WHO will host a Global Research and Innovation Forum to mobilize international action against the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Dr. Tandesay, Director General of WHO, noted, “Harnessing the power of science to control the outbreak is extremely important. We need to address issues and develop tools as soon as possible. WHO is pulling together in a major coordinating role to try to bring together the scientific community to prioritize research and accelerate progress.” WHO, together with the Global Collaborative Network for Research on Infectious Disease Preparedness (GCRNIP), will organize the forum on 11-12 February in Geneva. The Forum will bring together leading scientists, public health agencies, ministries of health, and research funding agencies to discuss major animal health and public health research issues, as well as innovations such as the development of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostic tools around the topic of novel coronaviruses. Participants will discuss a number of research areas, including identifying the source of novel coronaviruses and sharing biological samples and genetic sequences. Experts will build on existing research findings on SARS and MERS coronaviruses to identify knowledge gaps and define research priorities to accelerate the delivery of the most urgent scientific information and medical products to minimize the impact of novel coronavirus outbreaks. It is expected that a global research agenda for novel coronaviruses will be developed at the meeting, setting priorities and a framework to guide which projects should be undertaken first. Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, WHO Chief Scientist, said, “Understanding the disease, its hosts, modes of transmission and clinical severity, and then developing an effective response, is critical to controlling the outbreak, reducing deaths and minimizing the economic impact.” Doing so also facilitates the rapid development and evaluation of effective diagnostic reagents, vaccines and medicines, while seeking to assist vulnerable populations by making these tools affordable and promoting community engagement. Dr. Michael Ryan, WHO Executive Director for Outbreak Planning, noted, “The WHO R&D Blueprint is the global strategic and preparedness platform for facilitating harmonized drug and vaccine development efforts prior to an outbreak, and for rapidly initiating R&D activities during a pandemic outbreak. It can accelerate the availability of life-saving diagnostic tools, vaccines, therapies and technologies.” Identifying clear global research priorities on novel coronaviruses will improve the effectiveness of investments and promote high-quality research and synergies among researchers worldwide. Source: World Health Organization