SARS-CoV-2 treatment

Question for written answer  E-001466/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Traian Băsescu (PPE)

The SARS-CoV-2 vaccine cannot guarantee the eradication of the virus since it does not completely eliminate the risk of infection or transmission, although it alleviates the symptoms and reduces the risk of spreading the disease. With the emergence of the new variants, moreover, existing SARS-CoV-2 vaccines may not be sufficient to contain the pandemic within the time frame originally envisaged.

Notwithstanding the laudable efforts of the Commission to help find a vaccine, the EU remains in need of an effective treatment for the virus as soon as possible, since it is unclear how long the immunity afforded by the vaccine or by previous infection actually lasts. It is therefore urgently necessary to channel funding into the development of a treatment alongside the testing being carried out by the European Medicines Agency in this field. Member States need support to not only test potential treatments but also exchange best practices in order to formulate clinical treatment guidelines.

In view of this:

• 1.Could the Commission become actively involved in efforts to develop a treatment for SARS-CoV-2?
• 2.How does the Commission intend to mobilise the funds necessary to find an effective treatment?
• 3.Is it prepared to undertake the formulation and publication of guidelines for the treatment of this virus in all Member States?