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European Commission: in action to tackle COVID-19


A better understanding of COVID-19 and its spread is essential in order to detect the disease, treat and protect patients and ultimately control the epidemic. This is why on 30 January 2020, the European Commission launched a request for expressions of interest entitled 'SC1-PHE-CORONAVIRUS-2020: Advancing knowledge for the clinical and public health response to the [COVID-19] epidemic' with a budget of €47.5 million. 17 research projects were shortlisted for funding following evaluation by independent experts. 'Fight-nCov', led by six research teams including IDMIT, has been selected for the development of a new type of antiviral treatment against the Sars-CoV2 virus.

Published on 21 March 2020

17 research projects were shortlisted for funding following evaluation by independent experts. These projects will advance our understanding of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), contribute to more efficient clinical management of patients infected with the virus, and to the public health preparedness and response to the outbreak.

The 17 projects, involving 136 research teams from across the EU and beyond, will work on :

  • improving epidemiology and public health, including preparedness and response to outbreaks :
  • rapid point-of-care diagnostic tests 
  • new treatments 
  • new vaccines

Research teams are expected to share data rapidly so that results can immediately inform the public health response. Such rapid reaction is made possible by the standing budget line for emergency research funds that the Commission maintains as part of the Horizon 2020 annual work programmes for health research.


'Fight-nCov', led by six research teams including IDMIT, has been selected for the development of a new type of antiviral treatment against the Sars-This project will receive €2.8 million over two years to develop a new type of antiviral treatment effective against the new Sars-CoV2 virus, but also against other viruses that attack the upper respiratory tract, such as the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

About the partners :


For more information :

European Commission research projects on Coronavirus


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