result of the joint efforts of public and private actors, confirming France's pioneering position in the field of biotherapies.
Following the first French deliveries, Fabentech is now preparing to launch export orders, illustrating the ability of French innovation to shine on the international stage.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
September 7, 6:14 AM
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Renaud Laffourcade , Ileana Akrichi , Fanny Caputo , Patrick Cappe de Baillon , Jiska Kentrop, Florence Le Page and Yannick Saintigny JACOB, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; b JOLIOT, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, Gif-sur-Yvette, France; c DRT, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, Gif-sur-Yvette, France; d CBRN Protection Department, TNO, Rijswijk, The Netherlands This paper investigates the strategic importance of sovereignty in health innovation for defence within the European Union, addressing vulnerabilities exposed by recent pandemics and geopolitical tensions. It traces the evolution of technological sovereignty and emphasises the imperative for autonomous capabilities in military-medical technologies amid global shifts, including China's industrial policies and U.S. protectionism. The study proposes a technological sovereignty index (TSI) for evaluating sovereignty across multiple dimensions: research intensity, patent ownership, domestic production and supply chain resilience. The TSI provides decision-makers with actionable intelligence to identify capability gaps and guide targeted investments. Embedding technological sovereignty in EU health innovation governance strengthens strategic autonomy and security, establishing a structural pillar of European resilience in an increasingly contested geopolitical environment.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
June 19, 9:57 AM
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During the Health and Safety Committee of the EU Commission , held in January 2026, the military medical preparedness and reactivity, in case of a largescale warfare has been constituted as a dissuasive measure. The President of the COMEDS , Norwegian General Iversen, has underlined that the health is constitutive of power, responsive institution and strategic credibility in a largescale conflict situation. The international context and the recent evolutions on the European soil, have led France to explore the possibility of the Major Enrolment Hypothesis, a scenario in which the mobilization of the armed forces is maximal. This implies the participation in an international coalition, but also the management of consequences on national territory. The complexity for the Military Health Service of such scenario is emphasized: in case of an operation in Easter Europe, the military and civilian health institutions, flow, evacuation chains, supply chains will be disrupted. Furthermore, the perspective of a multinational coalition lead to anticipate the coverage of international patients in France. On the one hand, the concept of ‘host nation support’ requires NATO member states to provide the necessary support – including healthcare – to allied armed forces transiting through or stationed on their territory. On the other hand, population movements caused by a conflict are likely to result in an influx of refugees into the country, and thus place an additional burden on the healthcare system.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
September 7, 5:53 AM
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With a view to the next MFF (2028-34), the next two years will be marked by the challenge of budgetary commitment in the defense industry sector. Against the backdrop of large-scale war between Ukraine and Russia, the EU has implemented several political and economic initiatives over the past four years. The EDF, EDIP, and SAFE instruments are the three main budgetary instruments established by the EU with a view to governing the arms sector through the political and industrial practice of European cooperation. In addition, with a view to pursuing institutional developments and building technical negotiation skills, several member states have set up specific working groups in governmental and political spheres. The rapid development of budgetary tools in European military-industrial policy is a key factor in contemporary armed conflicts. The desire for military industrial synergy is becoming a priority. Increasing external competitiveness in this area is also a major challenge. This “geo-economic” shift could be driven by three significant factors: 1. Accelerated industrial production and the acquisition of military equipment. 2. The consolidation of the European technological and defense industrial base. 3. A restoration of the strategic autonomy of European states vis-à-vis non-European powers in order to reduce their technological and industrial dependencies. In the field of R&D, the cumulative expenditure of member states amounted to €15.9 billion in 2024, making the EU the fourth largest public investor behind France, the United Kingdom, and Germany, and ahead of Poland, Italy, and Spain. In the industrial sector, the EDIP incentive instrument targets companies and governments. Complementing the EDF (€1.5 billion for 2025-27), it aims to support investment in productive capital, as well as grouped public procurement through the EC. However, the European Commission does not have the power to purchase military equipment on behalf of the EU, as this would be contrary to the treaties. Furthermore, military equipment procurement agencies remain exclusively national (e.g., DGA in France). The EDIP instrument applies the dual logic of ASAP financing, which stimulates and combines purchases. The SAFE instrument aims to finance national rearmament efforts (2025-30), based on the principle of loans to Member States backed by the borrowing capacity and guarantee of the EU budget, and offering more favorable financing conditions. In a desire for European military rearmament and the expansion of industrial production and competitiveness, these pillars also imply cooperation and joint commitment between EU member states and third countries. Opportunities are driven by a desire for European sovereignty. In the current context, the EU is no longer content to regulate the military-industrial sector through normative instruments, but is implementing a “geo-economic” agenda to support the creation of budgetary instruments to develop an industrial policy driven by the European Commission. Despite the intergovernmental approach to security and defense specific to member states, political compromises and broad cooperation have been implemented. The budgetary tools developed are central to the common European defense policy. The mobilization and inclusion of third countries makes it possible to consolidate powerful alliances in order to remedy embargoes and market domination.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
June 19, 9:55 AM
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The European Commission is coordinating the health and operational response of Member States to a Hantavirus outbreak detected aboard a cruise ship (MV Hondius). Although the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) considers the overall risk to the general public to be very low, the European Union has activated its Civil Protection Mechanism and mobilized strategic reserves to ensure the safe repatriation of passengers. The response focuses on three main aspects: 1. Repatriation Operation and On-Site Crisis Management -
Mechanism Activation: Spain activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism on May 6, 2026. -
Repatriation Flights: Six flights coordinated by the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) were organized from Tenerife (where the cruise ship was anchored), operated by France, Spain, the Netherlands, Greece, and Ireland. -
Logistics & Assets: A medevac aircraft from the EU fleet (hosted by Norway) was pre-positioned, alongside additional protective equipment and logistical support on standby. -
Expert Deployment: An ERCC liaison officer and experts from the EU Health Task Force (led by the ECDC) were deployed to Tenerife and onboard the vessel to oversee the disembarkation process. 2. European and International Health Coordination -
Strategic Alignment: The Health Security Committee meets daily with national authorities, the ECDC, the WHO, and G7 partners to harmonize disembarkation, repatriation, and follow-up protocols. -
Continuous Monitoring: Daily multilateral meetings and briefings ensure real-time information sharing and operational adjustments based on epidemiological updates. 3. Strategic Framework and Preparedness -
Prior Identification: Hantaviruses were included in the EU's 2025 health threat prioritization, which enabled advance funding for candidate vaccines and medical countermeasures. -
Strengthened Legal Framework: The response leverages the revised 2022 regulation on serious cross-border threats to health, facilitating rapid expert deployment and emergency medical responses.
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