The ZonMw COVID-19 Programme is starting research that focuses on the effects of and measures against the coronary pandemic. This involves a substantial financial injection into the Dutch research field. Two projects of AII researchers were honoured.

The ZonMw COVID-19 Programme is starting research that focuses on the effects of and measures against the coronary pandemic. This involves a substantial financial injection into the Dutch research field. Two projects of AII researchers were honoured:

  1. Theo Geijtenbeek: Inhalation of low-molecular heparin as prophylaxis to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  2. Jeroen den Dunnen: Therapeutic inhibition of severe pneumonia caused by anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. 

In severely ill COVID-19 patients, pneumonia is accompanied by very strong inflammatory reactions, which can lead to multiple organ failure and eventually death. The current treatment options for seriously ill COVID-19 patients are unfortunately limited. Because the development and distribution of a vaccine will take as much as one to two years, there is an urgent need for treatment for this category of most ill patients. This study investigates the underlying reason for these severe inflammatory reactions and possible treatment options.