HORIZON-HLTH-2026-01-DISEASE-03

Our initiative addresses the escalating public health and economic challenges posed by long-term post-infectious conditions, which often lead to persistent inflammation, organ damage, and impaired functional capacity. We aim to develop a multidisciplinary framework that bridges the gap between understanding disease pathophysiology and implementing practical, innovative management strategies for patients. To achieve this, we are seeking partners with the capacity to provide relevant patient cohorts and expertise in identifying protective or risk factors by integrating genetic, immune, and inflammatory data.

At the core of our technical approach is the integration of biomarkers and validated diagnostic tools for early detection and treatment optimization. We intend to incorporate advanced computational modeling to predict disease risk and progression across diverse populations. Furthermore, we are looking for collaborators to design and validate preventive and therapeutic interventions through early-stage clinical trials that demonstrate clinical safety and efficacy. To ensure a holistic recovery, our project will also prioritize effective supportive rehabilitation, including physical, cognitive, and psychological interventions to enhance the quality of life for those affected.

A distinctive feature of our proposal is the strong emphasis on sex and gender differences, as well as the inclusion of vulnerable populations and groups with pre-existing conditions to ensure equitable healthcare solutions. By involving social sciences and humanities (SSH) experts, we aim to examine best practices for integrating post-infectious disease management effectively into primary and specialized healthcare settings. Finally, our commitment to European research standards includes a harmonized approach to FAIR data sharing through the European Health Data Space (EHDS) and early engagement with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to ensure the regulatory adequacy of our actions.