EU4Health call for tenders on Framework Contracts to speed up the development of next-generation influenza vaccines

HaDEA has published the EU4Health call for tenders HADEA/2025/CPN/0008 - Multiple sourcing Framework Contracts to speed up the development of and access to innovative medical countermeasures: Next-Generation Influenza Vaccines. 

This call for tenders aims to speed up the development of next generation influenza vaccines that could be produced in rapidly scalable manufacturing platforms (e.g. nucleic acid approaches and/or production in scalable eukaryotic or bacterial cell culture, in plants or via in vitro transcription), could support products utilising novel administration routes (e.g. nasal, oral or through microneedle patches), confer mucosal immunity, target potentially pandemic influenza A viruses or could be rapidly adapted to pandemic influenza A viruses, which are protective across influenza subtypes or across alpha-influenza viruses, and/or possess intrinsic immunogenicity without the addition of adjuvants.

The call follows the pre-commercial procurement approach used to stimulate innovation and the development, testing and possibly the purchase of a first batch of new products, services, or solutions that meet specific public needs. It thus involves procuring research and development (R&D) services at advantageous conditions from several economic operators, typically opening the market not only for large but also small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to tackle a specific identified problem in the area of influenza vaccination.  

This call will be implemented in three distinct phases, progressively narrowing down the number of participating contractors as the project advances. The successful tenderers will be invited to sign a multiple sourcing framework contracts. Each phase will be implemented with the signature of a specific contract.

This call will be managed under strict deadlines ensuring its timely completion. The tender documents have been drafted also by taking into consideration the results of the EU market survey which was open for replies and contributions by the economic operators between 19 February and 10 March 2025.

Estimated budget: €225 000 000 (ceiling budget earmarked for the FWC, covering all specific contracts that will be signed by HaDEA under all phases with the different contractors).

Interested parties are invited to apply via the Funding and Tenders Portal by 19 May 2025, 15:00 CEST.

Stay tuned for an upcoming info session in the second half of April, where we’ll share key details about the tendering process and the technical aspects of the call. A related announcement will also be made through the Funding and Tenders Portal.  

Background  

EU4Health is the fourth and largest of the EU health programmes. The EU4Health programme goes beyond an ambitious response to the COVID-19 crisis to address the resilience of European healthcare systems. The programme provides funding to national authorities, health organisations and other bodies through grants and public procurement, contributing to a healthier Europe. 

This action supports the policy priority to enhance the availability and accessibility of medical countermeasures and critical medicines, to support innovation and access regarding such products and to ultimately enhance preparedness for future health emergencies in synergy with Horizon Europe. It implements the EU4Health Programme’s general objective of improving the availability, accessibility and affordability of medicinal products and medical devices and crisis-relevant products.