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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
October 14, 5:39 AM
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Finland has officially become a full member of the Multinational Medical Coordination Centre – Europe (MMCC-E). This accession aims to streamline military medical cooperation and improve crisis response across the continent. The partnership focuses primarily on facilitating cross-border patient transport (MEDEVAC), reinforcing medical preparedness, and enhancing integration between civil and military healthcare systems. The accession agreement was signed on August 17, 2026, by Medical Brigadier General Tuomo Leino, Surgeon General of the Finnish Defence Forces. As a reminder, The MMCC-E itself is based in Koblenz, Germany, and led by the German armed forces. It works closely with both the EU and NATO to make sure countries can coordinate quickly and effectively when a crisis hits. The membership relies on operational reciprocity and mutual standardisation: - Access to European Best Practices: Finland integrates pre-agreed and well-rehearsed procedures essential for swift, coordinated intervention in exceptional scenarios.
- Contribution of National Expertise: In return, Finland brings its extensive, proven experience in civil-military healthcare coordination to the broader European network.
This integration directly reinforces Finland’s national security while advancing collective European medical readiness. By bridging civil health structures with military response mechanisms, the agreement contributes to a robust, unified framework capable of addressing complex civil, military, and health emergencies.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
October 14, 5:35 AM
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SICC Series - SESSION 8 – Radiological and Nuclear Safety and Security, Protection and Technologies
RESILIENCE-D-2024 contributed to two sessions at the conference, both through its SP2 DOSI subproject (Operational dosimetric evaluation of soldiers’ health). Session 1: Integrated CBRNe Emergency, Communication and Crisis Management The session, chaired by Gen. B. Giorgio Guariglia, Col. Youssef Alkaabi and Cdr Pierpaolo Gentile, looked at how civilian, military and industrial responders can work as one. Its message was that technology alone is not enough: command structures, inter-agency coordination and clear public communication also shape the outcome of a crisis. Thales Italia presented the project’s technical contribution. Alessandra Dragani spoke on “Thales Italia’s Contribution to CBRN Defence Capabilities: Integrated CBRN Reconnaissance and Deployable Laboratory Capabilities for Rapid Threat Assessment and Decision Support.” The talk covered part of the SP2 DOSI work. Session 8: Radiological and Nuclear Safety and Security, Protection and Technologies Held on 1 and 2 October and chaired by Prof. Francesco D’Errico, Dr De Dominicis and Col. Carlos Ardanaz, this session focused on the tools used to assess and manage radiological and nuclear emergencies. These included spectrometry, dosimetry, robotic sensing and mobile laboratories, increasingly linked to decision-support systems. Randa El Fekih presented the whole subproject DOSI under the title “Giving commanders eyes for the medical management of NR situations: radiological assessment systems on the battlefield as a support for decision-making.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
October 14, 5:28 AM
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SICC Series - SESSION 6 – Health, Medical and Biosafety Management in CBRNe Emergencies
Among the twelve technical sessions, the 6th session was of particular interest to the RESILIENCE consortium. This session covered the medical, biosafety, and public health dimensions of CBRNe preparedness and response, emphasizing an integrated approach to saving lives and protecting healthcare infrastructures. Topics included triage and decontamination procedures, medical countermeasures (such as vaccines, antimicrobials, antidotes, and diagnostics), and the management of contaminated casualties. Contributions focusing on hospital resilience, surge capacity, and the continuity of essential services during mass-casualty events were encouraged. Studies examining the health impacts of long-term exposure, the role of exposome assessment, and mental health care for responders and victims were also highly relevant. The session welcomed work on biosafety and biosecurity measures in hospitals, laboratories, and emergency facilities, as well as early warning systems and surveillance networks for biological, chemical, and radiological incidents. A special focus was given to cross-sectoral collaboration among medical, public health, and civil protection entities. This session was chaired by three distinguished members: - Prof. Vasilis Vasiliou, Chair of the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at the Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, USA
- Prof. Giuseppe Novelli, Chair of the Section of Genetics, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy
- Dr. Giuseppe Bacis, Director of the Bergamo Poison Control Centre, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
- Dr. Nicola Simone, international expert on sensory analysis and member of the Italian Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA).
