This project will build on Simensen's involvement with coordinating multiple clinical trial projects on therapeutics and vaccines. These have been vital for the results generation and overall research response during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project: CoMeCT (Coordination Mechanism for Cohorts and Trials) is an ambitious project for coordinating clinical and public health research on infectious diseases with epidemic potential. It will work in alignment with preparedness plans nationally and at EU level. The project has been awarded 3 million euros under the new European Commission Horizon Health Program 2024-2027. CoMeCT officially started on Dec 1st and will run over three years until December 2026. In this period, it will also strive to ensure long -term sustainability of key activities.
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health will coordinate this project, collaborating with six research institutions from other European countries: France, Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and Germany. The project will build on work of the Trial Coordination Board (TCB), established and operated by John-Arne Røttingen and Victoria C. Simensen (NIPH) in 2020 during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
CoMeCT’s expansive mandate stems from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the vulnerabilities the pandemic exposed in health systems and in the generation of clinical evidence of medical interventions (therapeutics and vaccines). Europe’s fragmented research response to the pandemic showcase the importance of having readily available research networks that quickly can implement robust clinical research to improve patient care, inform public health measures, as well as support regulatory decisions. Multiple clinical trials and cohorts operating independently increases the risk of duplication and underpowered studies and requires a continued coordination mechanism. CoMeCT will provide such a mechanism.
The overall goal of CoMeCT is to coordinate activities across Europe’s multinational clinical trials and cohort studies (CS) on infectious diseases with epidemic potential. The project will oversee and facilitate dialogue, share good practices and knowledge, promote collaboration and coordination across studies and providing updated information on initiatives and innovation in the field of infectious diseases and clinical research. Additionally, CoMeCT will work closely with preparedness initiatives at the national and EU level, with Health and Research Directorates as well as HERA at the European Commission and with agencies such as the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC), the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
CoMeCT will contribute to Europe’s preparedness plans for epidemics. The role as coordinator in this entity highlights Norway as a valuable knowledge partner overseeing and directing research in alliance with European Union Member States in crises as well as in interpandemic times.
The project will be co-led by Professor Nina Langeland.