Impact

Pandemic preparedness is not only important for controlling a disease outbreak but also for maintaining the functioning of societies, economies, and global systems. To invest in global health security saves lives, protects economies, and ensures the resilience of societies in the face of future health emergencies.

To achieve these long-term impacts at the scientific, societal, and economical level COMBINE contributes to various advancements described below in more detail.

• Science

  COMBINE will improve our understanding of Marburg virus (MARV) biology and increase our knowledge of tissue-specific MARV cell interaction and cell entry. We will analyse specific tissues to identify key host proteins and signalling pathways involved in MARV infection, with a special focus on how the virus attaches to and enters cells. These insights will help researchers further explore MARV and related viruses – strengthening the European virology community. The project will enable scientists to study other viral pathogens in the future, using the same methods developed in the scope of COMBINE. This will ultimately improve our understanding of viruses with epidemic potential and help develop targeted treatments and vaccines to prevent infection and spreading of these viruses – supporting efforts of epidemic and pandemic preparedness. Additionally, COMBINE will contribute to ongoing drug discovery efforts by providing clinical communities with access to new drug and vaccine candidates that prevent viral cellular uptake targeting emerging or re-emerging viruses (which could be tested in future studies).

• Society

  COMBINE will develop drugs and vaccines to prevent and treat Marburg virus (MARV) infections, ultimately reducing premature mortality and easing the burden on healthcare systems – especially in Africa where the virus has been reported. However, the project might have a much wider impact in the case of a MARV pandemic. Furthermore, the COMBINE approach can be used to research other viral diseases, increasing the long-term impact of the project by helping to combat future health threats. To promote broad awareness about Marburg virus, COMBINE will share its findings not only with scientists but also with the general public and help increase the understanding of MARV, its risks, and advancements in antiviral treatments.

• Economy

  The COVID-19 pandemic showed how infectious diseases can strain healthcare systems and disrupt economies due to lockdowns, supply shortages, and worker shortages. Hence, in the event of a Marburg virus epidemic or pandemic the availability of vaccine and drug candidates could help prevent such drastic measures and economic disruptions. Therefore, promising drugs and vaccines from this project will undergo further testing in preclinical studies to assess their effectiveness. These studies will be carried out in collaboration with medical and industry partners across Europe, leading to job creation, investments, and innovation. By offering more diverse treatment options, COMBINE will help reduce the financial burden of MARV infections. Finally, new methodologies and technologies developed in the project will be shared through Open Access publications and standard operating procedure protocols (SOPs), allowing other scientists to use them for studying different viruses, further benefiting healthcare systems and economies worldwide. To conclude, the project aims to reduce a potential economic impact of MARV infection and other infectious diseases which will be investigated using COMBINE technologies and methodologies.