During this session, three presentations focused on the RESILIENCE projects: - Fanny Caputo presented the RESILIENCE FPA in her talk titled "Shielding Europe: Accelerating the development of CBRN Medical Countermeasures through the RESILIENCE FPA." This presentation outlined the European context and the relevance of the RESILIENCE actions and consortium, offering insights into key focal points and innovations in the field of Medical Countermeasures (MCMs). It also provided a look at close follow-ups and future perspectives, opening a dialogue on potential upcoming actions and grants.
- Lou Pinchon Carron de la Carrière presented the Resilience-R-2024 action in her talk titled "From detection to analysis and development, the R-2024 as a response for innovative defence’s MCMs needs: focus on toxins’ diagnostic and treatment, on field devices for detection and diagnostic, data processing and interpretation approach for biomarkers B, approach of the wounds B management system, and development of a BChE bioscavenger." This presentation highlighted innovative MCMs against chemical and biological threats, emphasizing the action's relevance and innovative approach.
- Lou Pinchon Carron de la Carrière delivered a second presentation focusing on technical sub-project 2 of the Resilience-R-2024 action, titled "Resilience-R-2024: SP2 TOXINS: the novel approaches to biotoxin threats and the development of innovative medical countermeasures at the European level." This presentation addressed the risks of biotoxins and rising biological threats across Europe, exemplified by the global conflict context. The sub-project focuses on a dual approach encompassing diagnostics and therapeutics, outlining concrete perspectives for ongoing research and highlighting the necessity of such objectives. Initial outputs were presented and discussed, and this presentation was honored with the Best Scientific Presentation Award, recognizing its innovative and pertinent development of MCMs in the biotoxins field.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
October 14, 5:25 AM
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Resilience-D-2026 : Presentation of the last development action !
It is our great pleasure to announce you that the final actions of the RESILIENCE FPA have been fully accepted and financed by the DG DEFIS. The Resilience-D-2026 will be the third and last research action of the RESILIENCE FPA and will be launched in October 2027. It partially will consist in the continuity in development of the Resilience-R-2023. Amidst rising Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats, the RESILIENCE-D-2026 project aims to strengthen European security by developing advanced Medical Countermeasures (MCMs) for military deployment. As the third development action under the RESILIENCE Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA), this project builds upon the foundational research of RESILIENCE-R-2023. The project is structured around three core scientific pillars to address radiological and biological exposures: 1) Decorporating and decontaminating agents, 2) Next-generation vaccines, 3) Phage-based therapeutics. A pan-European consortium of 19 military, academic, and industrial partners across seven countries will collaborate to ensure these solutions meet strict Ministry of Defence requirements. The targeted MCMs will be deployable in NATO Role 2 environments, administrable by minimally trained operators, and stable at storage conditions of at least +4°C. Technologically, the project establishes an autonomous European Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) production chain. By executing crucial pre-clinical toxicology and clinical Phase I studies, RESILIENCE-D-2026 targets the rapid progression of these critical countermeasures to advanced clinical or pre-clinical stages (TRL 6/7), ultimately securing European strategic autonomy in crisis management.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
October 14, 5:19 AM
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First General Assembly of Resilience-R-2024: Celebrating One Year of Progress in Graz
As the Resilience-R-2024 action marked its first anniversary, the project consortium gathered at the Medical University of Graz (MUG) in Austria for its very first General Assembly. The event provided a fantastic opportunity to share key achievements, highlight initial project outputs, and discuss upcoming milestones. Day 1: Plenary Session & Sub-Project Advancements (September 22, 2026) The assembly opened with a warm welcome to our distinguished external guests: - Prof. Dr. Akos Heinemann – Vice-Rector for Research, Head of the Division of Pharmacology, and Director of the Otto Loewi Research Center (MUG)
