Answer given by Mr Moedas on behalf of the European Commission
28.10.2019
The Commission recognises the importance of research on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
Under Horizon 2020, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020)[1], the project Help4Me[2], funded via the SME Instrument, has worked on developing GutMagnific™, a probiotic designed to correct the gut microflora imbalance — linked to CFS symptoms. This innovative product could represent a life-changing promise to severely underserved population of CFS patients. Moreover, Horizon 2020 funds GLORIA[3], a project investigating the pathophysiology of chronic pain conditions, and the RTCure[4] project that aims at improving diagnostics and treatment of the rheumatic and other autoimmune diseases largely associated with fatigue and pain.
Horizon 2020 strategically supports scientific excellence using a variety of funding schemes, including bottom-up approaches, and continues to provide opportunities for research funding on ME/CFS. The Commission has proposed that Horizon Europe[5], building upon Horizon 2020, continues to support research in a flexible manner to improve the health of the European citizens and to provide further opportunities for research in ME/CFS.
- [1] https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/horizon2020/
- [2] Evidence-based probiotic for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome — https://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/223054/factsheet/en
- [3] Understanding chronic pain and new druggable targets: Focus on glial-opioid receptor interface — https://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/110940/factsheet/en
- [4] Rheuma Tolerance for Cure — https://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/211964/factsheet/en
- [5] https://ec.europa.eu/info/designing-next-research-and-innovation-framework-programme/what-shapes-next-framework-programme_en