The corona pandemic that gripped the world from March 2020 left an indelible impression. To prevent a similar disaster scenario from repeating itself, parties in the Utrecht region, Heart of Health are continuously building innovative solutions. Knowledge institutions, companies and governments are working intensively together on a future in which we can conquer pandemics.
Affordable vaccines for everyone
A key player in this mission is the pharmaceutical company Bilthoven Biologicals (BBio), based at Utrecht Science Park Bilthoven. BBio wants to protect as many people as possible against infectious diseases, all over the world. Their ambition is to make many vaccines at low prices, so that everyone has the chance to live without disease – also in developing countries. For example, the company is an expert in polio vaccines and is the exclusive European supplier of BCG, a drug for bladder cancer.
During the corona pandemic, it became clear overnight how incredibly important it is to be able to obtain vaccines at short notice. BBio played a key role in this period: the European Commission selected the pharmaceutical company as one of the parties to produce vaccines as quickly as possible in crisis situations. Since then, the company has had an “ever warm facility”: a production line ready for use at all times. So should the need arise, BBio can immediately start producing vaccines.
Fungi as key to innovation
A somewhat less obvious weapon in the fight against pandemics and other health challenges: fungi. For example, these microorganisms form the basis of crucial drugs such as penicillin, the best-known antibiotic. But they can also play a role in combating pathogens, including fungal infections.
The Westerdijk Institute at Utrecht Science Park houses a unique collection of more than 120,000 fungal strains. This is an indispensable source for pioneering research in areas such as health, agriculture and the environment. Scientists at the Westerdijk Institute work closely with institutions such as the UMC Utrecht to improve diagnostics and treatments for fungal infections. Their work has international prestige: researchers from all over the world come to Utrecht to gain knowledge. This places the Westerdijk Institute at the absolute top in the field of fungal research.
A knowledge network for innovation and prevention
Other institutions and companies in the region are also contributing to pandemic control. For example, Utrecht Science Park is home to such leading research centers as the UMC Utrecht, Hubrecht Institute and RIVM. Together, these organizations conduct research into virus control, immunology and epidemiology. The insights this provides ensure that we can respond quickly in the event of a health crisis. And more importantly, that we can take measures to prevent new outbreaks. In this way, Utrecht, Heart of Health plays a crucial role in the fight against pandemics.