- Prof. Dr. Bernadette Liegl-Atzwanger – Head of the Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology and Professor for Translational Sarcoma Pathology (MUG)
- Mrs. Roberta Giuliani – Project Officer for the RESILIENCE FPA, European Commission (DG DEFIS)
Our Project Coordinator, Dr. Christophe Junot (Head of the Frédéric Joliot Institute for Life Sciences), delivered an inspiring opening address on the overarching RESILIENCE Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA) and the vision for the upcoming FPA2 call for proposals. The coordination team (Fanny Caputo and Lou Pinchon Carron de la Carrière) then provided a comprehensive overview of project management, covering key administrative, legal, and financial aspects. Throughout the rest of the day, Sub-Project (SP) and Work Package leaders presented their ongoing work, technical challenges, and future milestones: - SP2 TOXINS: Stéphanie Simon, Arnaud Avril, François Becher, Daniel Stern, Tom Van Nieuwenhuysen
- SP3 RAPID DIAG: Julia Kircher, Daniel Stern, Melissa Baqué
- SP4 BIOMARKERS B: Tim Holm, Julia Kircher, Olivier Dussurget, François Fenaille
- SP5 WOUNDS B: Ewelina Pabjańczyk-Wlazło, Aleksandra Jastrzębska, Julia Kircher
- SP6 SCAV: Florian Nachon, Charles William, Adrian Tripp
The interactive discussions and constructive feedback exchanged during these sessions set a collaborative tone for the rest of the meeting. Day 2: Expert Insights on CBRNe Threats (September 23, 2026) The second day kicked off with an insightful keynote speech by Colonel Christian Resch, Managing Director of the Disaster Competence Network Austria (DCNA). Col. Resch provided a comprehensive perspective on current CBRNe threats across Europe and underscored the vital importance of transitioning toward an FPA2 to support the development of innovative Medical Countermeasures (MCMs). Looking Ahead Resilience-R-2024 is progressing seamlessly thanks to the dedication of all partners. We are thrilled with the steady advancements made across all work packages and look forward to another productive year of impactful research!
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
October 14, 5:16 AM
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Handbook for Crisis Procurement of Medical Countermeasures - European Commission
This EU Commission Staff Working Document has been published by DG HERA is titled “Handbook for Crisis Procurement of Medical Countermeasures” - Document Reference: SWD (2026) 262 final
- Issuing Body: Directorate-General for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (DG HERA)
- Main Focus: Operational guidance and framework for acquiring vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) during public health crises.
Key Pillars & Core Content: - Purpose & Scope
- Crisis Procurement Guidance: Provides a practical manual to streamline EU-level procurement mechanisms when facing cross-border health emergencies.
- Target Categories: Covers the full spectrum of Medical Countermeasures (MCMs), including vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, medical equipment, and PPE.
- Governance & Legal Framework
- EU Procurement Instruments: Outlines legal bases, roles, and procedures for Joint Procurement Agreements (JPAs), direct EU purchases, and emergency financing mechanisms.
- Inter-institutional Coordination: Clarifies collaboration mechanisms between DG HERA, EU Member States, EU agencies (such as ECDC and EMA), and international bodies.
- Operational Lifecycle of Crisis Procurement
- Threat Identification & Needs Assessment: Rapid evaluation of supply shortages, critical dependencies, and epidemiological demands.
- Tendering & Negotiating Under Pressure: Fast-track tendering procedures, advance purchase agreements (APAs), and managing contractual terms regarding liability, delivery schedules, and price stability.
- Stockpiling & Distribution: Allocation criteria, emergency reserve management (e.g., rescEU capacity), and supply chain logistics to prevent bottlenecks.
- Strategic Objectives & Resilience
- Reducing Strategic Dependencies: Mitigating supply chain vulnerabilities by diversifying supplier portfolios and boosting EU manufacturing readiness.
- Civil-Military & Emergency Synergy: Enhancing coordination with broader emergency response frameworks (e.g., Integrated Political Crisis Response – IPCR).
