Second HERA Invest agreement signed to advance therapies against antimicrobial resistance

HERA has today signed the second agreement under HERA Invest, its pioneering financial mechanism designed to support the research and development of medical countermeasures (MCMs) and technologies to address priority cross-border health threats.

The agreement with Danish biotech company SNIPR Biome advances cutting-edge therapies against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Through HERA Invest, the Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) will provide EUR 20 million in venture debt financing to SNIPR Biome.

The funding will enable SNIPR Biome, an EU biotech SME to further develop its patented CRISPR-based technology to develop targeted therapies addressing bacterial infections and AMR.

This advanced technology utilises precise gene-editing technology to identify and remove harmful bacteria, while maintaining the balance of beneficial microbes, presenting a groundbreaking and effective way to address infections that are resistant to conventional antibiotics. CRISPR-based technology is capable of precision-targeting bacteria resistant to multiple drugs, such as E. coli, effectively eliminating them or restoring their susceptibility to antibiotics by removing resistance genes. Additionally, the company’s innovative technology shows significant potential for addressing immunological and metabolic disorders by leveraging microbial gene therapy to modulate the digestive microbiome.

This financing will help support SNIPR Biome’s research and development programmes in AMR, while exploring the broader applicability of its technology in areas such as autoimmune disorders, metabolic diseases, and oncology. The investment is part of HERA’s broader mission to enhance health security in Europe and support European innovators by fostering research and innovation in MCMs and strategic health technologies.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a priority health threat, posing a critical challenge to global health and development. Each year, AMR-related infections are responsible for approximately 35 000 deaths in the EU/EEA and 1.3 million worldwide. The economic burden of these infections is staggering, with annual costs exceeding EUR 11 billion in the EU/EEA alone. In 2019, one in five AMR-related deaths occurred in children under the age of five, often from infections that were previously easily treatable. Projections from the United Nations suggest that, if left unaddressed, the number of deaths attributable to AMR could rise to 10 million annually by 2050, with 390 000 of those deaths occurring in the EU/EEA. Despite this alarming trend, innovation in antimicrobials is lagging.

Therefore, by supporting pioneering companies like SNIPR Biome, HERA contributes to closing the innovation gap and reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding public health preparedness, ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of medical innovation.

About HERA Invest

HERA Invest is a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening Europe’s strategic independence in health emergency preparedness. Supported by EUR 110 million from the EU4Health programme under the InvestEU initiative, it focuses on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The initiative aims to tackle the funding gap where private resources fall short, using public funds to attract private investment in the development of medical countermeasures.

In collaboration with HERA, the EIB offers venture loans covering up to 50% of a project’s costs. Projects undergo a thorough evaluation based on their commercial and scientific potential, with applications accepted on a continuous basis. By supporting research and development, HERA Invest strives to ensure that Europe is equipped to tackle future health challenges.

Background

In 2022, HERA and EU Member States identified three key health threats essential to Europe’s preparedness: pathogens with high pandemic potential, CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) threats, and antimicrobial resistance. To address these challenges, HERA is investing in the development and production of medical countermeasures, ensuring Europe has the infrastructure needed to respond effectively.

HERA Invest plays a central role in this strategy, established in collaboration with the EIB to bolster Europe’s health resilience. The EIB, a longstanding supporter of growth and development in Europe, is instrumental in implementing InvestEU, which aims to mobilise additional investments across the EU.

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Publication date: 9 December 2024
Author: Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority