Project description
Innovative solutions for global health crises
Rapid and accurate diagnostics remain a critical challenge amidst the persistent threat of global health crises. Timely identification of emerging pathogens is hindered by limited access to sophisticated laboratory facilities, particularly in resource-constrained regions. This gap in diagnostics not only delays response efforts, but also exacerbates the spread of infectious diseases. In this context, the EU-funded UniHealth project pioneers in vitro diagnostic solutions for point-of-care application. It aims to develop and deliver two devices and six molecular assays for emerging pathogens. UniHealth ensures connectivity and surveillance capabilities. Using the isothermal amplification method for RNA-target detection, it guarantees specificity even in crude samples. Assays cover a range of viruses, including Corona and influenza along with specific ones such as Zika and West Nile.
Objective
We aim to contribute to global diagnostics and preparedness for the next health crisis by developing in vitro diagnostic devices and methodologies for application at the point-of-care. For this purpose, mature as well as novel technologies and assays will be developed, addressing all pandemic preparedness requirements; i.e. with regards to assay characteristics and ability to assimilate new targets as well as platform ease of use and connectivity fulfilling manufacturing and regulatory requirements. In the 36 months of the project, we intend to develop and deliver two IVDR certified devices and six molecular assays for emerging pathogens detection at the point-of-care. We will build on a recent commercial success during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pebble platform and an innovative pocket-size device to be developed within the project, both providing capability for connectivity and surveillance. For the RNA-targets detection, we will employ a recently developed amplification method (DAMP) demonstrated to have a high specificity in crude samples. Three broad assays will be developed for screening of viruses belonging in one of the families of Corona, Influenza or Arboviruses, and three specific ones for Dengue, Zika and West Nile viruses, all according to IVDR-recommendations. Importantly the above six assays will be tested using samples from humans, animals and during field-monitoring of mosquito populations, providing a solution for the One Health initiative. For the development of accessible diagnostic tools, the UniHealth consortium consist of expert researchers, technologists, doctors, social scientists, regulators, innovators and biomedical device providers within the areas of diagnostics and pandemics. The high degree of UniHealth’s innovation and the co-development of solutions with global partners and end-users will expand the visibly and uptake of the project results to a global level leading to a high preparedness and an economic and social success.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.2.1 - Health
MAIN PROGRAMME
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HORIZON.2.1.5 - Tools, Technologies and Digital Solutions for Health and Care, including personalised medicine
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HORIZON.2.1.4 - Infectious Diseases, including poverty-related and neglected diseases
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-IA - HORIZON Innovation Actions
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-HLTH-2023-TOOL-05
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
700 13 IRAKLEIO
Greece
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.