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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
October 14, 5:38 AM
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Poland and the U.S. recently held high-level talks to strengthen joint military medical readiness and interoperability along NATO's eastern flank. The meeting brought together key figures, including Colonel Anita Podlasin, who took over as Poland's Head of the Department of the Military Medical Services in July, and a U.S. delegation led by Brigadier General Lance Raney and Brigadier General Mark Stackle. It served as a vital opportunity for both leadership teams to establish strong working relationships and review ongoing defense initiatives. The discussions focused heavily on practical, hands-on areas of military healthcare, addressing key operational priorities: - Tactical Readiness and Training: Expanding joint tactical medicine training, mass decontamination drills, and mutual operational interoperability.
- Logistics and Infrastructure: Improving blood supply chains and ensuring the seamless integration of field hospitals and medical evacuation systems.
- Specialized Battlefield Care: Touring the Military Medical Institute in Warsaw to examine advanced research in reconstructive orthopaedics and maxillofacial surgery tailored to modern combat injuries.
- Allied Commitment: Securing assurances from American officials to provide robust specialized support to NATO's eastern flank medical architecture.
Ultimately, this deep bilateral partnership reinforces Polish national resilience and enhances collective deterrence and defense across the region.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
October 14, 5:30 AM
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SICC Series - Poster Session
The RESILIENCE coordination team from CEA actively participated in the SICC Series CBRNe Conference 2026, which brought together international experts across twelve thematic areas covering chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and emerging security threats. On this occasion, the CEA team showcased the project through three focused posters dedicated to RESILIENCE: - Randa El Fekih presented the RESILIENCE DA-2024 action in her poster titled (P.S.1.2) "Resilience DA-2024: First Development Action for Medical Counter Measures Performed in the Frame of the RESILIENCE FPA Consortium." This poster outlined the first development action conducted within the consortium, highlighting key efforts and advancement in Medical Countermeasures (MCMs).
- Lou Pinchon-Carron de la Carrière presented sub-project 2 of the Resilience RA-2024 action in her poster titled (P.S.1.33) "Resilience RA-2024: The Subproject-2 In Vitro Diagnostics of Toxin Intoxication (Ricin, Abrin, BoNTs A, B, E and F) and MCM against These Toxins (TOXINS)." This presentation detailed novel approaches to biotoxin threats, focusing on in vitro diagnostics and medical countermeasures against major biological toxins (Ricin, Abrin, BoNTs A, B, E, and F).
- Téo Géraudie presented the RESILIENCE-R-2025 action in his poster titled "MCMs from Field Diagnostics to Targeted Therapeutics: The RESILIENCE-R-2025 Project on Innovative PoC Diagnostic Devices, Antivirals, and Nano-reactivators against Nerve Agents." This poster sparked engaging discussions with conference attendees and was honored with the Best Poster Award by an expert commission chaired by Prof. Pasquale Gaudio, recognizing its scientific quality, innovative approach, and excellence in development.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
October 14, 5:26 AM
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The 4th SICC Series was organized by the University of Rome Tor Vergata in cooperation with national and international partners. The event served as a premier hub for meeting and discussion among universities, research centers, armed forces, civil protection agencies, first responders, policymakers, and industry leaders engaged in the CBRNe domain. The 2026 edition highlighted integrated risk management and resilience, bridging key topics such as emergency and crisis coordination, detection and decontamination technologies, medical and health management, AI-enabled decision support, cybersecurity, education and training, forensic investigation, and climate-related emerging threats. The conference featured a comprehensive program of plenary sessions, technical sessions, and poster sessions. In addition, an official IMLEX – Integrated Multi-Layer Exercise was conducted during the SICC Series – CBRNe Conference 2026 as part of the event's advanced preparedness and training activities. This allowed participants to actively engage in an innovative, integrated exercise experience designed to combine strategic decision-making, operational coordination, and select field activities within realistic and evolving CBRNe scenarios. Because the growing complexity of modern CBRNe scenarios demands innovative training methodologies that integrate strategic coordination, operational response, and emerging technologies into dynamic environments, the IMLEX concept was developed. It serves as an advanced hybrid exercise methodology designed to bridge the gap between traditional Tabletop Exercises (TTX) and Full-Scale Exercises (FSE). IMLEX seamlessly combines: - Strategic and policy-level decision-making
- Operational coordination
- Select field activities
- Digital simulations
- Decision Support Systems (DSS)
- AI-enabled tools
- GIS and plume modelling
- UAV/UGV integration
- Multi-agency interoperability within a single integrated CBRNe scenario
Finally, as part of the conference, an advanced operational training initiative titled the SICC Series Operational CBRNe School was organized to strengthen practical knowledge, technical awareness, and operational familiarity with modern CBRNe technologies, equipment, and response procedures.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
October 14, 5:21 AM
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Resilience-R-2026 : introduction of the last research action !
