Amsterdam institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases

Amsterdam UMC, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Radboudumc, Utrecht UMC, and the Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR) have secured a €9.5 million startup grant from ZonMw to launch a Dutch facility for early clinical research on drugs and vaccines targeting infectious diseases.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic spotlighted our vulnerability to infectious diseases, emphasizing the need for collaboration across sectors, regulatory frameworks, and access to production and testing facilities. In response to potential future pandemic threats, the Dutch government allocated funds to establish a national infrastructure, prompted by a call from ZonMw for proposals aimed at mitigating future pandemics.

Awarded Proposal

In response, experts from the four Dutch university medical centers united, submitted a proposal that has been accepted by ZonMw. Supported by CHDR, an internationally recognized early clinical research organization, the consortium aims to establish a national network and specialized infrastructure to tackle infectious disease pandemics. Alongside a clinical research facility, a platform will facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration among university medical centers and other entities. The first phase involves a feasibility study to assess timelines, costs, and technical aspects, followed by organizational setup, platform creation, and infrastructure construction.

Platform Function

The consortium's goal is to accelerate the development of preventive and therapeutic products with global impact, offering facilities and regulatory guidance for early-stage development, including clinical trials with controlled human infections. Prof. Roestenberg, consortium coordinator, highlights the efficacy of controlled human infections in rapidly assessing vaccine potential and the Dutch academic network's unique expertise. "Pooling our collective knowledge and experience can significantly enhance pandemic preparedness and global health."

Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases

Professor Hovius, director of the Amsterdam Institute for Immunology & Infectious Diseases (AII), is involved in the initiative, emphasizing the crucial role of controlled human models in infectious disease research. Prof. Hovius: “These models are invaluable for testing new products and interventions, not only for future pandemics but also for general infectious diseases.” As the consortium actively seeks collaboration with private and academic researchers, it presents a compelling opportunity for AII members. Prof. Hovius will act as a liaison between the consortium and Amsterdam UMC upon a positive assessment of the feasibility study.

Evolving into a Collaborative Network

The Centre for Future Affordable Sustainable Therapy Development (FAST) partners with the consortium, facilitating the establishment of a national collaborative network for infectious diseases.