Funding for biomedical research into myalgic encephalomyelitis

Subject: Funding for biomedical research into myalgic encephalomyelitis

In June, Parliament adopted by a large majority a resolution calling for increased funding for myalgic encephalomyelitis, or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). It is estimated that around two million people suffer from ME/CFS in the EU alone. Researchers point out that further cases of ME/CFS are to be expected in connection with the coronavirus pandemic, and that patients who have been diagnosed with Covid-19 in particular face chronic fatigue, which can make it impossible to perform basic tasks and significantly reduce quality of life. In view of the above:

1. Will the Commission answer Parliament’s call and allocate additional funding and prioritise calls for projects specifically focused on biomedical research into ME/CFS, with a view to the development and validation of a biomedical diagnostic test and of effective biomedical treatments that can cure the disease or alleviate its effects?

2. Does the Commission intend to allocate additional funding to research into the long-term effects of Covid-19 and the link between the virus and ME/CFS, including in the context of potential subsequent waves of infection, and to an analysis of the actual impact on the European economy of the number of myalgic encephalomyelitis cases in the EU?

Answer given by Ms Gabriel on behalf of the European Commission

(7 September 2020)

The Commission acknowledges that myalgic encephalomyelitis, or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) poses a heavy burden on patients and their families, and recognises that research into new treatments and diagnostics is clearly important to tackle this serious condition.

The Commission has proposed a vast research and innovation programme, Horizon Europe (1), with a substantial health component. Indeed, a better understanding of diseases and their drivers, including pain and the causative links between health determinants and diseases, has been identified as one of its priorities.

Therefore, scientists and other actors with a specific interest in ME/CFS should have several possibilities to support their research and their goals in improving the condition of patients.

Moreover, following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission has put forward an ambitious health programme, EU4Health (2). EU4Health’s objectives include the strengthening of health systems and the sustained implementation of best practices, both relevant for the improvement of clinical management of ME/CFS.

The Commission, together with the Member States, plays a central role in supporting and coordinating research on COVID-19 (3). In addition to a number of past and ongoing research actions related to coronaviruses and outbreaks, the Commission launched several special actions in 2020 (4). These actions address epidemiology, preparedness and response to outbreaks, the development of diagnostics, treatments and vaccines.

Notably, in its 2nd special call for Expression of Interest to respond to COVID-19, the behavioural, social, and economic impacts of the outbreak response and the establishment of Pan-European COVID-19 cohorts have been addressed (5), (6).

⋅1∙ https://ec.europa.eu/info/horizon-europe-next-research-and-innovation-framework-programme_en

⋅2∙ https://ec.europa.eu/health/funding/eu4health_en

⋅3∙ https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/research_and_innovation/research_by_area/documents/ec_rtd_era-vs-corona_0.pdf

⋅4∙ https://ec.europa.eu/info/research-and-innovation/research-area/health-research-and-innovation/coronavirus-research-and-innovation_en

⋅5∙ https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/sc1-phe-coronavirus-2020-

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