EU Launches New Response Body To Tackle Future Health Emergencies

HERA To Boost New Vaccines & Therapeutic Development, Clinical Trials & Manufacturing

The European Commission has dismissed concerns about the operation of its new emergency response body, saying it will ensure the EU is well prepared for tackling future pandemics and other threats. HERA will complement, not duplicate, work conducted by existing agencies such as the European Medicines Agency, delegates heard at this week’s European Health Forum Gastein virtual conference.

EU Flag Covid Coronavirus
The EU is making sure it is ready for future health emergencies • Source: Alamy

The European Health Emergency preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) will be officially established on 1 October, tasked with making sure the EU is prepared for future health emergencies, with a particular focus on the development, availability and affordability of medical countermeasures such as vaccines and therapeutics.

HERA, which will have €6bn ($7bn) in funding over the next six years, will “ensure a solid framework for EU...

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