With the spread of increasingly complex viruses, from the common seasonal flu to emerging viruses such as avian influenza and coronaviruses such as SarsCoV2, the scientific community is preparing for a decisive battle. Starting in 2025, a new system of surveillance and prevention of pandemics is emerging at the national and international level.
According to Rino Rappuoli, scientific director of the Fondazione Biotecnopolo di Siena, the research focuses on about 30 families of viruses, each with hundreds of potentially dangerous species. Rappuoli explained that the strategy involves identifying the most serious threats to dedicate resources to these pathogens. Italy’s National Anti-Pandemic Center (Cnap) is being developed to address these challenges. In Trieste, the Prp@Ceric infrastructure, created thanks to PNRR funding, represents an important step in pandemic preparedness.
“The two centers can collaborate effectively: one deals with fundamental research, while the other focuses on practical applications such as vaccines,” Rappuoli said, expressing optimism about the synergy between the institutions. In addition, similar initiatives are planned at an international level from 2025. Among these is the ReVampp network, promoted in the United States by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), with an investment of over 350 million dollars for the development of vaccines against important families of viruses.
The European Union is planning a pandemic research hub, aiming to create a network of centers in different countries to facilitate collaboration. Organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) are already defining research priorities. Key targets include avian influenza and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, along with HIV and hepatitis C viruses. The ReVampp project includes specific initiatives focused on high-risk viral families, investing approximately 50 million for each project. This approach aims to develop vaccines and diagnostics that could prove crucial in the event of new health emergencies.
Growing collaboration between national and international institutions offers new hope in the fight against infectious diseases. With targeted strategies and significant investment in research and development, the global health landscape could be better equipped to deal with future pandemics. Preparedness is essential; the world is watching closely to see what progress will be made in the coming years.
Trump’s Tariff Plans: A Day-One Agenda Against Drug and Human Trafficking In a bold move to combat drug and human smuggling, President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to impose significant tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China immediately after his inauguration on January 20.
Government Unveils “Get Britain Working” Initiative to Combat Unemployment In a bid to rejuvenate the UK job market, the government has introduced its ambitious “Get Britain Working” initiative, promising extensive reforms aimed at reducing the benefits bill and increasing employment.