Area Science Park and AVITHRAPID: an agreement to enhance pandemic preparedness

A new strategic Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between Area Science Park and AVITHRAPID (Antiviral Therapeutics for Rapid Response Against Pandemic Infectious Diseases consortium) marking a step forward in their capacity to prevent and respond to future infectious disease threats.

The agreement formalises a shared commitment to enhance pandemic preparedness through research excellence, antiviral development, and the creation of a long-term, sustainable infrastructure dedicated to Pandemic Preparedness. At the heart of this partnership lies the ambition to promote the 100-Day Response Framework, aimed at identifying clinical candidates against emerging pathogens within 100 days and to contribute to the development of preventive approaches. This response model builds on three key pillars: the rapid characterization of pathogens, the high-throughput screening of compound libraries to explore drug repurposing opportunities, and the acceleration of translational pipelines.

Area Science Park, through PRP@CERIC, the infrastructure dedicated to pathogen research, brings advanced technological platforms to the collaboration, as well as preventive approaches and innovative strategies to counter emerging viral infections.

Beyond scientific cooperation, the Memorandum opens new avenues for joint funding initiatives at European level, as well as for science communication and public engagement around pandemic response and infectious disease research. These efforts aim to foster a better-informed society and a more resilient healthcare ecosystem.

In an age where speed, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing are essential to global health, this new alliance follows Europe’s determination to lead not only in innovation, but also in preparedness.