In France, an interesting initiative that aims to consolidate information and ideas about the production of 3D printing of medical devices into a single platform, was recently launched. The platform gives an overview over revalent rules, current projects, infrastructure and work flows to combat the COVID-19 crisis and is closely monitored my a scientific council. For further information, please...

The Ministry of Health and Families has received authorization from the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) to launch production of the ' Andalucía Respira' respirator, after fulfilling all the necessary requirements for its approval in a satisfactory manner. The device has successfully passed various tests under the supervision of a certifying company, improving the results...

The Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM) of the University of Lisbon has created a full Coronavirus Diagnostic Kit, using reagents manufactured in Portugal and following the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). The kits are already accredited and, if all goes well, will allow a higher number of tests per day. Initially, 300 tests per day are planned, then 500, but the goal is to...

Five researchers from Aalborg University have developed an emergency ventilator made from just about 25 industrial components. Unlike larger respirators with more complex structures and individual parts, the newly developed emergency respirator follows a simpler manufacturing process with previously used or easily accessible components. The researchers behind the project have already released all...

AXON Neuroscience, a clinical-stage biotech company and an industry leader in treating and preventing neurodegenerative diseases, is developing a promising vaccine candidate against COVID-19. Based in Bratislava, Axon has over 20 years of experience in development of safe and immunogenic peptide vaccines. Its well-established scalable technology enabled the company to join quickly the global race...

The University College London (UCL), in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG HPP and University College London Hospital (UCLH), has developed a new breathing aid: a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device. The CPAP supports patients with breathing difficulties. It works by pushing an air-oxygen mix into the mouth and nose at a continuous pressure, keeping airways open and increasing the...

Social economy and civil society are key actors when it comes to quick and local responses to crises like that inflicted by the COVID-19 outbreak. These responses often come in the shape of ad-hoc solutions and social innovations, building on the foundations of their everyday activities: Local social services of aid and support: food-banks, mobilizing volunteers, setting up platforms (offline and...

3DP PAN EU is an EU-wide web-based matchmaking tool connecting supply and demand in the field of 3D printing. The platform was originally designed to map 3DP test and demonstration facilities in the EU. Now, in the face of the corona virus crisis, it also allows matchmaking between 3DP production facilities and companies/organisations in need. While many of those initiatives meanwhlie exist on the...

In recent weeks, the number of cyber threats that use Covid-19 as a pretext has increased significantly. It is essential to remain vigilant and adopt good practices to prevent exposure to these threats. This is why the Basque Cybersecurity Center (BCSC), the reference center for cybersecurity in the Basque region, has published a series of tips and good practices to deal with this situation...

The regional government of Catalonia, Spain, has deployed an online platform to channel all offers of collaboration from companies, individuals and other entities. Whenever services, materials or (medical) products are getting scarce, the government can quickly reach out to the registered contacts who can provide the needed goods or services. There are four different categories to channel the...