Session 5

Empowering global health innovation in the European Union

Unlocking neglected disease R&D with pull funding mechanisms

Organised by Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung

Despite the EU’s leadership in science, a gap persists in translating excellent research into final products. This session examines the EU's role in addressing unmet medical needs for neglected diseases through innovative financing mechanisms. Climate change is introducing diseases like Dengue and malaria to Europe, while rising antimicrobial resistance reduces treatment effectiveness. The erosion of democratic institutions, overstretched healthcare systems, public funding constraints, and post-COVID-19 fatigue highlight the need for EU leadership in global health as a top priority. Introducing pull funding mechanisms such as priority review vouchers will be crucial to transforming research into tangible health and societal benefits and showcase the value of global health investments. The revision of EU pharmaceutical legislation, the new Biotechnology strategy, and the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) offer entry points for these incentives. This discussion will explore ways to strengthen Europe's global health innovation ecosystem to effectively address persistent and emerging health challenges.