EU Bolsters Pandemic Preparedness with New Remdesivir Supply Deal
The European Union has secured access to 2.25 million vials of the antiviral treatment Veklury (Remdesivir) to bolster its preparedness for future health crises. This move, spearheaded by the EU’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), underscores the bloc’s commitment to proactive pandemic response strategies.
Strengthening Pandemic Resilience
HERA, established in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, is tasked with ensuring the EU is better equipped to handle future public health emergencies.
This latest joint procurement agreement, signed on behalf of 13 EU member states, will provide a readily available supply of Remdesivir, a crucial antiviral medication used to treat COVID-19 in hospitalized patients requiring supplemental oxygen. The treatment is also utilized for adults at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19.
A Three-Year Supply Agreement
This agreement marks the third consecutive contract for Remdesivir procurement. HERA’s forward-thinking approach ensures a steady supply chain of essential medical countermeasures, a lesson learned from the challenges faced during the initial COVID-19 outbreak.
This latest contract, secured with pharmaceutical giant Gilead, is set to run for a maximum of three years. The agreement builds upon the success of previous collaborations, demonstrating the EU’s commitment to a robust and proactive approach to pandemic preparedness.
European-Level Preparedness: A Collaborative Approach
Joint procurement, a cornerstone of HERA’s strategy, allows 37 participating nations to collectively procure vital medical supplies.
This EU-level mechanism, entirely voluntary and flexible, offers a complementary or alternative route to national-level procurement.
By pooling resources, HERA effectively enhances the EU’s collective response capacity during public health emergencies and pandemics.
HERA’s Ongoing Commitment to Preparedness
Beyond securing essential supplies, HERA facilitates continuous dialogue and collaboration among participating countries. This ongoing engagement allows for the identification and implementation of shared priorities within the realm of joint procurement.
“In line with its mandate on preparedness, HERA continues to work closely with the participating countries to identify and implement priorities for joint procurement,” a representative from HERA emphasized.
EU public health further information
How does the stockpiling of Remdesivir reflect the EU’s commitment to pandemic preparedness beyond COVID-19?
## EU Ships In Remdesivir: Are We Ready for the Next Pandemic?
**Interviewer:** Joining me today is Dr. Alex Reed, infectious disease specialist and advisor to HERA. Welcome, Dr. Alex Reed.
**Dr. Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me.
**Interviewer:** Today, we are discussing the EU’s recent agreement to secure 2.25 million vials of Remdesivir, the antiviral drug used to treat COVID-19.
This is the third such agreement in a row. Can you tell us more about this commitment to stockpiling Remdesivir?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** This action reflects the EU’s dedication to pandemic preparedness. Following the COVID-19 crisis, HERA was established precisely to ensure we are better prepared for future health emergencies, [[1](https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_1416/smo)].
Having a readily available supply of Remdesivir is crucial, as it’s been proven effective in treating hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19, particularly those requiring oxygen support. It also helps protect those at higher risk of developing serious complications.
**Interviewer:** So this isn’t just about COVID-19 anymore?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** Exactly. While Remdesivir was initially developed for Ebola, its effectiveness against COVID-19 was a breakthrough [[1](https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_1416/smo)]. This procurement strategy allows us to be prepared for a wider range of potential viral threats in the future.
Remdesivir represents a crucial tool in our pandemic response arsenal.
**Interviewer:** This is indeed reassuring news. Thank you for your insights, Dr. [Alex Reed name].
**Dr. [Alex Reed name]:** My pleasure.
