- April 24, 2025
- Posted by: admin
- Category: Uncategorized
The Viromarkers project officially launched in Rome, Italy, on April 3–4, 2025, bringing together over 50 researchers, industry experts, and community partners from across Europe. This cross-sectoral initiative, supported by the Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking (IHI JU), aimed to define and validate virus-related biomarkers to improve the management of chronic viral diseases, particularly in immunosuppressed individuals. The project focuses on identifying biomarkers that can guide antiviral treatment decisions and monitor disease progression in infections such as HIV, Hepatitis D (HDV), and Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Validation of these biomarkers and the underlying technologies is a key objective, as certified assays currently exist for only a few (e.g., HDV RNA), while others (like total HIV DNA) are expected to obtain certification soon. Viromarkers also includes all the necessary preparatory lab work to develop and refine investigational methods, laying the groundwork for future clinical use. Structured around multiple work packages (WPs), the project integrates scientific research with industrial innovation. WP1, led by Prof. Maurizio Zazzi of the University of Siena, focuses on HIV-1 susceptibility to broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs), supporting personalised treatment strategies. WP2, led by Prof. Valentina Svicher of the University of Rome Tor Vergata, aims to develop HDV biomarkers to optimise use of Bulevirtide, the first targeted therapy for HDV. WP3, coordinated by Prof. Francesca Ceccherini Silberstein, targets viral markers such as CMV-RNA and TTV-DNA to improve infection monitoring in transplant recipients. Diagnostic companies play a central role by contributing technical expertise, reagents, and tools, and supporting assay certification to bring biomarker tests closer to clinical adoption. Industry partner altona Diagnostics, represented by Sabina Schaal, highlighted the project’s unique combination of research and industrial capabilities in advancing molecular diagnostics. The European Liver Patients’ Association (ELPA) contributes to the Dissemination and Exploitation work package (WP5), ensuring that patient perspectives are represented in communication strategies and that outcomes are aligned with patient needs and advocacy goals. Read more about the project here.