It is our great pleasure to announce you that the final actions of the RESILIENCE FPA have been fully accepted and financed by the DG DEFIS. The Resilience-R-2026 will be the fourth and last research action of the RESILIENCE FPA and will be launched in March 2027. Over its implementation, RESILIENCE-R-2026 will advance MCM candidates to TRL 4-5 through 3 sub-projects (SPs). The project focuses on two priorities: 1) development of MCMs against biological threats, notably haemorrhagic fevers; 2) advancement of therapeutic solutions against Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS). A transversal management SP ensures coordination, dissemination, exploitation and alignment with the RESILIENCE multi-annual action plan. Specifically, SP2 (MCM FEVER V) will generate high-affinity monoclonal antibodies for prophylactic and therapeutic applications against MARV, supported by optimised production workflows and scalable plant-based manufacturing systems. SP3 (ARS-T) will evaluate innovative MCM candidates, including UT-241 and HLA-G-derived extracellular vesicles, through in vivo and ex vivo advanced preclinical models addressing hematopoietic, gastrointestinal and central nervous system ARS, integrating biomarker discovery and mechanistic profiling. RESILIENCE-R-2026 will enhance European preparedness against CBRN threats and support strategic autonomy through innovative and exploitable MCMs for the protection of European forces.
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Scooped by
Lou Pinchon
October 14, 5:18 AM
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Protecting people and building preparedness and resilience - European Commission
Protecting people and building preparedness and resilience (under the EU Budget 2028–2034 proposal) Executive Overview: As natural and man-made disasters become increasingly frequent across Europe, the proposed EU Long-Term Budget (2028–2034) introduces faster, more efficient, and more flexible tools. It finances a Preparedness Union that covers all phases of crisis management: prevention, response, and recovery. Key Financial Figures Nearly €400 billion in loans available to Member States via a mechanism triggered during severe crises hitting the Union. €10.7 billion in common funding dedicated to civil protection and health emergency preparedness. Key Pillars of the Budget Model - National & Regional Partnerships: Funding targeted reforms and local investments across all stages of crisis management.
- EU Facility: Accelerating rapid access to EU solidarity support following disasters.
- Agricultural Reserve: Supporting farmers and stabilizing agricultural markets when needed.
- European Competitiveness Fund: Strengthening preparedness in key sectors, expanding industrial capacities, funding cutting-edge technologies, and reinforcing health/healthcare investments.
- Global Europe Instrument: Supporting partner countries externally to prevent the spread of crises and regional instability.
Strengthened Union Civil Protection Mechanism A reinforced Civil Protection Mechanism combined with health emergency funding enhances the EU's capacity to assist countries facing disasters (e.g., wildfires, floods, earthquakes, cross-border health emergencies): Faster Response: Improved coordination between Member States allows quicker and more targeted deployment of resources. Enhanced Protection: Better safeguards for citizens, the environment, property, and cultural heritage. Expected Outcomes for the EU Disaster Resilience: Member States are better equipped to handle domestic and cross-border disasters. Health Security: Upgraded information sharing, early warning systems, and surveillance boost detection and rapid reaction to health threats. Crisis Response: Accelerated access to medical countermeasures and improved cross-border coordination. Global Readiness: Emergency relief and financial aid help international partners manage crises before they escalate.
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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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