The main purpose of RESCUE was to improve our understanding of the incidence of RSV and reduce its impact on the healthcare system.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is not well known outside medical circles, yet most people have probably suffered from it in childhood, as it is the most common cause of severe respiratory illness in infants and children worldwide. The elderly and people with weakened immune systems are also vulnerable to RSV infection. While most people’s symptoms are mild, it can result in pneumonia and 3.4 million cases annually require hospitalisation. There is no specific treatment or vaccine for RSV.

The goal of the RESCEU project was to gather information on the scale of RSV infection in Europe and its economic impacts. This information was used to design best practice guidelines to improve the way RSV cases are monitored in Europe, and to shape future vaccination programmes. The team also gathered and analyses patient samples to identify biological markers associated with severe RSV infection. This information could aid in diagnosis and facilitate the development of new treatments and vaccines.

Funding

This project has received funding from the Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking under grant agreement Nº 116019. This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and EFPIA.