The European Union is committing €225 million to accelerate the development of next-generation influenza vaccines that will offer protection against a wider range of flu variants and can be quickly adapted if a pandemic strain emerges. The funding will support influenza vaccines designed to be easier to administer via the nose, mouth, or skin patches, and to be rapidly scaled up in emergencies. It marks the first time the Commission will use pre-commercial procurement to advance products through clinical trials, ensuring they meet strict safety, quality, and efficacy criteria while supporting innovations that might otherwise stall without public intervention. Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, explained: “With an EU investment of €225m – the largest ever dedicated to accelerating access to innovative medical countermeasures – we are advancing the development of next-generation flu vaccines. “This funding will unlock cutting-edge technologies, including more accessible and diverse vaccine administration methods, ensuring that effective vaccine options reach underserved and vulnerable groups.” Flu vaccines must keep pace with the evolving virus Flu viruses evolve constantly, which …